STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Island has seen a full week of headlines, with stories ranging from acts of compassion and public‑service milestones to criminal justice developments, infrastructure concerns and some unmistakably local oddities.
Here are 9 Staten Islanders who made news this week:
On their 46th wedding anniversary, Lois and Richard Nicotra celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the newly renovated Lois and Richard Nicotra Heart Institute. This upgrade was funded by their generous contribution to Northwell’s Staten Island University Hospital.STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE
1. Developers Richard & Lois Nicotra
This philanthropic Staten Island couple has made the largest-ever gifts to both of Staten Island’s hospitals, Richmond University Medical Center and Staten Island University Hospital. Their widespread giving has benefited institutions and families alike, prompting gratitude from the community. Read more >>
2. Tax attorney Erika Kellerhals
This former Staten Islander who served as Jeffrey Epstein’s U.S. Virgin Islands tax attorney, appears in nearly 4,000 documents in the Epstein library on the Justice Department’s website. A Staten Island-linked search within the newly released Epstein files also produced hundreds of additional results involving unusual keywords, drawing attention to the depth and reach of the records. Read more >>
In this Aug. 25, 2023 photo, defense attorney Mark J. Fonte speaks at a press conference following a judge’s ruling in state Supreme Court, St. George.(Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon)
3. Defense attorney Mark Fonte
A man who pled guilty to charges stemming from a three-month drug dealing investigation on Staten Island is portrayed by his defense attorney Mark Fonte as a parent struggling to support his family rather than a high‑level drug trafficker. But he will be sentenced to prison for five years. Read more >>
4. Deborah Phelps‑Seda
Neighbors on a Staten Island block say a powerful odor seeping through drains has made daily living unbearable. Officials are investigating the cause as residents continue reporting headaches and discomfort, but Deborah Phelps‑Seda stepped forward this week to fight for herself and others on the block. Read more >>
5. Nurses Amy O’Sullivan and Tiffany Latz
Two Staten Island nurses stepped in when a frightened French bulldog—who had been stolen—was found abandoned in a freezing parking lot. Their quick action helped reunite the dog with its grateful owners. Read more >>
This 1997 file photo shows Sgt. John Pszczola & Det. Eric Lerner walking with Daniel Galiano out of the 120 Precinct stationhouse.Advance/SILive.com
6. Daniel Galiano
A man once nicknamed the hooded bandit, who was responsible for a series of armed robberies on Staten Island in the 1990s, has had his life sentence commuted. His release marks a major turn in a decades‑old criminal saga. Read more >>
One of Staten Island’s infamous wild turkeys strolled into a Victory Boulevard crosswalk for a showdown with an MTA bus on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.(Courtesy of Andrew Bellah)
7. The Silver Lake turkey
A notoriously bold Staten Island wild turkey brought traffic to a stop after planting itself in front of an MTA bus. And then his photo went viral. Read more >>
8. Borough President Vito Fossella
Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella strongly criticized a think‑tank proposal to build affordable housing on CUNY campuses, including the College of Staten Island. He argues the plan would worsen parking and transit challenges already facing students and staff. Read more >>
9. District Attorney Michael E. McMahon
Police have deployed additional officers to Staten Island in response to a pattern of home break‑ins linked to a group dubbed the “Crowbar Crew” by the district attorney. Read more >>