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 — Riverbender.com “Our Daily Show!” host C.J. Nasello and Jacquelyn Buettner are getting married Saturday, April 25, 2026, with an open house-style reception planned at Mac’s in downtown Alton. The reception is scheduled from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Nasello said. “We'll...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - A 16-year-old St. Louis County juvenile accused of fatally stabbing a man in 2025 has been certified to stand trial as an adult and charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action, authorities said. The St. Louis County Family Court on April 21, 2026, certified Dakota...
BUNKER HILL - Marquette Catholic boys tennis breezed to a 9-0 victory in a match at Bunker Hill on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. These are the results: Marquette Catholic 9, Bunker Hill 0 Singles: No. 1 - Hubert Allen, Marquette Catholic (Alton) def. Wesley Lybarger, Bunker Hill , 6-1,...
GLEN CARBON - Bella Redenius continues to build momentum in the middle- and distance events, most recently winning the 1,600 meters at the East Alton-Wood River Quad Meet, where the Father McGivney Catholic junior ran 6:03.1 to take first place. She has also recorded a personal best well under...
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,...
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