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.
HARDIN - Calhoun School District No. 40 has opened an investigation into a Calhoun Middle School teacher after an issue involving the employee was recently brought to the district’s attention, Superintendent Lori Young said. “There was an issue brought recently to the Calhoun School...
WOOD RIVER - Gina Truax, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, is being recognized for track and field after a record-setting career, and she said she hopes to “finish off strong and get a state qualifying time” as her high school career continues. Truax, who recently competed...
TROY - Triad High School sophomore distance runner Caden Meier has posted a series of personal-best times this spring, including a 4:43.76 in the 1,600 meters on April 17, 2026, at the 2026 Military Classic. However, a parent of a competitor noticed something that is possibly more important than the...
ALTON — Alton High School freshman Leah Hubbard has opened the 2026 track and field season with a series of personal-best performances, including an athlete-of-the-meet honor at the Granite City Freshman-Sophomore Invite. Hubbard was named the Granite City Freshman-Sophomore Invite Top Track...
ROXANA — Roxana senior Sean Maberry is being recognized for his spring performance with the Shells baseball team, adding to a multi-sport career that Athletic Director Mark Briggs said will be remembered among the program’s best. Maberry is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police are investigating a double shooting that left one man dead early Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in the 1100 block of Congress Avenue, after officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation, authorities said. The shooting happened at about 2:40 a.m. April 21,...
GRANITE CITY — Jersey Community High School’s boys track and field team turned in a strong performance Friday, April 17, 2026, placing sixth with 65 points in a highly competitive 12-team field at the Granite City Invite under head coach Toni Goetten. Champaign Centennial won the meet...
COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department has named Officer Trenton “TJ” Gallion its March 2026 Officer of the Month after he located and helped lead to the arrest of two suspects wanted in connection with a shooting in East St. Louis, the department has announced....
ALTON - Over the weekend of April 18, 2026, members of the Calvary Baptist Church youth group and their youth leaders in Alton volunteered at the Alton Police Department. The youth group and leaders worked to freshen up the landscaping around the department, according to a statement...
ALTON - Jami Jones, a senior at Marquette Catholic High School, is being recognized for her accomplishments in track and field in the shot put after earning two conference titles and a county title, along with ranking second in the school record and being among the top throwers in the River Bend...
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