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.
WOOD RIVER — An Alton couple - George and Donna Julian - died Thursday morning, July 3, 2025, when their vehicle was struck by a driver fleeing police at the intersection of Illinois Route 143 and Illinois Route 3 in Wood River. The fleeing vehicle collided with the Julians’ car, which...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — A 33-year-old man was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle late Saturday night, July 5, 2025, in Fairview Heights, police said. Officers from the Fairview Heights Police Department responded at approximately 11:37 p.m. July 5, 2025, to the intersection of St....
ST. CLAIR COUNTY — The body of Demontray M. Collins, 25, was discovered Friday, July 4, 2025, morning in a lake at Frank Holten State Park near East St. Louis, authorities said. St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. identified Collins as the man found by kayakers at approximately 8:33 a.m....
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A motor vehicle crash on Lilac Avenue near Duberry Lane resulted in the death of a 70-year-old man Friday night, July 4, 2025, St. Louis County police said. At approximately 10 p.m. on July 4, officers from the North County Precinct responded to a crash involving...
BUNKER HILL - Karrington and Zachary Bostick of Bunker Hill are raising funds to obtain a Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD) for their youngest son, Declan, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in January 2024. The fundraiser aims to cover the extensive and costly training required for the service dog, as...
GRANITE CITY - Mike Garland, former head wrestling coach of the Granite City Wrestling Warriors, is organizing a fundraiser to support TJ Slay, an undefeated state champion wrestler who is currently battling cancer. Slay, a 1995 graduate and 43-0 state champion, has been recognized for his athletic...
TROY - Megan Kilfoy is organizing a fundraiser to support the Williams family after their son, Logan Williams, of Troy, IL., was critically injured in an accident on the morning of July 6, 2025. Logan is currently on life support and fighting for his life, according to a message from Kilfoy and he...
COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department is seeking public assistance in locating a fugitive who has failed to comply with pretrial release conditions related to aggravated criminal sexual abuse charges. The individual, identified as Lamel T. Scott, faces charges involving a victim under...
JERSEYVILLE — Two Jersey County Sheriff’s Office officers received the prestigious Sheriff’s Service Award for their roles in assisting neighboring counties with a multi-county burglary investigation earlier this year. Jersey County Sheriff's Office Detective Sally Arbuthnot and...
COLLINSVILLE - Madison County Transit honored former Board of Trustees member and Chairman Ron Jedda with a dedication ceremony at the MCT Schoolhouse Trail Tunnel under Illinois Route 157 in Collinsville. The event recognized Jedda’s years of service and his contributions to transit innovation...
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