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.
BREESE - Xander Walker is leading a fundraising effort to support his family after severe storms and tornadoes recently ravaged their community, resulting in significant damage to their Breese home. The fundraiser, hosted on GoFundMe , aims to raise money to create a livable space in their garage...
EDWARDSVILLE - Drake Luebbert had three hits and scored four runs on the day, while Thijson Heard drove in a pair of runs, and freshman Matthew Redden struck out four as Metro-East Lutheran's baseball team won its season opener 14-3 over Dupo in six innings at Martin Luther Field. The Knights...
LEBANON — In the wake of a devastating tornado that struck on March 14, 2025, community members are rallying to support Tina Curtis, a home healthcare professional in Lebanon who lost everything in the disaster. The tornado left a path of destruction, rolling over Curtis's home and causing life-threatenin...
TRENTON - A family is facing a devastating loss following a car accident on March 17, 2025, that claimed the lives of Ashley Koehler and her 10-year-old son, Jacob. The tragedy left Ashley's 3-year-old daughter Gracie in critical condition, fighting for her life at Cardinal Glennon Hospital. Amanda...
SOFTBALL COLLINSVILLE 5, FATHER MCGIVNEY CATHOLIC 4: After McGivney tied the game in the sixth, Collinsville walked it off with a run in the seventh to take the season-opening win at the Collinsville Sports Complex. Ali Vieluf led the Kahoks with two hits and two RBIs, while Faith...
TROY — The Triad Knights' boys basketball season concluded with an outstanding 29-7 overall record and a trip to the Final 8 in Springfield, where they faced Chatham Glenwood in the super-sectional. The Knights fell to Chatham Glenwood 43-41 on a last-second shot, marking a bittersweet end t...
ST. CLAIR COUNTY – A head-on collision on U.S. Route 50 in St. Clair County resulted in the deaths of three individuals in a crash that was reported at 8:49 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025, according to a statement from the Illinois State Police Troop 8. The crash occurred west of Clinton County...
COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville shot put star Devin Habermehl is off to a roaring start after capturing the Edwardsville Indoor Track and Field Meet at Principia College last Friday, March 14, 2025, with a toss of 55.8.5. He also captured first in the Knight Boy Invite with a throw of 56-2 on Feb. 28,...
COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Board of Education recognized Collinsville High School student Taylor Dawson at the March 17, 2025, board meeting. Taylor was honored for winning the IHSA state championship in the girls wrestling at pounds. Taylor won the 140-pound...
ALTON — A dump truck struck a power pole on Emma L. Kaus Lane in Alton on Tuesday morning, March 18, 2025, resulting in a significant power outage that affected approximately 2,800 customers in Alton, Bethalto and Cottage Hills, and about 60 customers in Brighton. The incident occurred around...
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