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 New York State Television Chair for the National Press Photographers Association (TVQCC) 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 6-9 on WIBX 950AM.
Branden Block
Teen Driver Involved in Accident, 8 sent to Hospital
Verona, NY (WIBX) - A teen driver is being blamed for causing an accident that ejected a passanger from his vehicle.
According to the New York State Police, 17-year old Cody Domena lost control of the SUV he was driving while passing another vehicle near V-V-S High School in the Town of Verona...
Fight to Keep MVPC Open Continues, Supports Call For Investigaton
Utica, NY (WIBX) - The fight to keep the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center open continues, nearly 100 people turned out to protest the proposed closure in front of the center late yesterday afternoon.
Elected officials and community supports, like Tim Trent say they want an investigation into the matter...
OC Deputy Sheriff Involved in Motor Vehicle Accident
Annsville, NY (WIBX) - A Pennsylvania man was arrested after sideswiping an Oneida County Sheriff patrol car, then leading the Deputy on a short pursuit after the collision, that according to the Sheriff Rob Maciol. Earlier this morning a Sheriff's deputy was stopped at an intersection in the Town of Annsville...
Utica Common Council OK’s Codes Department Bonuses
Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Utica Common Council held a special meeting this afternoon, the agenda included several transfers of funds, most notably, a transfer of monies that would go towards bonuses for the City's Codes Department.
Councilman-At-Large Ed Bucciero explains, "The significance of one of the transfers was the stipend from the Codes Department, that they had earned through their cod
UPD Chief Calls For State Audit of Police Department
Utica, NY (WIBX) - Utica's top cop feels the Utica Common Council doesn't completely trust how he's managing his department.
According to Chief Mark Williams, he's contacted the State's Division of Criminal Justice Services to request an independent audit of his department...
UPD Back in Oneida County’s Drug Task Force, Child Advocacy Center
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...
South Utica Residents Sound Off About Codes Violations
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...
ALS of Utica Raises $132K to Battle Lou Gehrig’s Disease
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 SUNYIT campus, raising $132,000...
Anti-Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center Closure Movement Gains Momentum
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...
Gunshot Victim Refuses to Help Utica Police
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...