If you live in the "Forgotten Borough," you already know that things haven't felt particularly quiet lately. Between the sirens in Dongan Hills and the endless debate over the "City of Yes" housing plans, there is a lot to keep track of. Honestly, it's hard to separate the local gossip from the hard facts when your Facebook feed is blowing up.
But here is the real deal on the breaking news Staten Island New York is currently facing as of mid-January 2026.
We are looking at a community at a bit of a crossroads. On one hand, you’ve got a series of unsettling incidents at local churches that have everyone looking over their shoulders during Sunday Mass. On the other, the borough is showing its usual grit, hosting massive athletic events like the NYC Gotham Cup at Ocean Breeze and fighting tooth and nail against city-wide zoning changes.
The Security Lockdown at Staten Island Churches
The biggest story right now involves something you usually think of as a safe haven: the church. Over the last few days, local leaders and the NYPD have had to step in because of a string of "disturbing incidents" at Catholic parishes across the island.
Specifically, St. Ann’s R.C. Church in Dongan Hills became the center of a media storm after a disruption during Mass led to actual damage to the altar. It’s not just an isolated prank. District Attorney Michael E. McMahon and Borough President Vito Fossella stood outside the church just yesterday to tell everyone that this has happened four times now at different spots.
💡 You might also like: Passive Resistance Explained: Why It Is Way More Than Just Standing Still
Why the NYPD is Stepping Up
You're going to see more cruisers. Plain and simple. The NYPD is tightening security and increasing patrols at all religious institutions on Staten Island. State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, who basically grew up in the pews at St. Ann’s, was pretty vocal about the fact that nobody should feel scared while they’re praying.
What’s interesting—and kinda heart-wrenching—is the reaction from Rev. Jacob Thumma, the pastor at St. Ann’s. Instead of just calling for the book to be thrown at the guy responsible, he’s out here asking the community to pray for the man. He’s pushing for better mental health support, arguing that these outbursts are often a cry for help from people the system has failed.
Traffic Safety and the South Avenue Tragedy
We can't talk about news here without talking about the roads. It’s a mess, right?
This week, the NYPD confirmed some sad news regarding a crash that happened earlier this month. Jean Victorin, a 66-year-old resident, passed away on January 11th. He had been hit by an Audi Q5 while crossing South Avenue near Forest Avenue.
📖 Related: What Really Happened With the Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz
The driver wasn't arrested, and it seems like it was one of those "middle of the block" accidents that happen too often in high-traffic areas. If you use the intersection of South and Forest, be careful. Data from Crashmapper shows there have been at least three other major injuries right there in the past year alone.
The Political Brawl Over "City of Yes"
If you head down toward Midland Beach, you’ll see the signs. People are fired up. Borough President Fossella has been rallying local civics against the "City of Yes" development plans.
Basically, the city wants to change zoning to allow more housing density. On Staten Island, where we value our backyards and (somewhat) manageable parking, this is going over like a lead balloon. Critics say it will ruin the character of neighborhoods like Midland Beach, while the city argues it’s the only way to fix the housing crisis.
It's a classic SI vs. City Hall showdown.
👉 See also: How Much Did Trump Add to the National Debt Explained (Simply)
Other Headlines You Might Have Missed
- The NYC Gotham Cup: Today, January 16th, the Ocean Breeze Park Track & Field Athletic Complex is packed. Teams like Marquette University are in town to compete. It’s a reminder that we have some of the best athletic facilities in the country, even if the commute to get to them is a nightmare.
- Education Milestones: The College of Staten Island (CSI) just got a huge shoutout in Newsweek’s “America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026.” They’re also launching a new four-year Nursing Bachelor of Science degree starting this fall.
- Zohran Mamdani’s New Era: Since the New Year, there’s been a lot of talk about Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s inaugural promises of transparency. Whether that actually translates to better services on the North Shore remains to be seen.
What Most People Get Wrong About Staten Island News
People off-island think we’re just one big monolithic suburb. They don't see the complexity.
Take the church disruptions. It’s easy to label it as "crime," but the local leaders are framing it as a mental health and security issue. They’re looking at the root causes. Or look at the "City of Yes" debate. It’s not just about "NIMBYism" (Not In My Backyard); it's about infrastructure that is already stretched to the breaking point. You can't add 5,000 apartments if the drainage system can't handle a heavy rainstorm.
Practical Steps for Staten Islanders Today
You don't just want to read the news; you want to know what to do about it.
- Check on your local parish schedule: If you attend services, be aware that there might be new security protocols or bag checks in place for the next few weeks.
- Avoid the South Avenue/Forest Avenue corridor if you’re on foot: If you have to cross, go to the light. The "middle of the block" habit is proving deadly in that specific 121st Precinct sector.
- Voice your opinion on Midland Beach development: Local civic meetings are where the actual decisions happen. If you’re worried about the "City of Yes," that’s where you need to be.
- Support the Blood Drive: The NY State Department of Health is still reporting a major shortage. Since it’s National Blood Donor Month, hitting a local drive is a solid way to help neighbors who might be recovering from recent accidents.
Staying informed about breaking news Staten Island New York is mostly about keeping an eye on the hyper-local stuff. National news ignores us, and city news often treats us like an afterthought. It’s up to us to keep track of the details that actually change how we live on this island.