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.
VENICE - On Saturday, August 25, 2025, in Venice, Illinois, Natasha Thomas, a Venice mother, experienced a devastating loss when her only son, Jerry Lamont Haynes Jr., was fatally shot in his yard after returning from a birthday celebration for his young son. What should have been a day of joy...
EDWARDSVILLE - These are artists who will have work featured at the upcoming Edwardsville Arts Fair Sept. 26-28, 2025, at Edwardsville City Park. Today's featured artists are April Riley, Don Tran and Steven Martin. Artist #1: April Riley – RileyMade Medium: Textiles Artist...
ROXANA - Civic Memorial High School’s varsity volleyball team competed in the Roxana Invitational pool play on Monday night, Aug. 25, 2025, splitting matches against Piasa Southwestern and Father McGivney, and securing a two-set victory over First Baptist Academy. Under the leadership of Head...
ROXANA - Calhoun High School’s volleyball team opened its season with a strong performance at the Roxana Tournament on Monday night, Aug. 25, 2025, securing victories in all three pool games. The team defeated East Alton-Wood River, Valmeyer, and Auburn with decisive scores, showcasing...
COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department has named Officer Remington Paris as its Officer of the Month for July 2025. Since joining the department in April 2024, Officer Paris has made a notable impact on community safety. During July, Officer Paris was responsible for multiple...
ALTON — Alton High School narrowly defeated Father McGivney to capture the title at the Andy Simpson Doubles Invitational on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2025, held at Alton High School. The Redbirds finished with 42 points, edging out Father McGivney’s 40 points in a competitive field of twelve...
ALTON - Kennedi Taylor has had an illustrious girls' tennis career at Father McGivney Catholic High School, but on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at the Alton Doubles Tournament at Gordon Moore Park in Alton, she secured her 100th win, a landmark accomplishment in high school tennis. Father McGivney Catholi...
O’FALLON, Ill. — At least nine fights and a shots-fired incident disrupted the City Fest in O'Fallon, IL., over the weekend, prompting multiple arrests and the temporary closure of nearby businesses, officials said Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. The disturbances occurred on Friday and Saturday...
GRANITE CITY - An electric contractor struck a gas line in Granite City on Monday morning, Aug. 25, 2025, leading to a service interruption for one customer but no explosion, Ameren Illinois said. The incident occurred around 9:15 a.m. on Aug. 25 in the 200 block of Ralph Street, according to Brian...
TROY - The Triad Knights performed well on both sides of the ball during Friday night, Aug. 22, 2025, scrimmage against Edwardsville at home, and Calvin Potthast was very happy with how things turned out. “I feel pretty good,” Potthast said. “We’ve got some stuff we’ve...
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