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
Utica Common Council Rejects PT Police Plan
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. The resolution, drafted by Councilor-at-Large James Zecca, was shot down 6 to 2...
Springsteen Ticket for Vernon Downs Show: $108, Includes Parking
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...
Vernon Downs Set for 59th Season, Return of Zweig Memorial Trot
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...
Citizens Sound Off About State’s Plan to Close MVPC
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...
UPD Cop Punched by Motorist: Driver, Passenger Arrested
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 awa
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Clinton Teen Hospitalized After One Car Accident
Paris, NY (WIBX) - A one car accident in the Town of Paris sends a Clinton teen to the hospital with serious injuries. According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Department, 19-year old Melanie Suchy lost control of her vehicle on Doolittle Road and struck a tree...
2 Uticans Arrested, Found With Counterfeit Money
Utica, NY (WIBX) - Two Local men were arrested Saturday for trying to pass funny money at a Dunkin Donuts in Utica.
Authorities say 30-year old Jason MacAdoo and 29-year old Marvin Molina tried using counterfeit bills at the Dunkin Donuts on Oneida Street...
Utica’s Municipal Power Committee Meets for First Time
Utica, NY (WIBX) - In accordance with Utica's Master Plan, the newly created Ad-Hoc Municipal Power Committee met for the first time last night at Utica's City Hall. The committee of 10 was created by the Utica Common Council to explore the possibilities of creating cheap municipal power...
Utica Fire Chief Hopeful Fire Houses Will Remain Open
Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Utica Common Council's Public Safety Committee recently met with Fire Chief Russell Brooks to hear how he plans to deal with the recent reductions to the Fire Department compliment.
In total, 23 members retired and another 12 were also trimmed, leaving the Chief with 105 personnel to cover the city...
NYS Comptroller Releases Local Audits
Albany, NY (WIBX) - New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announces his office completed the audits of local municipalities, the Town of Herkimer and the Village of Bridgewater.