Dan Brannan is Content Director of RiverBender and EdGlenToday.com. Dan started at Riverbender.com/Edglentoday.com in December 2014. He is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL with degrees in Journalism and Psychology. Having previously served as the Executive Editor of The Telegraph in Alton, his 17-year tenure led the paper to over 350 awards including several General Excellence awards in the Illinois Press Association, Illinois Associated Press, Freedom Communications, Southern Illinois Editorial Association and Journal Register Company contests. Brannan was chosen to lead Freedom Communications' national pilot on social media.
He is the author of eight nonfiction books including: "The Courage to Live," a biography about Donna Gustavel, a young woman with multiple disabilities; "Everyday Angels," an inspirational book of moving human interest stories; "Live Life to the Fullest: Stories of People Coping With Diabetes" which is endorsed by the American Diabetes Association; "Boy Giant: The Story of Robert Wadlow The World's Tallest Man;" "Damn Cold and Starving" written with Sgt. Marion Ray; "You Can't Kill the Dream" co-written with fellow journalist Ande Yakstis; and "A Life in Parts," the story of Loretta Goebel and endorsed by Beatle Paul McCartney.
Dan, an avid exercise enthusiast, is a member of the American Diabetes Association and lives in Maryville. Dan has two children in college - Savannah and Sierra.
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Three juvenile males were arrested following an attempted vehicle theft and subsequent foot chase on June 30, 2025, according to the Fairview Heights Police Department. At approximately 8:30 p.m. on June 30, Fairview Heights Police officers responded to a report from...
EAST ST. LOUIS — Evette “Betty” Osuegbu, 62, of Granite City, was sentenced Tuesday to 15 years in federal prison for orchestrating a series of arsons and insurance fraud schemes spanning nearly a decade. A jury in East St. Louis found Osuegbu guilty in December on all 15 counts...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Lauren Reid-Tamburello was sworn in as a new police officer for the Fairview Heights Police Department, bringing nearly five years of law enforcement experience and a strong commitment to public service to her new role. Reid-Tamburello, a Collinsville native and graduate...
JERSEYVILLE — Thomas C. Thompson, former mayor of Grafton and founder of the Alton Flames hockey team, died June 30, 2025, at the age of 84, surrounded by his family. Born Jan. 17, 1941, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Thompson was recognized for his diverse contributions as an educational administrator...
ALTON - Alton High School senior Trenton Hyman was named a National Merit Finalist for the 2024 academic year. The school recognized him for his exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and extracurricular involvement, placing him among the top-performing students nationwide. The National Merit...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY — Thania Vasquez, 28, of Caseyville, died in a crash on Interstate 44 early Sunday morning, June 29, 2025, the St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed. The accident occurred at 11:53 p.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025, near Mraz Lane on westbound Interstate 44....
ALTON - Gordon Moore Park in Alton features state-of-the-art pickleball courts that have become a central hub for local players since their official opening on May 3, 2024. Funded primarily by Alton Township, the courts offer modern amenities, including newly installed shade structures over picnic...
( These are artists that will be featured at the upcoming Edwardsville Art Fair. The art fair is set for Sept. 25-28, 2025, at Edwardsville City Park). EDWARDSVILLE - The artists featured on Wednesday are Rhonda Gurgone, Ian Koller and Randall McDermit. Artist #1 Artist Name: Rhonda Gurgone...
ALTON - Four players came up with two hits each, while Jayce Steinkuehler drove in three runs as Alton Post 126's under-17 navy junior American Legion baseball team won big again, this time defeating Maryville, Mo., Post 100 18-0 in a game played Tuesday evening, July 1, 2025, at Lloyd Hopkins Field...
TORONTO, CANADA — Defenseman Dakota Mermis, an Alton native, signed a two-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs worth $1.625 million on July 1, 2025, the team announced Tuesday. The deal carries an average annual cap hit of $812,500 and will keep Mermis with the Maple Leafs through the en...
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