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.
EAST ST. LOUIS - The East St. Louis Flyers Unified Track and Field Team recently won another state championship. In the announcement, the team was recognized for bringing home “another state championship to East St. Louis, which was referred to as the “City of Champions.”...
ALTON - Residents in Alton have been watching the roof and upcoming tower restoration work at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 519 E. Fourth St. in Alton, as crews address aging materials at the historic church, Father Nathan said this week. Father Nathan said the project includes roof work, tower...
ALTON — Lilly Hannigan, who recently completed her junior year at Marquette Catholic, has emerged as a key contributor for the Explorers’ track and field team, with coach Billy Sprague describing her as “a dynamic athlete” and a leader for the team in 2026. Lilly Hannigan...
MACOUPIN COUNTY - The Macoupin County Fair Pageant has introduced its 2026 Fair queens, naming Ruby Lowder as Miss Macoupin County Fair. Charlee Steward was announced as Junior Miss Macoupin County Fair, and Mae Lewis-Hahn as Little Miss Macoupin County Fair. The Macoupin County Fair...
ALTON - The Alton River Dragons' designated hitter, Ethan Wielt, a Webster University player, had an outstanding game on Wednesday night, June 3, 2026, against the Cape Catfish with three hits and an RBI, but Cape prevailed 13-8 at Hopkins Field. Kannon Kamp, a McGivney grad and Southern Illinois...
ROXANA - Roxana's Gianna Stassi is a powerful two-spring sports athlete for Roxana's Shells. In 24 hours recently, Gianna played a regional soccer final at night against Marquette Catholic at Public School Stadium in Alton, then made a trek to the IHSA Girls State Track and Field Championships and...
ROXANA - Mason Crump finished his Roxana Shells baseball career with two hits and an RBI and now will move his career on to Indian Hills Community College next season, his head baseball coach, Jerry Wheaton, said after Wednesday's sectional semifinal game. Mason broke the Roxana High School career...
COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department is urging residents in Collinsville, Illinois, to take steps to protect their property as warmer weather increases property crimes and vehicle break-ins across the community. The same principles explained by the Collinsville Police Department...
SPRINGFIELD, IL. - Illinois lawmakers are moving to impose new statewide rules on electric bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices, advancing legislation backed by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias that supporters say is needed to address growing safety concerns as the devices become more...
JERSEY - The Jersey County Sheriff’s Office has recognized Taylor Woodring as a recipient of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship, honoring a Jersey Community High School graduate who plans to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville this fall to study dietetic...
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