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.
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Herkimer County Fatal Accident, Teen Dies
German Flatts, NY (WIBX) - State Police in Herkimer are investigating a fatal accident that occurred on State Route 5S in the Town of German Flatts.
Investigators say 14-year old Kali Guyer attempted to cross the road, running directly into the path of a vehicle driven by 24-year old Brent Keuhn, of Little Falls...
Utica Common Council Defeats Plan to Reduce Size
Utica, NY (WIBX) - Last month they eliminated members of public safety and trimmed the city's budget, last night they failed to pass a vote that could have led to a reduction in Utica government. The Utica Common Council voted 6-to-3, defeating an idea to reduce the number of Common Councilors from 9 to 7...
Utica Common Council Benefits Go Up For Public Vote
Utica, NY - The Utica Common Council held a Special Meeting in Caucus chambers last night, they heard from Utica Fire Chief Russell Brooks in regard to staffing.
The Chief continues to pitch his plan to handle the reductions. Right now, the Fire department expects to loose 17, with more possible...
UPD Cruiser Involved in Motor Vehicle Accident
Utica, NY (WIBX) - A Utica Police officer was taken to a local hospital after a motor vehicle accident Saturday night.
According to authorities, Sergeant Michael Murphy and Michael Costigan, who was driving a pick-up truck, sustained injuries in the wreck...
Utica Common Council Delivers Budget With 9.9% Tax Hike
Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Utica Common Council moves to adopt a budget for next year that will offer Utica taxpayers fewer cops and the loss of other key city personnel. This budget will also raise taxes by about 10%.
Last night the council moved to override several key mayoral vetoes, allowing the group to pass a new budget that trims public safety departments more deeply than Mayor Palmieri's plan,
Utica Common Council Trims Budget
Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Utica Common Council is gearing up for Tuesday night's big meeting, last night the body adopted several budget reductions that they believe will save taxpayers roughly $200,000.
That equates to a 1% cut in the proposed double-digit tax rate hike of nearly 20%, put forth by Mayor Rob Palmieri...
Utica Common Council: Deeper Cuts to Police & Fire
Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Utica Common Council has been examining Mayor Palmieri's city budget over the last few weeks, now the council is suggesting deeper cuts to police and fire departments.
Mayor Palmieri originally called for the reduction of 38 city employees, 11 from police and 6 from the fire department...
Utica’s Common Council Trims Budget by 1%
Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Utica Common Council trimmed about 1% out of Mayor Palmieri's $60+ million dollar budget, that equates to just under $200,000.
Finance Committee Chairman and Councilor-at-Large Ed Buccerio says it's just a drop in the bucket...
Utica Police & Fire Top Brass Meet With City Leaders
Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Utica Common Council's Public Safety Committee met with representatives from both the Police and Fire Departments over the weekend, the committee heard how both Chiefs plan to handle the anticipated reduction of their respective ranks...
2% Tax Cap Override Debated By City Leaders
Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Utica Common Council has elected to reserve the right to override Governor Cuomo's 2% tax cap, the council voting to ignore the state's first-ever property tax cap 7-to-2.
If the override vote failed, according to Utica's Budget Director Peter Fiorillo, city layoffs could have approach triple digits...