Suspect arrested after multiple retail thefts. The New Hartford Police Department has arrested a suspect following an investigation into multiple reports of retail theft occurring at Walmart on Commercial Dr. On July 23, 2026, New Hartford Police officers responded to Walmart on Commercial Dr., for a reported larceny in progress. Upon arrival, police officers located a suspect as she exited the store with merchandise that had not been paid for, according to Walmart Staff. When police officers attempted to place the suspect under arrest, the suspect actively resisted arrest. Officers took the suspect into custody after a brief struggle, and the stolen merchandise was recovered. During the investigation, New Hartford Police Officers worked closely with Walmart Loss Prevention staff and reviewed surveillance footage related to other reported larcenies. Officers also coordinated with the Mohawk Valley Crime Analysis Center, the Rome Police Department, and the New York State Police, Lee Center, whose assistance helped identify the suspect in regard to previously committed thefts. As a result of the investigation the suspect, identified as Katie Fonda, 46 who provided a Rome, NY address, was not only charged with Petit Larceny in violation of NYS PL 155.25, and NYS PL 205.30, Resisting Arrest for the July 23rd incident, but she also charged with Misdemeanor Petit Larceny in regards to a Larceny that occurred at Walmart on Commercial Dr. on July 17th 2026. Following processing, Fonda was issued appearance tickets related to the above charges and then subsequently transferred to the custody of the New York State Police who had open Arrest Warrants for her on other active Larceny Cases being investigated by SP Lee Center.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Lomere Holliman, 23, of Syracuse, New York, was sentenced July 8th 2026, to 75 months in prison for possessing and distributing fentanyl and carrying a firearm during those crimes. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Bryan DiGirolamo and Syracuse Police Chief Mark Rusin made the announcement. As part of his earlier plea, Holliman admitted that, from March to September 2025, the defendant repeatedly sold firearms, ammunition, high-capacity magazines, and fentanyl in Syracuse. He further admitted that he used his firearm sales to foster his drug trafficking business. U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of New York Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/syracuse-man-sentenced-75-months-gun-and-drug-trafficking-offenses

UTICA, N.Y. — Homelessness increased by 12.2% across the Utica-Rome, Oneida County and Madison County region, according to a newly released report from the New York State Comptroller’s Office. The increase comes despite an overall statewide decline in homelessness and highlights the growing housing challenges facing many communities outside New York City. According to State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, New York’s homeless population declined by 7.9% between the January 2024 and January 2025 federal point-in-time counts. However, homelessness increased in 17 of the state’s 25 regional Continuums of Care, including the region covering Utica, Rome, Oneida County and Madison County. The report found that 11 regional areas experienced increases of more than 10%, showing that homelessness remains a growing concern across much of Upstate New York. Death Reported During Utica Encampment Sweep The release of the state report follows a tragic discovery at a homeless encampment in Utica. On July 20, 2026, Utica Police officers were assisting Oneida County Sheriff’s deputies with a sweep of an encampment off Burrstone Road when they found an individual lying on the ground. Police reported that the person was deceased. The incident was reported by the Utica Police Department and local news outlets. No arrests connected to the encampment sweep have been confirmed. The discovery has drawn additional attention to the dangerous conditions faced by people living outdoors, including exposure to extreme weather, medical emergencies and limited access to health care, shelter and other essential services. Construction Begins on 102 Affordable Apartments State and local leaders are also moving forward with a major affordable and supportive housing project in Utica. On July 23, 2026, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the start of construction on THRIVE Cornhill, an approximately $80 million development featuring 102 affordable apartments in Utica’s Cornhill neighborhood. The project will consist of two newly constructed buildings and will include affordable housing, supportive services and community spaces. Nineteen apartments will be reserved as supportive housing for eligible seniors with disabilities and young adults transitioning out of foster care. The development is also expected to include two community centers offering health, wellness, recreation, employment and social services. State officials said the development is designed to expand access to stable housing while supporting the continued revitalization of the Cornhill neighborhood. Homelessness Increasing Outside New York City While the statewide homeless population declined, the comptroller’s report showed that the improvement was largely driven by reductions in New York City. Many regions outside the city experienced significant increases, placing additional pressure on local governments, shelters, nonprofit organizations and emergency-service providers. Housing advocates have argued that addressing homelessness requires more than clearing encampments. Long-term solutions often include additional affordable housing, emergency shelter capacity, mental-health care, addiction treatment, rental assistance and employment support. The 12.2% regional increase shows that homelessness is becoming a more visible and urgent concern across Oneida and Madison counties. As the THRIVE Cornhill project moves forward, local leaders will continue facing questions about whether housing and support services can expand quickly enough to meet the region’s growing needs. CNYOnline.com Local News will continue following developments involving homelessness, affordable housing and support services throughout the Mohawk Valley.

NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. — A bat found in New Hartford has tested positive for rabies, according to the Oneida County Health Department. The bat was submitted to the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center for testing on July 27, 2026. Positive test results were reported on July 31. Three people were exposed to the bat and are receiving post-exposure treatment, health officials said. Rabies is a serious viral disease that can infect people and animals through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite or scratch. Anyone who may have had physical contact with a bat should contact the Oneida County Health Department immediately, even when no visible bite is present. Health officials advise residents not to release a bat found inside a home when a possible human or pet exposure may have occurred. The bat should be safely contained, without direct contact, so officials can determine whether testing is necessary. Residents should also avoid approaching wild or stray animals that appear unusually aggressive, confused, unusually tame, unable to move normally, or are drooling or foaming at the mouth. Pet owners are urged to make sure their dogs, cats, and ferrets remain current on their rabies vaccinations. New York State law requires those animals to receive rabies vaccinations, including regular booster shots. Anyone who believes a person or pet may have been exposed to a bat or another potentially rabid animal should contact the Oneida County Health Department at 315-798-5064. The county’s rabies exposure line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. CNYOnline.com Local News will provide additional information if it becomes available.

According to the City of Utica Police Department On July 29th, 2026 at approximately 11:40PM officers assigned to the Tactical Unit conducted a vehicle stop on the 700 block of South St regarding NYSV&TL violations. During the course of the stop a quantity of suspected methamphetamine was located and two individuals were arrested and transported to the Utica Police Department. One of the individuals provided the booking officer with a name that they were subsequently booked, fingerprinted, and photographed under. When the fingerprint results were returned, it was learned that the name provided was in fact not the name provided to the officers. At this time it was learned that the true identity of the individual was Branden Ward age 33 of Morris, NY. At the conclusion of the incident, Ward was charged with: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree Forgery in the second degree

SOUTH BROOKFIELD, N.Y. — The National Weather Service has confirmed that a brief EF-0 tornado touched down in South Brookfield during Wednesday afternoon’s storms. The tornado developed at approximately 1:54 p.m. on July 29 along Beaver Creek Road, about 2,000 feet south of Lamb Road. It remained on the ground for roughly two minutes before lifting near Morgan Road at approximately 1:56 p.m. According to the National Weather Service damage survey, the tornado produced estimated peak winds of 70 mph. Its path measured approximately 0.87 miles long and reached a maximum width of about 50 yards. No injuries or fatalities were reported. Survey crews documented broken tree limbs, an uprooted hardwood tree and minor tree damage along the storm’s path. A sawmill and several sheds or small storage buildings were also damaged or tipped over, scattering debris across a residential property. The tornado traveled south along Beaver Creek Road, crossed the roadway near Chesebro Road and moved across a small pond. The final damage was observed at a cemetery along Morgan Road, where several large tree limbs were snapped before the tornado lifted. An EF-0 is the lowest classification on the Enhanced Fujita Scale and is assigned to tornadoes with estimated winds between 65 and 85 mph. Even tornadoes rated EF-0 can damage trees, sheds, roofs and other structures. The National Weather Service thanked Madison County Emergency Management, local media organizations and residents who provided storm reports and eyewitness accounts. The findings remain preliminary and could be updated following a final review of the storm.

VERONA, N.Y. — Big changes are coming to the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School District beginning in the fall of 2026, and many parents and students are beginning to consider how the new school structure will affect their daily routines. Under the district’s reconfiguration plan, students will attend school based on grade level instead of having multiple elementary grade levels in each community school. New VVS School Configuration for Fall 2026 Pre-K through Grade 1: J.D. George Elementary Grades 2 through 4: E.A. McAllister Elementary Grades 5 and 6: W.A. Wettel Elementary Grades 7 through 12: Grades 7–12: VVS Middle/High School (re-established as a unified 7–12 campus) All four VVS school buildings will remain open. However, students may attend a different building than the one closest to their home. A Major Adjustment for Students For some students, the change may bring excitement, including the opportunity to meet new classmates and participate in programs designed specifically for their age group. For others, leaving a familiar school, teacher, or routine could be difficult. Students may need time to adjust to a new building, bus route, daily schedule and larger group of classmates. Families With Multiple Children Could Face New Challenges Parents with children in different grades may experience the biggest changes. One family could have a first grader at J.D. George, a third grader at E.A. McAllister, a sixth grader at W.A. Wettel and a high school student at the VVS Middle/High School campus. That could mean different bus schedules, arrival and dismissal times, parent conferences, concerts, sporting events, and emergency pickup locations. Families who drive their children to school may also need to coordinate drop-offs and pickups at multiple buildings. Childcare arrangements and work schedules could be affected depending on when each school day begins and ends. Communication Will Be Important As the fall 2026 transition approaches, parents will likely be looking for clear information about bus routes, school hours, classroom assignments, before- and after-school care, orientations and building procedures. The reconfiguration represents a significant change for the entire VVS community. How could this affect your family’s bus schedules, childcare, work hours, drop-offs, school events and daily routine? Are you excited about the change, concerned about it or still waiting for more information?

Oneida County Sheriff candidate Jared Pearl has been endorsed by the New York State Troopers PBA and the N.Y. State Police Investigators Association. Pearl began his accomplished career with the New York State Police in 2003. He recently retired at the rank of Senior Investigator. Jared was also a Deputy with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department, assigned to the Mounted Unit and as a Special Deputy in the Oneida County Jail. Pearl currently serves in the Maynard Volunteer Fire Department, and his leadership positions have included: Chief, Assistant Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, and President. He also has served as President of the Oneida County Fire Chiefs Association and as a member of their board of directors for eight years. “I’m honored to receive the full trust and support from the New York State Troopers PBA and the New York State Investigators. These unions together represent thousands of hardworking and dedicated members of law enforcement who keep our communities safe every day. I pledge to work hard every day alongside these individuals to hold criminals accountable and restore public safety to Oneida County. We need change, and I’m ready to deliver that change for residents,” said Jared Pearl. Jared Pearl is running on the Republican and Conservative ballot lines. The General Election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

The New York State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a woman suspected of using stolen credit and debit cards to make fraudulent purchases at businesses in the town of New Hartford. The investigation began after a victim reported that their wallet was lost or stolen on June 17, 2026, after visiting a business on Commercial Drive. The wallet contained multiple credit and debit cards, along with other personal identifying documents. Later that evening, the victim discovered several unauthorized transactions on their accounts, including purchases at Target and GameStop totaling more than $1,500. The New York State Police are asking anyone who recognizes the individual pictured or has information regarding this investigation to contact SP Oneida at (315) 366-6000. Please reference case number NY2600766305.

SYLVAN BEACH, N.Y. — One of Central New York’s biggest gatherings for Jeep enthusiasts is returning to the shores of Oneida Lake this weekend. Jeeps At The Beach will take place Sunday, August 2, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Sylvan Beach. The rain-or-shine event will feature Jeeps of all styles, live music, vendors, raffles and family-friendly activities throughout the day. From stock daily drivers to heavily modified off-road vehicles, all Jeep models are welcome to participate. Only registered Jeeps will be permitted to park inside the main show area, but spectators and passengers may attend free of charge. Online vehicle pre-registration is $30. Day-of registration will be available for $40 cash until 2 p.m., according to event organizers. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early due to the popularity of the annual event. The event is also dog-friendly. Organizers ask guests to keep dogs leashed, clean up after them and provide plenty of water, especially during warm weather. A Central New York Tradition With a Charitable Mission Jeeps At The Beach was founded in 2012 and has raised more than $140,000 for charitable causes. Beginning this year, the event is being managed by the Maguire Foundation, which plans to continue supporting local organizations while preserving the gathering’s community-focused traditions. The event began as a fundraiser benefiting Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital and has since grown into one of the region’s signature summer attractions for Jeep owners and fans. Organizers say support for the children’s hospital will continue as fundraising efforts expand to assist additional community organizations. Whether you own a Jeep, enjoy custom vehicles or are simply looking for a family-friendly event near the lake, Jeeps At The Beach offers another reason to visit Sylvan Beach this weekend. Event Information Event: Jeeps At The BeachDate: Sunday, August 2, 2026Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Location: Sylvan Beach, New YorkSpectator admission: FreeDay-of Jeep registration: $40 cashWeather: Rain or shine

New York’s SAFE for Kids Act will restrict addictive feeds, overnight notifications and require stronger age verification beginning in January 2027 ALBANY, N.Y. — New rules are coming to social media platforms in New York that will change how children and teenagers under the age of 18 receive recommended content and notifications. Governor Kathy Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the final regulations for the state’s Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation, or SAFE for Kids Act, on Tuesday, July 28. The rules are scheduled to take effect on January 25, 2027, giving covered social media companies approximately six months to prepare for the new requirements. What Will Change for Children Under 18? Under the new rules, social media companies will generally be prohibited from automatically giving users under 18 an algorithmically personalized feed unless parental consent is obtained. These feeds commonly recommend an endless stream of posts, videos and other content based on information collected about a user’s viewing habits, clicks, searches and previous online activity. Without parental consent, minors will instead be shown content from accounts they intentionally follow or select. That content may be presented in chronological order or another predetermined sequence rather than being chosen by an engagement-based algorithm. The restrictions do not mean teenagers will be completely banned from social media. Young users will still be able to search for content, follow accounts and access the platform’s general features. Overnight Notifications Will Be Restricted Covered social media platforms will also be prohibited from sending minors notifications connected to addictive feeds between midnight and 6 a.m. Eastern Time unless the child and parent complete the required consent process. State officials say late-night notifications can interrupt sleep and encourage children to repeatedly return to social media platforms. The New York Attorney General’s Office says the law was created in response to concerns that excessive social media use may contribute to depression, anxiety, sleep problems and other negative mental-health outcomes among young people. Social Media Platforms Must Determine Users’ Ages Companies covered by the law will be required to use an approved age-assurance process before giving users access to restricted features. Possible verification methods may include: An uploaded image or video Verification through a phone number or email address Cross-checking other account information that may indicate a user’s age A government-issued identification document However, platforms cannot require government identification as the only option. At least one alternative age-verification method must be available. The rules also require platforms to collect only the minimum information necessary to determine a user’s age. Information collected for age verification or parental consent must be deleted or de-identified after it has served its intended purpose. How Parental Consent Will Work A minor who wants access to an algorithmically personalized feed or overnight notifications must actively request the feature and agree to have a parent or guardian notified. The parent will then be required to complete an age-assurance process before permission can be granted. Both the parent and the child must be allowed to withdraw their consent later. A platform cannot completely block a young person from using its service simply because parental consent was not provided. Which Social Media Companies Are Covered? The law applies to what New York defines as an “addictive online platform.” This includes qualifying platforms that display user-generated content and where users spend at least 20% of their time viewing an algorithmically personalized or addictive feed over a six-month period. The exact experience may vary from one app to another depending on whether the platform falls under the state’s definition and how it chooses to comply. Companies Could Face Significant Penalties The New York Attorney General’s Office will be responsible for enforcing the SAFE for Kids Act. Companies found to be violating the law could face civil penalties of up to $5,000 for each violation, along with court orders requiring the company to stop the prohibited conduct. What Central New York Families Should Know Parents throughout Oneida County and Central New York may begin seeing social media platforms introduce new age checks, parental permission requests and account-setting changes before the January 2027 deadline. Families should also be aware that the law primarily regulates how covered platforms deliver personalized feeds and notifications. It does not replace parental supervision, household technology rules or conversations with children about privacy and responsible online behavior. The final rules are part of a broader effort by New York to regulate children’s use of technology. The state has also adopted restrictions on smartphones during the school day, protections involving children’s personal information and requirements addressing other potentially harmful online features. When Do the New Rules Take Effect? The final regulations were scheduled for publication in the New York State Register on July 29, 2026. The SAFE for Kids Act will officially take effect 180 days later, on January 25, 2027.

A federal appeals court has revived a proposed class-action lawsuit accusing New York-based yogurt manufacturer Chobani of misleading consumers by marketing one of its products as containing “zero sugar.” The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the lawsuit involving Chobani Zero Sugar yogurt may move forward after previously being dismissed by a federal judge in Illinois. The case was brought by Jason and Abigail Franco, who alleged that they purchased the yogurt believing it was sugar-free. The product reportedly contained four grams of allulose per serving, a naturally occurring sweetener found in small amounts in foods such as figs and raisins. Court Examines Definition of Sugar Federal regulations generally prohibit companies from labeling food as “zero sugar” or “sugar free” unless it contains less than one-half gram of sugar per serving. The central issue in the case is whether allulose legally qualifies as sugar under federal food-labeling regulations. The appeals court determined that the federal definition of “total sugars” includes all monosaccharides, a category that includes allulose. The three-judge panel also found that the consumers had plausibly alleged that Chobani’s labeling could be deceptive. The ruling reverses a previous decision by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. That court had dismissed the lawsuit after relying on Food and Drug Administration guidance that allows allulose to be excluded from the total-sugar amount shown on Nutrition Facts labels. The appeals court said that guidance represented the FDA’s current enforcement policy but did not formally change the federal regulation defining sugar. Chobani Defends Its Labeling Chobani has defended the product’s labeling, describing allulose as a naturally occurring sweetener that is metabolized differently from traditional sugars. The company said the yogurt’s Nutrition Facts panel accurately lists zero grams of total sugar and zero grams of added sugar. The appeals court did not rule that Chobani is liable or that consumers were definitively misled. Instead, the ruling allows the plaintiffs to continue pursuing their claims and attempt to prove them in federal district court. The case will now return to a federal judge in Chicago for additional proceedings. What the Decision Means The ruling could have broader implications for food manufacturers that use allulose and other alternative sweeteners while promoting products as sugar-free. Questions concerning how consumers interpret terms such as “zero sugar,” “no sugar” and “sugar free” are likely to remain an important issue as companies introduce more foods made with alternative sweeteners. No class has yet been certified, and the allegations against Chobani have not been proven in court.