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.
ALTON - Nathan Joehl, head coach of the Marquette Boys Tennis team, praised seniors Adam Richards and Luke Steyer for their contributions during the 2025 spring season. Richards, the lone senior in the varsity lineup, has provided valuable experience and leadership to the young team, helping t...
SWANSEA — The Swansea Police Department welcomed two new officers, George Atanasov and Jackson Belt, during a swearing-in ceremony held Monday evening, April 21, 2025, at the Village Board meeting. Swansea Mayor Michael Leopold officiated the event, marking the official start of their...
GLEN CARBON — Father McGivney Catholic’s girls and boys track and field teams opened their season on a new home track Monday night, April 21, 2025, hosting Metro East Lutheran, Maryville Christian and O’Fallon First Baptist. The event marked the first official meet on the school’s...
ALTON — St. Mary’s Catholic eighth-grade girls volleyball team has named Olivia Smith and Elaina Cowan as Co-Best Team Players for 2025, recognizing their embodiment of team spirit and putting the team above self, as selected by their teammates. The announcement comes after the team’s...
GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic's boys track and field squad dominated a quad meet with Maryville Christian, Metro East Lutheran and O'Fallon First Baptist Academy on Monday night, April 21, 2025, at McGivney. Cade King of Maryville Christian (hurdles) and Brice Stewart (long jump and triple...
GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic's girls dominated a home quad meet on Monday, April 21, 2025, at McGivney. It was the first meet in the history of the school on the new track, and the track was dedicated prior to the meet. Elena Rybak glided to victory in the 1,600 meters with an incredible...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Amber Hopkins, an administrative assistant with the Fairview Heights Police Department, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute Women in Criminal Justice Blue Line Dedication Award. The award honors women...
EDWARDSVILLE - Delaney Hess, a senior with Triad's softball team, is enjoying a good season for the Knights. For the season, Hess is hitting .457 with no homers and 19 RBIs, and inside the circle, she's made 11 appearances, with 10 starts and two complete games, and is currently 5-4, allowing...
ALTON - Richard Baird, Jr., is a person who will live on in the annals of time in the Alton area and will not be forgotten for his boundless acts of community service. Richard died on April 19, 2025, after a long battle with liver complications. Known locally as "the Voice of the Redbirds," Baird...
GLEN CARBON — A moving candlelight vigil was held Monday night, April 21, 2025, to honor the memory of Brandon Ahring, a 22-year-old assistant track and field coach at Father McGivney Catholic High School. Ahring, also a McGivney graduate and cross-country and track participant, died last wee...
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