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.
In two boys' games played on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, Marquette Catholic won over St. Louis Priory Catholic 50-42 on the road, and Southwestern dropped a close one to Greenfield-Northwestern 40-38. Sophomore Chase Jones was dominant for Marquette Catholic on Wednesday night, Dec. 17, 2025, as...
GRANITE CITY - Jace Wilkinson led Collinsville with 20 points, including three clutch free throws in the final minute, and DeAndre Brown added 10 points as the Kahoks came from a 22-17 halftime deficit to defeat Granite City 44-36 in a boys basketball game Tuesday night at Granite City Memorial...
CHICAGO — The Powerball® jackpot has surged to an estimated $1.5 billion for Saturday night’s drawing, continuing the game’s holiday jackpot streak. If won, the prize would rank as the fifth-largest Powerball jackpot and the seventh-largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history....
SWANSEA - The Swansea Police Department has announced the passing of retired K-9 Leo, a valued member of the force from March 2016 until August 2020. Swansea Police officials said the following: "Leo served alongside officers with dedication and courage, leaving a lasting impact on both the...
GRANITE CITY - Pizza World Gourmet Pizzeria at 1535 Johnson Road in Granite City is donating all proceeds from a $17 buffet that includes pizza, salad and a soft drink and any $12 large carry-out of cheese, pepperoni or sausage proceeds from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, to Granite...
JERSEY - Chris Skinner, offensive line football coach at Jacksonville High School, will be inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame, becoming only the fourth coach from Jersey County to receive this honor in over 125 years of high school football in the region. Skinner...
COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department has named Officer Stuart Patterson as its November 2025 Officer of the Month in recognition of his proactive efforts and quick response during a critical incident. Patterson joined the department in 2023 after serving with the St. Louis Metropolita...
EDWARDSVILLE — Dr. Pamela Denise Long, a former Newsweek columnist and conservative political commentator, officially filed her nominating papers recently to run for U.S. Senate in Illinois. Long aims to become the first Republican to win statewide office in Illinois since 2014 and, if successful,...
ALTON — The Alton Police Department responded to a report of a male subject carrying what appeared to be a handgun on Main Street Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 17, 2025, Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said. Officers located the man, who immediately removed the firearm and dropped it to the ground....
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16 PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS ROUNDUP BOYS BASKETBALL CALHOUN 66, WINCHESTER WEST CENTRAL 50: Calhoun led at the break 32-17, and went on to win over Winchester on the road. Rodney Johnson led the Warriors with 17 points, with Lane Eilerman adding 15 points, Gage Kiel came up...
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