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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State Police Bust Sex Trafficking Ring Involving Oneida County Minor
Marcy, NY (WIBX) The New York State Police arrest 9 people in connection with a sex trafficking ring involving an Oneida County minor.
Authorities say the ring was lead by a Brother-Sister team, Edward and Lynnette Tilden who used the website Backpage...
Demolition for North South Arterial Project to Begin
Utica, NY (WIBX) - The New York State Department of Transportation took some time out to update West Utica residents on the North-South Arterial project. Representatives meet with about 50 residents to let them know that the demolition phase of the project will soon be underway...
State Police: Teen Steals Car at Turning Stone Casino
Verona, NY (WIBX) - A Marcy man had his car stolen at the Turning Stone Casino last Friday. According to State Police, the man left the keys in the ignition when he went inside to do some shopping, when he came out, the car was gone.
After a check of surveillance footage a suspect was identified and a short time later that suspect, 18-year old Qudrey Haynes was apprehended after a short foot pursu
Accident Leaves Child in Serious Condition
Lebanon, NY (WIBX) - A Slippery roadway is being blamed for a two car accident that sends three to the hospital. According to the Madison County Sheriff, 30-year old Courtney Mills was driving on River Road in the Town of Lebanon when she lost control of her vehicle, slamming into a vehicle driven by 34-year old Minnie Hook...
Former Rome Police Chief Dies
Rome, NY (WIBX) - The City of Rome Police Department is mourning the passing of a former Chief, retired Police Chief Joseph Grande.
Chief Grande joined the Rome Police Department in 1948. Throughout his career, Grande received promotions to the rank of detective and then in 1974, to chief...
Oneida & Herkimer Counties Offer Home Energy Assistance Program
Utica, NY (WIBX) - Both Herkimer and Oneida Counties will begin taking in applications for HEAP Monday November 19th, that's the Home Energy Assistance Program that helps defray home heating bills. HEAP assists eligible low-income households with heating costs, emergency heat related utility costs and applicant owned heating equipment repair or replacement...
UPD Officer Punched at Large House Party Fight
Utica, NY (WIBX) - Utica Police had their hands full early Sunday morning while responding to a large house party on Catherine Street. According to Utica Police, about 100 people were at the residence when multiple fights broke out.
A UPD supervisor called in every available unit, including outside agencies to help take control of the situation...
Search Continues for Missing Man
Clark Mills, NY (WIBX) - 64-year old John Bruce went missing on October 16th and search crews are still combing the area around his residence with K-9's and about a dozen searchers. According to the Kirkland Police Department, they are searching rural fields, woods and buildings around Fountain Street,Route 12 in Kirkland and Maxwell Road in Marshall...
Utica Teenager Arrested for Carrying a Stolen Handgun
Utica, NY (WIBX) - Utica Police recover a stolen handgun after a routine traffic Stop. According to authorities, Utica Police pulled over 17-year old Bandr Alfalahi near Park Avenue and Eagle Street and after a search of the teen, the loaded 22-caliber handgun was discovered in his pant's pocket...
Utica’s Common Council Gives the Green Light to Borrow $10.5 Million
Utica, NY (WIBX) - The City of Utica is still in a cash-poor position, last night the Common Council agreed to borrow $10.5 Million to help meet payroll, cover pension contributions and pay for union benefits.
Finance Committee Chairman and Councilor at Large Ed Bucciero says the city needs to meet it's obligations...