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 - Alton's boys tennis team continues to improve under Coach Jesse Macias and this past weekend, they achieved the biggest accomplishment of the season. Alton High School captured the championship in the Nadal division at the JD Sinnock Springfield Invitational on Saturday, April 26, 2025,...
EDWARDSVILLE A woman was airlifted to a St. Louis-area hospital after her vehicle flipped down a steep embankment near a bike trail on Illinois Route 157 on Monday afternoon, April 28, 2025, just north of Gephardt Lane in Edwardsville. Edwardsville Fire Chief Brendan McKee said the woman’s...
GRANITE CITY - Granite City Police arrested Donte T. Pryor Sr. on April 24, 2025, following a home invasion and kidnapping incident that led to a vehicle pursuit ending in a crash in St. Charles County, Mo. At approximately 6:39 p.m. on Thursday, officers were dispatched to the 2100 block of Edison...
EAST ALTON - After an extensive investigation by the East Alton Police Department, Jessica A. Wyatt, 44, was charged with multiple counts of identity theft and deceptive practices, the Madison County State’s Attorney's Office announced. Wyatt faces four counts of aggravated identity theft fo...
Facebook video link is here. LOUISVILLE, KY. - On Saturday, April 26, 2025, my daughter, Savannah Brannan, posted perhaps her greatest running accomplishment - topping 3 hours for a 26.2-mile marathon, an incredible feat. Savannah, 26, set this goal a while back and I hoped she would get i...
EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville's Sophie Shapiro swept the hurdles races, running the second fastest time for a sophomore in the nation this season in the 100 meters, while Father McGivney Catholic's top runners, Lilly Gilbertson and Elaina Rybak, won the 400 and 800 meters respectively, as the Tigers...
EDWARDSVILLE - The Father McGivney Catholic Lady Griffins faced off against top-tier 3A competition, including the defending 2A state champion Normal U-High, at a meet held Friday, April 25, 2025, at Edwardsville High School. The event showcased strong performances, highlighted by several personal...
MARYVILLE, Ill. — The Second Annual Maryville MusicFest will take place from 1 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, featuring 10 local bands performing across two stages. The event aims to raise funds for a new permanent entertainment pavilion and major upgrades at the park, according to incoming...
COLLINSVILLE — After 16 seasons leading the Collinsville High School boys varsity basketball team, Coach Darin Lee has announced he is stepping down from his position, the Kahok Athletic Department has confirmed. Lee, who ranks third all-time in Collinsville High School basketball...
EDWARDSVILLE - The Tigers' Gabby Thompson’s second-half goal that allowed Edwardsville to draw 1-1 with Granite City was another screamer from one of the area’s most exciting players, and Head Coach Abby Federmann was very happy with that. In a post-game interview, Federmann said: “We’r...
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