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.
EDWARDSVILLE — This is a statement of Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, regarding charges filed in the murder of Portia Rowland: "This morning my office filed first-degree murder charges against three individuals for the murder of Portia Rowland. ...
BUNKER HILL — Authorities have identified an individual found dead at a rural residence in Bunker Hill on Sunday afternoon. Charles Joseph Parrino, Jr., 45, was pronounced dead on January 26, 2025, according to Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya. Parrino, who worked at the popular Soulard...
ALTON — St. Mary’s Catholic School in Alton held its inaugural Appreciation Dinner this past week, honoring five educators for their long-standing commitment to Catholic education. The event brought together parish and school families to celebrate the contributions of these women, who...
ALTON – A mudslide occurred at Riverview Park on Jan. 13, 2025, prompting the Alton Parks and Recreation Department to temporarily close the area above the bluffs. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and nearby structures, including the Abbott Machine Shop, sustained no damage. The mudslide...
ALTON - In a recent interview on Our Daily Show! with Riverbender.com host C.J. Nasello, Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Haine highlighted the critical role of community involvement in the justice system, urging residents to report criminal activities to law enforcement. Haine's comments com...
ST. LOUIS — The Delmar Loop Ice Carnival, a beloved winter event in St. Louis, took place on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, drawing a crowd eager to experience a day filled with art, entertainment, and community spirit. The carnival ran from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. along Delmar Boulevard on Saturday,...
EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville High School cheerleading teams showcased their skills at the 2025 Southwestern Conference Championship, with the junior varsity team achieving the highest score in the conference and their best performance of the season. The varsity team also performed admirably,...
O'FALLON - O’Fallon Township High School has been crowned the 2025 Southwestern Cheer Champions, securing the title during a recent competition. The event took place in O’Fallon, where the cheerleading squad showcased their skills and determination. The home crowd was a big boost...
MACOUPIN COUNTY - The Macoupin County Coroner’s Office provided an update after discovering a deceased person on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. The Macoupin County Coroner's Office said it responded to a rural residence in Bunker Hill early Sunday, where an individual was pronounced deceased. Macoupin...
ALTON - Dr. Kathie Wuellner has released a new resource to empower parents with essential medical information for their children. The 244-page book titled "The Kids Medical Care Handbook," is designed to help parents navigate common childhood health concerns. The book, featuring graphics and illustrations...
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