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.
GRANITE CITY - Johnathon Daniel Klee, of Granite City, a firefighter who served the communities of Madison and Long Lake, died early Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. He was 29. Klee began his firefighting career in 2013 with the Madison Fire Department, where he served for a decade before joining the Long...
CARROLLTON — Carrollton High School is set to host its annual career fair on Feb. 18, 2026, in the school gymnasium, organizers announced in a recent invitation to local businesses and community members. The event, coordinated by Blaine Hartwick, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, along with...
BETHALTO - Host Civic Memorial advanced eight wrestlers to the sectional tournament in two weeks, while Granite City, Jersey, and Triad moved four wrestlers each as Chatham Glenwood won the IHSA Class 2A boys wrestling regional tournament Saturday afternoon, Jan. 31, 2026, at the CM gym. The Titans...
FERGUSON, Mo. — Shannon O’Brien, 28, of St. Louis, was identified as the victim in a fatal shooting that occurred Friday afternoon, Jan. 30, 2026, in Ferguson, Missouri, authorities said. Just before 4 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2026, Ferguson Police Department officers responded to reports of...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Elijah Treat, 24, of Florissant, Missouri, died after being struck by a vehicle on January 31, 2026, in the 4100 block of North Highway 67 near Old Halls Ferry Road, according to the St. Louis County Police Department. The crash occurred at approximately 9:33 p.m....
ST. LOUIS — Dametria McDile, 32, died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, after being found unresponsive in her cell at the St. Louis City Justice Center, authorities said. McDile was discovered at approximately 4:45 p.m. Jan. 31, 2026, and medical personnel responded immediately, performing life-saving...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — The Fairview Heights Police Department welcomed two new K9 teams, adding K9 Coppo with Officer Lauren Reid and K9 Goose with Officer Shayne Korte to its ranks. K9 Coppo brings several years of experience to the department, while K9 Goose, who arrived from Belgium, is nearing...
ALTON — The Alton Police Department has released its 2025 Annual Report, detailing the department’s activities, accomplishments, and staffing changes over the past year. The report aims to increase transparency and keep the community informed about police operations and partnerships....
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - The French Village Fire Department has issued a safety advisory addressing the risks posed by extreme cold temperatures in the region, specifically regarding furnace exhaust vents. The department warned that vents can freeze or become blocked by ice or snow, potentially...
Godfrey FIre Protection District firefighters and other departments battled a serious blaze on Saturday morning in the 5000 block of Staten Drive in Godfrey. The Godfrey Fire Protection District had its ladder truck at the scene battling the fire. More information to come.
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