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 — The Alton Police Department arrested Andre L. Darden, a 45-year-old man from East Alton, in connection with a shooting that took place on July 5, 2025, in the 300 block of State Street in downtown Alton. The incident drew widespread local attention after video footage of the shooting...
GODFREY - Montclaire Swim Club of Edwardsville achieved its main goal of having an undefeated season with an overwhelming win in both the boys and overall standings of the 2025 Southwestern Illinois Swimming Association Championship meet, held on Sunday at Summers-Port Swim Club in Godfrey.The...
GODFREY - Montclaire Swim Club of Edwardsville got past Collinsville Swim Club to win the girls title of the Southwestern Illinois Swimming Association championship meet Sunday morning and afternoon at Summers-Port Swim Club in Godfrey.The Marlins won the girls meet with 1,074 points, with th...
EDWARDSVILLE - John Gregory Mudge, Jr., 75, died on Monday, July 21, 2025, following a courageous, years-long battle with cancer. Greg was described by family members as "a man of deep conviction, kindness, and unwavering commitment to justice and community." He was the son of Judge John G. Mudge,...
JERSEY — Tanner T. Eyler, 28, was charged with multiple felonies on July 22, 2025, following events that unfolded in and around Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton this past weekend, according to Jersey County State’s Attorney Ben Goetten. Eyler faces charges including Possession of...
NEW CASTLE, ENGLAND — Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville men's basketball standout Ray'Sean Taylor is turning pro. The Newcastle Eagles have announced the signing of the Collinsville grad guard Taylor for their 2025-26 season, adding a record-breaking player from Southern Illinois...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Officers Jon Henne and Shayne Korte of the Fairview Heights Police Department have been presented with a lifesaving award for their actions on Feb. 8, 2025, when they responded to a medical emergency involving a 27-year-old woman experiencing a seizure and respiratory...
BELLEVILLE — Tynika McKinzie was taken into custody on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, by Belleville detectives for outstanding felony warrants related to a shooting incident at a McDonald’s restaurant on July 16, 2025, the Belleville Police Department said on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. McKinz...
EDWARDSVILLE - The work of these three featured artists - Rachel Newell, Venus Cramer, and Darren Miller - will have their work showcased at the Edwardsville Arts Fair set for Sept. 26-28, 2025, at Edwardsville City Park. Artist #1: Artist Name: Rachel Newell Medium: Mixed Media Artis...
ALTON - Alton Police were called to the 300 block of East Ninth Street in Alton on Tuesday morning, July 22, 2025, after a report that a man had punctured his chest with an unknown object, according to an initial investigation. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said witnesses at the scene confirmed...
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