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.
Godfrey Fire Protection District Chief Eric Cranmer said a pedestrian suffered critical injuries after being struck by a vehicle around 8:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, 2026, in the 5600 block of Humbert Road in Godfrey. Chief Cranmer, who lives near the location, rushed to the scene after receiving...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - A 32-year-old woman - Chauncia Meekins - was fatally shot late Wednesday, April 8, 2026, while working at a Steak ’n Shake drive-thru on Bellefontaine Road in St. Louis County, after a situation developed with occupants of a vehicle after an order, authorities said. Meekins,...
BELLEVILLE - Homewood-Flossmoor edged a tight field to win the Norm Armstrong Boys Track and Field Invite on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Belleville West, using depth across events to finish with 78 points. Naperville Central was second with 64.5 points, followed by Chatham Glenwood with 62 and Bellevill...
EAST ST. LOUIS - Illinois State Police special agents have arrested a Summerfield man and charged him with first-degree murder and attempted murder after the shooting death of his 31-year-old son in East St. Louis, authorities said. Anthony L. Powe, 49, was arrested by Illinois State Police...
JARVIS TOWNSHIP - Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich has identified a man who died on April 12, 2026, after being struck by a train on railroad tracks in Jarvis Township in Madison County. The victim was Lonnie L. Dickerson, 56, a man who the coroner said was unhoused. The incident occurred...
WOOD RIVER - Taven Wardein, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High, is being recognized for cross country and track and field after a year of training that he said helped him improve his personal record time while maintaining a grade point average above 4.0. Wardein said his progress came from consistent...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - Two men killed in a shooting in Country Club Hills have been identified as Demetrius Wagner and Alex Taylor, both 29, as St. Louis County police continue to investigate the double homicide that occurred late Thursday, April 9, 2026, in the 5600 block of Gatesworth Avenue. The...
ALTON — Senior Margaret Powers has been named the latest Remarkable Redbird and is recognized for her kindness, perseverance, and dedication to making a difference in the lives of young children. Margaret has a strong passion for giving back, particularly to students at the Early Childhood...
COLLINSVILLE - Last week, the Collinsville Police Department, working with more than a dozen other local agencies and the Collinsville Community Unit School District #10, conducted a multi-agency active-shooter drill at Dorris Intermediate School. Collinsville Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Reis, who organized...
ALTON - April is Autism Awareness Month, and the Alton Police Department says it is showing support for individuals and families in the community affected by autism by allowing officers to wear a special Autism Awareness shoulder patch. The Alton Police Department said officers are authorized to...
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