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.
CENTRALIA — The Alton Redbirds boys basketball team is preparing for a key matchup against Harding Academy on Tuesday night, Dec. 30, in the Centralia Tournament, a competition that coach Dylan Dudley says he always enjoys. “I enjoy this tournament and also our fans like it a lot," Coach...
BENTON — Civic Memorial defeated Mt. Carmel 62-38 on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, to claim the Benton Girls Invitational Tournament championship, marking the team’s first title after three consecutive appearances in the final. Civic Memorial built an early lead, going up by 5 points (32-27)...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — Donntay Wallace, 35, of the 1900 block of Craig Road in St. Louis, was charged Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, with escape or attempted escape from custody while under arrest for a felony, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and second-degree trespassing, according to...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Michael Dade, 34, of the 5700 block of Huntington Valley Court in St. Louis, died following a motorcycle crash on the 6300 block of Lemay Ferry Road near Meramec View Drive on Friday afternoon, Dec. 26, 2025, according to the St. Louis County Police Department....
COLUMBIA — Marquette Catholic High School’s boys basketball team posted a 67-64 overtime victory against No. 9-ranked Columbia on Monday night, Dec. 29, 2025, to claim the Columbia-Freeburg Tournament Championship. The win marked Marquette’s 11th of the season and their seventh...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Ronald Allred, 37, of the 8500 block of Jenny Drive in St. Louis, with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and two counts of animal abuse on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. Allred is accused of fatally...
BEARDSTOWN — The Carrollton girls basketball team has solidified its standing as one of the area’s top squads during the 2025-2026 season, compiling a 12-2 record so far. The Lady Hawks advanced to the semifinals of the Beardstown Tournament and are set to face West Hancock at 5:30 p.m....
CASEYVILLE — James A. McCain was charged with burglary following the theft of construction materials from a newly built home on Nicole Drive, the Caseyville Police Department announced. Officers responded to the residence on Dec. 18, 2025, after reports of a burglary. Upon arrival,...
CASEYVILLE — Jason R. Dosch, 37, was charged with criminal sexual assault following an investigation by the Caseyville Police Department. The case was presented to the Saint Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office on December 17, 2025. Dosch, whose date of birth is May 4, 1988...
EAST ALTON — Officer Jack Stalcup Jr., a dedicated law enforcement professional who served the community for more than four decades, died suddenly on Dec. 25, 2025, at his residence. He was 69. The East Alton Police Department described Stalcup’s passing as sudden and said it will be deepl...
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