Branden Block

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Branden has been a journalist for more than 15 years, working in newsrooms around Central New York, Western New York and the Capital District, where he covered urban crime and political news for Albany's WRGB. During his career, he's served as the NYS Television Chair for the National Press Photographers Association and has won numerous awards for his video journalism. Prior to joining the WIBX Newsroom, Branden worked with Governor David Paterson's 2010 campaign for Governor. A Mohawk Valley native, Branden enjoys covering Utica politics and public safety issues. You can hear him Saturday mornings from 6-10 on WIBX 950AM.
Utica Police Chief Willams addresses the Common Council. Image Courtesy Branden Block, WIBX Utica Police Chief Willams addresses the Common Council. Image Courtesy Branden Block, WIBX

UPD Back in Oneida County’s Drug Task Force, Child Advocacy Center

Brandon200x200 By Branden Block Yesterday

Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Utica Common Council narrowly approved an ordinance amending the composition of the Bureau of Police which will allow the Utica Police Department to participate in both the Oneida County Drug Task Force and the County's Child Advocacy Center

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Image Courtesy Branden Block, WIBX News Image Courtesy Branden Block, WIBX News

South Utica Residents Sound Off About Codes Violations

Brandon200x200 By Branden Block 2 days ago

Utica, NY (WIBX) - South Uticans had a chance to voice their codes complaints to city officials last night, residents turned out to hear from members of the Utica city codes department as well  as from City Judge Ralph Eannace, who's trying a different approach to handling  codes violations this year

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Image Courtesy ALS of Utica Image Courtesy ALS of Utica

ALS of Utica Raises $132K to Battle Lou Gehrig’s Disease

Brandon200x200 By Branden Block 4 days ago

Utica, NY (WIBX) - The fight against Lou Gehrig's disease continued over the weekend, nearly 1,200 runners and walkers turned out to show there support in fighting the deadly disease. The ALS of Utica held a run and walk Saturday on the SUNY-IT campus, raising $132,000

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Image Courtesy Branden Block, WIBX Image Courtesy Branden Block, WIBX

Anti-Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center Closure Movement Gains Momentum

Brandon200x200 By Branden Block 2 weeks ago

Utica, NY (WIBX) - The fight to keep the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center open continues. Concerned residents, employees and former patients meeting last night to hand-in nearly 3,000 signatures, urging Governor Cuomo to reverse a plan that will close the psychiatric center,  laying off nearly 150

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Utica Police Department Utica Police Department

Gunshot Victim Refuses to Help Utica Police

Brandon200x200 By Branden Block 2 weeks ago

Utica, NY (WIBX) - Utica Police respond to Saint Luke's Hospital after a gunshot victim seeks medical treatment. According to authorities, 23-year old Shakir Elliot was driven to the hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound to his buttock

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Jennifer Rickard, WIBX Jennifer Rickard, WIBX

Utica Common Council Rejects PT Police Plan

Brandon200x200 By Branden Block 2 weeks ago

Utica, NY (WIBX) - A resolution to adopt a city policy regarding the hiring of part-time police officers to help reduce the cost of police services was defeated last night by the Utica Common Council

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Roger Kisby, Getty Images Roger Kisby, Getty Images

Springsteen Ticket for Vernon Downs Show: $108, Includes Parking

Brandon200x200 By Branden Block 4 weeks ago

Vernon, NY (WIBX) - By now you may have heard the news, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band will be playing Vernon Downs in late August.

Tickets go on sale this Saturday at 10 AM at the Vernon Downs box office and Ticket Master locations

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Phil Walter, Getty Images Phil Walter, Getty Images

Vernon Downs Set for 59th Season, Return of Zweig Memorial Trot

Brandon200x200 By Branden Block 4 weeks ago

Vernon, NY (WIBX) - Vernon Downs is set to kick off its 59th season of harness track racing this coming Friday. Veteran race caller and Harness Racing Hall of Famer, Jim Moran says the management team has not only worked hard to bring quality racing to the Downs, but also has turned the casino operation at Vernon Downs into a first class entertainment center

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Image Courtesy Branden Block Image Courtesy Branden Block

Citizens Sound Off About State’s Plan to Close MVPC

Brandon200x200 By Branden Block 4 weeks ago

Utica, NY (WIBX) - About 50 concerned citizens turned out to hear more about the proposed closure of the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center, the State announced its closure back in February.

Those who turned out to the meeting had a chance to sign a petition urging Governor Cuomo to reconsider the consolidation plan that would ship patients from MVPC to a Syracuse-based facility

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crack

UPD Cop Punched by Motorist: Driver, Passenger Arrested

Brandon200x200 By Branden Block 4 weeks ago

Image Courtesy UPD

Utica, NY (WIBX) - A Utica Police Officer was punched yesterday afternoon, during a traffic stop, that according to Utica Police. According to authorities, when the officer went up to the vehicle,  he smelled marijuana and when he tried to pat down the driver, 38-year old Trevor Harris punched the officer and fled. Harris was tackle a short distance away a

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