Poor Electric Bus Performance, Manufacturer’s Limited Capacity, Put Brakes on Transition of Nation’s Largest Bus Fleet August 19, 2026 The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is unlikely to meet its 2040 target for replacing its 5,800-bus fleet with zero-emission buses, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. “The MTA has set an ambitious goal to transform the nation’s largest bus fleet to 100 percent zero-emission,” DiNapoli said. “Unfortunately, this audit identified multiple challenges that have put its 2040 target in jeopardy. It is encouraging that the MTA has announced steps to address these issues.” The MTA’s four-stage plan called for a one-for-one replacement of its entire fleet with zero-emission buses. The authority received its first 15 new electric buses in 2019, followed by 60 more in 2024-2025. It was supposed to receive 485 of the next 500 buses by the end of Stage 1 in 2024, but only one bus had been delivered by June 2025. The MTA subsequently reduced its Stage 2 order from 1,000 buses to 500. The audit found that the MTA’s progress has been hampered by several factors. Its reliance on a single manufacturer with limited capacity (the only one that currently meets its standards) led to backlogs. The cost of an articulated electric bus increased from about $1.4 to $1.8 million by 2024, about 60% more than comparable-sized diesel buses. The MTA estimates fully replacing its fleet would cost $11.9 billion. The zero-emission buses the MTA purchased during earlier pilot programs were prone to breakdowns and reliability issues that took them out of service. Because these buses must be at least 70% charged to be deployed and return to the depot when they reach 30%, they were generally put on shorter routes and remained in service less than 60% of the time MTA had planned. Delays in upgrading depot power capacity as bus orders were reduced have further limited charging capacity. Auditors interviewed representatives of six public authorities (four in New York, two out-of-state) experienced with electric bus operation. These agencies reported similar challenges with buses from the manufacturer including limited range, frequent maintenance-related downtimes, and recalls linked to batteries, and other issues. DiNapoli’s audit made several recommendations, including: Developing a contingency plan to address the possibility it does not meet its target and to address the milestones that have not been met. Evaluating alternative technologies that could improve the range and performance of its zero-emission buses. Considering the timeline for zero-emission bus purchases and deployment in the next phase of its transition plan. Establishing clearer priorities and monitoring controls to help ensure outcomes align with goals. MTA officials generally agreed with the recommendations to improve transition tracking, strengthen contingency planning, and refining procurement targets. Officials said that they are evaluating approaches to bus deployment, exploring alternative technologies, and working with manufacturers to improve bus range and performance. The MTA’s full response is included in the audit.

August 19, 2026 Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. today signed into law legislation prohibiting the sale of kratom and kratom-derived products throughout Oneida County. The action comes after a public hearing on the local law was conducted Wednesday. The signed legislation has been submitted to the New York State Secretary of State in accordance with state requirements. “Today, this important legislation becomes law, and with it comes a clear message: Oneida County will not stand by while products that pose serious risks to our residents are sold in our communities,” Picente said. “Kratom and kratom-derived products have no place on store shelves in Oneida County. We are taking decisive action to protect our residents, our families and our neighborhoods from the harmful effects of these substances, and this law gives us the authority to hold those who violate it accountable.” Kratom, also known by its scientific name Mitragyna speciosa, is commonly sold as teas, powders and capsules. Health officials warn that kratom can affect the brain similarly to opioids and has been associated with risks including abuse, addiction and other adverse health effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved kratom for medical use. Picente first announced his intent to ban the substance during his State of the County Address on May 8, 2026, identifying kratom as an emerging public health concern and calling for local action to address the growing availability of products with opioid-like effects. A public health order banning the sale of kratom and kratom-derived products was then issued by the Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) and went into effect on June 5th. Picente proposed the local law on June 30th. It was unanimously approved by the Oneida County Board of Legislators on August 12th. The public health order remains in effect until New York State officially files the law the county submitted Wednesday. Both the order and law cite concerns regarding mitragynine, the primary psychoactive alkaloid found in kratom, and the ability for compounds derived from it to be altered into substances that pose heightened public health concerns. OCHD officials and law enforcement agencies are authorized to conduct compliance checks and confiscate products at businesses and retail establishments throughout the county. “Enforcement is active and ongoing,” Picente said. “Businesses should take immediate steps to ensure these products are removed from shelves and are no longer offered for sale. Our goal is compliance and protecting the health and safety of the community.” Under the public health order and local law: The sale or offer for sale of kratom, products containing kratom and products derived from kratom is prohibited throughout Oneida County. Compliance checks may occur during routine inspections, in response to complaints or as part of criminal investigations. Prohibited products will be confiscated and destroyed in accordance with OCHD policy. Under the proposed local law, violations will result in the following: Civil penalty of $500 for the unlawful distribution or sale of kratom. Each subsequent violation will result in a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 per item confiscated. The order and law apply to any person or business in Oneida County where kratom or kratom-derived products are sold. This prohibition does not apply to the sale or distribution of FDA-approved Kratom and/or Kratom dispensed by a licensed pharmacist consistent with a prescription from a licensed physician. Businesses seeking additional information regarding compliance may contact the Oneida County Health Department at 315-798-5064 or environmentalhealth@oneidacountyny.gov.

On August 24, 2026, at approximately 6:33 a.m., New York State Police at Homer responded to Interstate 81 north in the town of Homer for a commercial vehicle crash. A preliminary investigation determined that a water truck was traveling northbound when it experienced a tire failure. The vehicle subsequently left the roadway near mile marker 58.6 and rolled. The 34-year-old operator was transported by ambulance to SUNY Upstate Medical Center by ambulance for injuries sustained in the crash. The right lane remains closed for cleanup. Motorists are urged to use caution while traveling through the area. The investigation remains ongoing. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/troopers-respond-crash-involving-water-truck-i-81-homer

The New York State Police Troop D Community Stabilization Unit (CSU), in partnership with the Troop D Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET),and uniformed members, conducted a three-day Organized Retail Theft enforcement detail as part of National Blitz. The enforcement detail was conducted August 6 through August 8, 2026, in all three Troop D zones in response to requests for assistance from multiple retail Asset Protection personnel. Troop D members conducted enforcement details on August 6 in Zone 3 in the town of Watertown, August 7 in Zone 1 in the city of Utica, and August 8 in Zone 2 in the city of Syracuse. During the three-day operation, Troop D members partnered with Asset Protection personnel from Walmart, TJ Maxx, Price Chopper, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Kohl’s, and Destiny USA. THREE-DAY ENFORCEMENT RESULTS During the three-day detail, Troop D members arrested 19 individuals on 68 charges, including 31 felony charges and 37 misdemeanor or violation charges. The investigations involved $11,650.60 in reported stolen merchandise, of which $6,396.44 was recovered and returned to the stores. The arrests included charges for Grand Larceny, Burglary, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Conspiracy, Criminal Possession of an Anti-Security Item, and Falsifying Business Records. During the Zone 3 detail in the town of Watertown, Troopers arrested four individuals who had traveled from Syracuse to Watertown with the intention of stealing merchandise from multiple local businesses before immediately leaving the area to avoid identification and apprehension. In two separate cases, stolen property from four different local businesses was identified and recovered from the suspects’ vehicles following their arrests. Additionally, one of the individuals arrested was positively identified as a previously unidentified suspect in an open larceny investigation being conducted by the New York State Police at SP Watertown. During the Zone 2 detail in the city of Syracuse, Troopers arrested a prolific retail larceny suspect who had been identified in numerous retail theft investigations throughout Onondaga and Oswego Counties. The individual had been actively avoiding apprehension and had five outstanding arrest warrants related to retail theft offenses. State Police were also assisted by the City of Syracuse Police Department. The three-day operation is part of the New York State Police’s continued efforts to combat organized retail theft and hold individuals accountable for crimes affecting businesses and communities throughout Troop D. The New York State Police will continue working with retail businesses, Asset Protection personnel, and local law enforcement agencies to investigate retail theft, identify repeat offenders, recover stolen property, and prevent future offenses. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/new-york-state-police-conduct-three-day-organized-retail-theft-enforcement-detail-across-troop

Press Release On August 6, 2026, State Police of Brunswick arrested Emmanuel Johnson, 23, of Albany, NY, for Grand Larceny 3rd, a class “D” felony. On August 5, 2026, at about 3:22 p.m., Troopers responded to the area of Hoosick Road in Brunswick for the report of a stolen vehicle. The investigation determined that Johnson reportedly entered an unoccupied vehicle in the parking lot and drove away. The vehicle was later located unoccupied and recovered at approximately 4:45 p.m. on Lincoln Avenue in Albany. Johnson was located and arrested in Troy with the assistance of the Rensselaer County Probation Department and the East Greenbush Police Department. He was transported to SP Brunswick for processing. Then he was arraigned at the Brunswick Town Court, where he was remanded to the Rensselaer County Correctional Facility in lieu of $25,000 cash, $50,000 bond, or a $100,000 partially secured bond.

ONEIDA, NY — Forget Yankees vs. Red Sox. Forget Coke vs. Pepsi. Oneida may soon have a rivalry far more serious: Who makes the coffee that gets you through Monday morning? The battle lines are being drawn along Genesee Street, and the weapons of choice are espresso shots, iced coffees, breakfast sandwiches, flavored energy drinks, and drive-thru lanes. Oneida already has some serious caffeine competitors. Dunkin’ is firmly planted at 213 Genesee Street, complete with drive-thru and mobile ordering. Just down the road, McDonald’s at 274 Genesee Street brings McCafé coffee, plus the considerable strategic advantage of being able to throw an Egg McMuffin and hash brown into the deal. Then there’s the hometown contender, The Blend, whose main café and drive-thru operation is at 264 Genesee Street. And now a new challenger is preparing to enter the arena. 7 Brew Coffee is under construction at 216 Genesee Street, adding another drive-thru coffee option to what is quickly becoming one of the most caffeinated stretches of road in Central New York. No official opening date had been announced in the latest construction update. ROUND 1: DUNKIN’ — THE VETERAN Dunkin’ enters the competition like the experienced prizefighter. It has the name recognition. It has the loyal customers. It has donuts. And perhaps most importantly, half the population appears capable of ordering their Dunkin’ drink using a sentence containing approximately 37 words without taking a breath. Advantages: Established customer base, drive-thru convenience, and people who would probably defend their Dunkin’ order in court. ROUND 2: McDONALD’S — THE SLEEPER Never underestimate McDonald’s. You may pull in thinking: "I'll just grab a coffee." Three minutes later, you're leaving with a coffee, two hash browns, a breakfast sandwich, and somehow you're enrolled in McDonald’s Rewards. McDonald’s secret weapon isn't necessarily having the fanciest coffee. It's this: You're already there because you wanted breakfast. That makes the Golden Arches a dangerous opponent in the Oneida Caffeine Championship. ROUND 3: THE BLEND — THE HOMETOWN FAVORITE Then we have The Blend. The locally established contender. The Blend doesn't have to introduce itself to Oneida. It has already built its own following, and its menu stretches beyond traditional coffee into specialty beverages and other café offerings. In a town where people like supporting local businesses, that hometown advantage matters. The Blend's battle cry: "Why go corporate when your neighbor can make your latte?" ROUND 4: 7 BREW — THE NEW KID And entering from the corner... 7 BREW! The newcomer specializes in the drive-thru beverage model, with coffee joined by drinks such as teas, energy drinks, smoothies and lemonades at its locations. That could make the new Oneida location especially attractive to younger customers and anyone who believes coffee should contain enough flavor combinations to require its own instruction manual. 7 Brew also has one huge advantage: It's new. And if there's one thing people love doing when a new business opens, it's sitting in a drive-thru line for 40 minutes so they can tell everyone afterward: "The line was ridiculous." SO WHO WINS? Dunkin’ has loyalty. McDonald’s has breakfast. The Blend has the hometown crowd. 7 Brew has the excitement of being the newcomer. But there may actually be another winner: Coffee drinkers. Competition usually means more choices, businesses working harder for customers and enough caffeine options on Genesee Street to keep the entire City of Oneida awake until sometime around 2029. One thing is certain: When 7 Brew opens, The Great Oneida Coffee War will officially be underway. The only question left is... ☕ WHO GETS YOUR VOTE? Dunkin’? McDonald’s? The Blend? Or are you waiting to try 7 Brew? Drop your choice in the comments — and please keep it civil. This is coffee, people. Not politics. CNYONLINE.COM Local News

On August 9, 2026, at approximately 6:24 p.m., New York State Police members responded to the Adirondack Rail Trail, approximately two miles from Old Military Road in the town of North Elba, for a report of an individual in cardiac arrest. Troopers arrived on scene and observed members of the Lake Placid Fire Department performing life-saving measures on an unresponsive male. The investigation determined the male was riding his bicycle on the Adirondack Rail Trail when he collapsed from his bicycle and became unresponsive. The male was identified as David R. Benfer, age 64, of Reading, Pennsylvania. Further investigation determined Benfer had an extensive cardiac history and suffered a cardiac event. Benfer was pronounced deceased at the scene. No foul play is suspected. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-investigate-death-adirondack-rail-trails

CNYONLINE.COM | LOCAL NEWS CENTRAL NEW YORK Agritourism is becoming an increasingly important part of Central New York’s rural economy, connecting local farms with visitors looking for fresh food, family experiences and authentic local destinations. From apple orchards and pumpkin patches to farmers markets, farm-to-table restaurants, breweries, wineries, maple producers and farm festivals, agritourism gives people an opportunity to experience agriculture firsthand while supporting locally owned businesses. For farmers, these activities can provide an important additional source of income beyond traditional crop or livestock sales. U-pick operations, farm stores, events, tours and seasonal attractions can help farms diversify while creating stronger connections with consumers. The economic impact can extend well beyond the farm itself. A family visiting a local orchard may also stop at a restaurant, purchase gasoline, shop in a nearby village or visit another attraction. Visitors traveling from farther away may also stay at a hotel, campground or vacation rental. That means money spent at one farm can help support multiple businesses throughout the surrounding community. Farm-to-table dining is another major part of the movement. Restaurants that purchase meat, produce, dairy products and other ingredients from nearby farms help keep more food dollars within Central New York while giving customers a stronger connection to where their food comes from. Central New York is especially well positioned for agritourism because of its combination of farmland, small towns, lakes, outdoor recreation and easy access from larger population centers. The region also offers opportunities throughout the year. Spring can bring maple activities and greenhouses. Summer offers farmers markets, berries and farm festivals. Fall brings apples, pumpkins, corn mazes and harvest events, while winter includes Christmas tree farms, local food products and holiday markets. At a time when farms continue to face rising costs and economic pressures, agritourism can help strengthen family farms while supporting restaurants, shops and other local businesses. Instead of relying on one large attraction, Central New York has the opportunity to turn its farms, food producers, restaurants and rural communities into a connected tourism experience. When people shop local, eat local and visit local farms, the economic benefits can spread throughout Central New York. CNYONLINE.COM | Supporting Local News, Local Businesses and the Communities of Central New York

According to the Oneida County Sheriff, Robert Maciol, on August 9th, 2026, at about 8:05 am, Deputies responded to a call for a motor vehicle accident on Route 69 in the Town of Annsville. Upon arrival, Deputies located a 2016 black Ford F-150 off the roadway. The sole occupant of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing. At this time, Sheriff's Investigators know that the driver was traveling westbound on State Route 69 toward Camden and had previously been traveling from the Utica area on Route 49, through the City of Rome on Erie Blvd West. Investigators are asking that if you have any information that is relevant to the incident, to please call (315) 736-0141. The Sheriff's Office was assisted on scene by Taberg Fire Department, AmCare Ambulance, NYS Department of Transportation, Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office, and NYSP.

TOWN OF MADISON, N.Y. — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate an apparent double murder-suicide after three people were found dead inside a home on McCormick Road in the Town of Madison. Deputies responded to a residence at 7625 McCormick Road on Friday, August 7, following a welfare complaint from someone who was concerned that something was wrong. When the first deputy arrived, authorities said there was a strong odor of propane gas around the residence and the sound of gas escaping from inside the home. According to investigators, the deputy looked through a first-floor window and saw two adults who appeared to be deceased. After deputies entered the residence, they located a third deceased adult. The surrounding area was temporarily evacuated because of concerns involving the propane gas. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has since identified the two victims as Steve M. Sislo, 76, and Donna M. Walker-Sislo, 72, who lived at the McCormick Road residence. Authorities identified their son, Justin Sislo, 35, as the suspect in the investigation. Sheriff’s investigators said all three individuals suffered gunshot wounds and that a firearm was recovered from the residence. Authorities are investigating the deaths as a double murder-suicide. The Sheriff’s Office has not publicly released a motive, and investigators have not said what role, if any, the propane gas may have played in the incident. The investigation remains active. Officials have said the incident appears to be isolated and that there is no danger to the public. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to contact the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at 315-366-2311. CNYONLINE.COM Local News will continue to follow this investigation and provide updates as additional information is released.

Authorized by: Steven Lowell, Chief of Police Date: August 7th, 2026 ONEIDA, NY – The City of Oneida Police Department arrested Izaya J. Miles, 21, an unhoused individual, following an investigation into the reported sexual assault of a child under the age of 13 which occurred at a homeless encampment in the City. Following a joint investigation conducted by the City of Oneida Police Department and the Madison County Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), investigators charged Miles with the following offenses • Two Counts of Rape in the First Degree a Class A Felony • Endangering the Welfare of a Child a Class A Misdemeanor • Unlawfully Dealing with a Child a Class A Misdemeanor On August 4, 2026, Oneida Police located and arrested Miles. During the arrest and subsequent investigation, investigators also developed information alleging that Miles had provided alcoholic beverages to additional underage individuals. It is important to note the victim was known to Miles prior to the alleged offenses. Miles was arraigned in Oneida City Court and remanded to the Madison County Jail on $50,000 cash bail, $100,000 bond, or a $250,000 partially secured bond. At this time, investigators have not identified any additional victims related to the incident under investigation and do not presently believe there are any. However, based upon information developed during the investigation, and because Miles was unhoused and did not have a known fixed residence, investigators are seeking to determine whether there may be additional victims or witnesses connected to other, unrelated incidents who have not yet come forward. Anyone with information related to this investigation, or anyone who believes they may have information regarding Miles or prior interactions involving him, is encouraged to contact the City of Oneida Police Department at (315) 363-2323. This investigation remains active. Additional information may be released as appropriate. See lessO

VERNON PROPERTY HEADED TO TAX AUCTION AGAIN, LOT #0061 Another local property is listed in the tax auction, this one located right in the Village of Vernon again. 📍 5261 E. Seneca Street, Vernon, NYLot #0061 The property is a two-story brown building located near the corner of Seneca Street and Verona Street and is currently classified as an apartment property. Here are some of the property details listed: • Municipality: Town of Vernon – Village of Vernon• Tax ID: 323.016-1-60• School District: VVS School District• Frontage: Approximately 32 feet• Year Built: 1900• Stories: 2• Property Class: Apartment (411)• Water: Public• Sewer: Public• Utilities: Gas and electric 💰 Assessment Information:Land Assessment: $3,000Total Assessment: $75,000Listed Full Market Value: $193,299 👇 What would YOU like to see happen with this property?Apartments? A restaurant or other new local business? OR simply torn down.. One of the problems we noticed is limited to no parking for tenants and looks to be in great disrepair 💬 Let us know in the comments. 📲 Follow CNYONLINE.COM Local News for more Vernon, Oneida County, and Central New York news and community updates.