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 - The Jones brothers — Cameron, Chase, and Carson — made significant contributions to Marquette Catholic High School's boys basketball team during the 2024-2025 season. Their collective efforts have not only showcased their individual talents but have also strengthened the team's...
ALTON — Two individuals have been charged in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on Feb. 26, 2025, near a school bus stop in the 1200 block of Central Avenue, according to the Alton Police Department. Daniel G. Coalan, an adult, faces multiple charges including Aggravated Discharge...
MT. ZION — The Father McGivney Catholic boys and girls track and field teams opened their 2025 season on Saturday, March 1, 2025, with a strong showing at a competition in Mt. Zion, where they set six school records and achieved 40 personal bests. The Griffins' success was highlighted by standou...
(Photos and Video by 618 Drone Service). WORDEN - Wordi Gras, a festive celebration dubbed the "Redneck Mardi Gras," took place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Worden, a small community along Route 66 in Madison County. The event, which began at noon, featured live music, food and drink vendors,...
The Granite City Mardi Gras Parade on March 1, 2025, once again showed the creativity of those in the area and was another well-attended Granite City event. These are photos from the Saturday, March 1, 2025.
GRANITE CITY — The City of Granite City celebrated its annual Mardi Gras festival on Saturday, March 1, 2025, marking a successful event that brought together community members for a day of festivities. The celebration featured a parade that showcased local creativity and spirit, with participation...
JERSEYVILLE - Students from Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 recently showcased their skills at the I.D.E.A. Regional Drafting Competition, which was held at Lewis & Clark Community College. The Lewis and Clark event featured a variety of drafting challenges. Among the Jersey...
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