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.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - A Critical Incident Briefing report for the officer-involved shooting which occurred on May 26, 2025, in the 1300 block of Eagles Way Court in the City of Hazelwood, Mo., has been released by St. Louis County Police. The incident occurred at approximately 11:32 a.m. on May...
COLLINSVILLE - At the July 21, 2025, meeting, the Collinsville Unit School District 10 Board of Education recognized Collinsville High School drama students and members of the Kahok Special Olympics team for their recent achievements. Four CHS students earned superior rankings at the 2025 International...
BETHALTO - Winston Rulo, a 22-year-old nursing student and certified nursing assistant, remains hospitalized after a brutal assault at his apartment complex in Bethalto on July 19, 2025. Karen Alexander Mack described the severity of her son's injuries and has called for the attack to be prosecuted...
ALTON - John “Jack” Gilbert Helmkamp Jr., a longtime community leader and advocate for civic progress in the region, died at his home on Saturday, July 19, 2025. He was 78 years old. Helmkamp was born March 24, 1947, in Alton. He married Elizabeth “Beth” Whitney on January...
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...
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