Tracey Porpora
@traceyporpora.bsky.social
I'm the Staten Island Advance/SILive.com News Manager/Editor of the Public Interest & Advocacy team. I lead a team of political and investigative reporters who write about and uncover issues impacting the Staten Island community and NYC as a whole.
While her son was able to stay with his godmother during this time, Jocelyne found herself “living in the streets,” or crashing on friends’ couches to get a good night’s sleep.
Working but homeless: Staten Island mom’s fight for housing highlights ‘flawed’ voucher system
A provider of supportive housing has partnered with NYC officials to pass new laws that aim to streamline the city's housing voucher process.
www.silive.com
December 14, 2025 at 4:11 PM
While her son was able to stay with his godmother during this time, Jocelyne found herself “living in the streets,” or crashing on friends’ couches to get a good night’s sleep.
“My stepfather — who has raised me for as long as I can remember and who I consider my true father — was taken into custody...Early that morning, my sister called me, hysterical, that my father was detained," said the 22-year-old Port Richmond resident.
Exclusive: Staten Island soldier’s immigrant dad detained by ICE: ‘I just want my father back’
“In that moment, I felt shock, anger, and disbelief. How could this be happening to my father in the very same country I proudly serve?”
www.silive.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:55 PM
“My stepfather — who has raised me for as long as I can remember and who I consider my true father — was taken into custody...Early that morning, my sister called me, hysterical, that my father was detained," said the 22-year-old Port Richmond resident.
At an end-of-year conference in June, senior Sara Velasquez Gomez, 18, told the assembled faculty how thankful she was to have graduated from Port Richmond High School after moving here from Colombia with her family.
Her emotional graduation speech left 300 Staten Island teachers in tears. Now they’re fighting for this migrant’s freedom
The 18-year-old is "what everybody wants for their neighbor to be, and it breaks my heart," one supporter said.
www.silive.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:03 PM
At an end-of-year conference in June, senior Sara Velasquez Gomez, 18, told the assembled faculty how thankful she was to have graduated from Port Richmond High School after moving here from Colombia with her family.
City officials have drawn up new rules to make basement apartments legal in New York City. This allows what has often been referred to as “mother/daughter” homes to be made into legal two-family residences.
NYC unveils rules for basement apartment legalization pilot program
“For too long, too many New Yorkers have been forced into dangerous basement and cellar set ups just to find a place to live."
www.silive.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:58 PM
City officials have drawn up new rules to make basement apartments legal in New York City. This allows what has often been referred to as “mother/daughter” homes to be made into legal two-family residences.
When Westerleigh resident Patricia Brooks, 70, found mounds of groceries on her doorstep after a story in the Advance/SILive.com detailed her struggle to buy food during the U.S. government shutdown, she was overcome with emotion.
Staten Island woman’s plight touches hearts, leads to outpouring of support during SNAP crisis
Due to the government shutdown, SNAP payments have been cut and delayed.
www.silive.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:28 PM
When Westerleigh resident Patricia Brooks, 70, found mounds of groceries on her doorstep after a story in the Advance/SILive.com detailed her struggle to buy food during the U.S. government shutdown, she was overcome with emotion.
The moment it was announced that Zohran Mamdani was elected as the first Muslim mayor of New York City, Abdullah Akl says he finally could identify with a leader who looked like himself.
Staten Island Muslim community reacts to Mamdani’s historic mayoral victory
The self-described Democratic Socialist has led an energetic, grassroots campaign focused on affordability.
www.silive.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:11 PM
The moment it was announced that Zohran Mamdani was elected as the first Muslim mayor of New York City, Abdullah Akl says he finally could identify with a leader who looked like himself.
Westerleigh resident Patricia Brooks, 70, loves oranges. But these days, oranges can be pricey, especially when she has to budget her entire month’s food shopping bill to just a little over $200, which is what she receives through the federal government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Retired Staten Islander struggles to feed herself and pet amid SNAP cuts and delays
"When you run out of butter, milk and eggs, that’s hard to get in a pantry."
www.silive.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Westerleigh resident Patricia Brooks, 70, loves oranges. But these days, oranges can be pricey, especially when she has to budget her entire month’s food shopping bill to just a little over $200, which is what she receives through the federal government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
"I look forward to building bridges, expanding our reach, and continuing the advocacy that ensures every person feels seen, valued and supported.”
#lgbtq+, #Lgbtqia, #lgbtqcommunity, #StatenIsland
#lgbtq+, #Lgbtqia, #lgbtqcommunity, #StatenIsland
This new executive director helps LGBTQ+ Staten Islanders feel ‘seen, heard, and empowered’
"I look forward to building bridges, expanding our reach and continuing the advocacy that ensures every person feels seen, valued and supported.”
www.silive.com
November 3, 2025 at 4:28 PM
"I look forward to building bridges, expanding our reach, and continuing the advocacy that ensures every person feels seen, valued and supported.”
#lgbtq+, #Lgbtqia, #lgbtqcommunity, #StatenIsland
#lgbtq+, #Lgbtqia, #lgbtqcommunity, #StatenIsland
After writing this story in 2017, I like to post it every year to remind women to get their yearly Mammo during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Why should you get a mammography? It saved my life; it could save yours.
Advance Staffer Tracey Porpora says she was, "One of the lucky ones."
www.silive.com
October 23, 2025 at 5:19 PM
After writing this story in 2017, I like to post it every year to remind women to get their yearly Mammo during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
After the release of alleged comments made in a text thread among some of the nation’s top young GOP leaders, including at least three Staten Islanders, the Richmond County Republican Party condemned the alleged hate speech in the chat.
Staten Island GOP condemns hate speech in Young Republican leaders’ text thread
“Their views do not represent the values of our Republican Party or the residents of our community."
www.silive.com
October 15, 2025 at 9:53 PM
After the release of alleged comments made in a text thread among some of the nation’s top young GOP leaders, including at least three Staten Islanders, the Richmond County Republican Party condemned the alleged hate speech in the chat.
After the release of alleged comments made in a text thread among some of the nation’s young Republican leaders, including two from Staten Island, the Richmond County Democratic Party is demanding an end to hate speech.
Staten Island Democrats call on GOP to address alleged hate speech in leaked texts
'It is tragic that this type of speech appears to be commonplace among the next generation of Republican leaders," said Assemblymember Charles D. Fall.
www.silive.com
October 15, 2025 at 12:05 PM
After the release of alleged comments made in a text thread among some of the nation’s young Republican leaders, including two from Staten Island, the Richmond County Democratic Party is demanding an end to hate speech.
Assemblymember Mike Reilly has fired his chief of staff due to alleged comments made in a text thread among a group of young Republican leaders from across the country.
Staten Island Republican fires chief of staff over alleged ‘troubling’ comments, including ‘I love Hitler’
The alleged texts exchanged via Telegram chats among young Republican leaders was obtained by Politico over a seven month period.
www.silive.com
October 14, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Assemblymember Mike Reilly has fired his chief of staff due to alleged comments made in a text thread among a group of young Republican leaders from across the country.
As much as any other issue, such as transportation, cost of living, and affordable housing, debates over the remaining Christopher Columbus statues in the city are a sticking point for the mayoral candidates.
NYC’s Columbus statues have become an unexpected flashpoint in the city’s heated mayoral race
Columbus has become a controversial figure due to his treatment of Indigenous peoples, including acts of violence and enslavement.
www.silive.com
October 13, 2025 at 4:41 PM
As much as any other issue, such as transportation, cost of living, and affordable housing, debates over the remaining Christopher Columbus statues in the city are a sticking point for the mayoral candidates.
Jasmine Ray, 41, says she was searching for the meaning of “life, leadership and love” when she put pen to paper in 2020 during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
She lost her 16-year-old brother in a tragic accident, dated the mayor, and is now telling all in a revealing memoir
She describes the book, "Political Humanity," as “part memoir, part political reflection, and a call for grace and unity in a divided society.”
www.silive.com
October 12, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Jasmine Ray, 41, says she was searching for the meaning of “life, leadership and love” when she put pen to paper in 2020 during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
As Bay Terrace resident Marylu Hegazy embraced her daughter, Leila, 35 -- who was wearing only prison sandals and pajamas given to her by the Jordanian government -- in JFK Airport in Queens, she breathed a sigh of relief.
S.I. mom recounts daughter’s detention by Israel during Gaza aid mission: “I was terrified, but I am so proud of her.”
Bay Terrace resident Marylu Hegazy embraced her daughter, Leila, 35, in JFK Airport in Queens after she was detained in an Israeli prison.
www.silive.com
October 10, 2025 at 12:53 PM
As Bay Terrace resident Marylu Hegazy embraced her daughter, Leila, 35 -- who was wearing only prison sandals and pajamas given to her by the Jordanian government -- in JFK Airport in Queens, she breathed a sigh of relief.
It’s likely Ann Perine lay awake in her bed at night, nervously listening to the banter among the many British soldiers who occupied her white, stone- and wood-framed 17th century farmhouse during the Revolutionary War.
This Staten Island home, still standing today, played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War
“It’s so uncommon in a metropolis like ours, to have houses from that period of our history still standing, still in the original location."
www.silive.com
October 1, 2025 at 4:44 PM
It’s likely Ann Perine lay awake in her bed at night, nervously listening to the banter among the many British soldiers who occupied her white, stone- and wood-framed 17th century farmhouse during the Revolutionary War.
When Heather Butts was studying at Princeton University she was able to explore her deep-rooted passion for African American history, particularly from the 1800s.
Sharing ‘untold stories’ of a Staten Island historic community is this professor’s mission
“It’s incredible to see these stories of resiliency passed down from generation to generation. It’s really, really meaningful."
www.silive.com
September 30, 2025 at 5:53 PM
When Heather Butts was studying at Princeton University she was able to explore her deep-rooted passion for African American history, particularly from the 1800s.
The Adams Administration’s controversial City of Yes housing plan has come to fruition, as homeowners now have the green light to add ancillary dwelling units (ADUs) to their property.
NYC homeowners can now legally convert attics, basements into apartments, build backyard tiny houses
To encourage homeowners who are interested in constructing a legal ADU on their property, Adams launched "ADU For You."
www.silive.com
September 30, 2025 at 1:54 PM
The Adams Administration’s controversial City of Yes housing plan has come to fruition, as homeowners now have the green light to add ancillary dwelling units (ADUs) to their property.
Huddled in the dark while drone fire filled the sky above her ship headed for Gaza, St. George resident
Leila Hegazy didn’t know if she was about to die.
Leila Hegazy didn’t know if she was about to die.
Staten Islander says risking her life is worth it to bring aid to civilians in Gaza
“We’re all on these boats knowing what the risks are...[it's] a little taste of the way that Palestinians live under constant fear of bombardment."
www.silive.com
September 28, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Huddled in the dark while drone fire filled the sky above her ship headed for Gaza, St. George resident
Leila Hegazy didn’t know if she was about to die.
Leila Hegazy didn’t know if she was about to die.
The daylighting bill, officially known as Intro 1138, is a proposed piece of legislation that seeks to improve street safety by banning parking within 20 feet of crosswalks at intersections. Its goal is to decrease the number of pedestrian deaths in the city.
Community board opposes ‘daylighting’, fears loss of 49,000 parking spaces on Staten Island
The daylighting bill seeks to improve street safety by banning parking within 20 feet of crosswalks at intersections.
www.silive.com
September 27, 2025 at 5:52 PM
The daylighting bill, officially known as Intro 1138, is a proposed piece of legislation that seeks to improve street safety by banning parking within 20 feet of crosswalks at intersections. Its goal is to decrease the number of pedestrian deaths in the city.
President Donald Trump on Monday promoted an unproven and in some cases completely discredited link between Tylenol and autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and intellectual disabilities.
Acetaminophen safety during pregnancy: What to know after Trump’s Tylenol claims
“Suggestions that acetaminophen use in pregnancy causes autism are not only highly concerning to clinicians, but also irresponsible..."
www.silive.com
September 23, 2025 at 5:43 PM
President Donald Trump on Monday promoted an unproven and in some cases completely discredited link between Tylenol and autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and intellectual disabilities.
This year, the parade organizers, the Richmond County St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, organized the borough’s very first inclusive parade to celebrate Irish heritage. And for their efforts, the committee was honored with the first Circle of Pride Award.
‘Together, we made history’: Staten Island St. Patrick’s Parade Committee honored by Pride Center
"The streets were filled with support, love and celebration—not just of Irish heritage, but of inclusion and community."
www.silive.com
September 14, 2025 at 3:56 PM
This year, the parade organizers, the Richmond County St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, organized the borough’s very first inclusive parade to celebrate Irish heritage. And for their efforts, the committee was honored with the first Circle of Pride Award.
Gov. Kathy Hochul is demanding the Trump Administration uphold permits already granted for off-shore wind projects in New York amid the president’s decision to pull funding for such projects.
N.Y. Gov. Hochul demands Trump Administration uphold off-shore wind permits
"Efforts to walk back these commitments jeopardize hardworking families, wasting years of progress and ceding leadership to foreign competitors."
www.silive.com
September 1, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Gov. Kathy Hochul is demanding the Trump Administration uphold permits already granted for off-shore wind projects in New York amid the president’s decision to pull funding for such projects.
“We’re seeing new species we never used to catch that are coming up here. That is simply because of water cleanliness and the availability of bait, which is what brings everything in. There’s literally acres and acres of bait fish bunker, which is needed to attract the other fish."
This Staten Island fisherman has watched the bay transform over 40 years. Now he fears it’s all at risk.
"Any disruption of the marine environment is detrimental to its longevity. ...When you introduce a big project like this, it’s going to destroy a lot..."
www.silive.com
September 1, 2025 at 3:24 PM
“We’re seeing new species we never used to catch that are coming up here. That is simply because of water cleanliness and the availability of bait, which is what brings everything in. There’s literally acres and acres of bait fish bunker, which is needed to attract the other fish."
At just 4 years old, Omar Abukwaik lost his arm and suffered severe injuries when a bombing destroyed his home and killed his entire family in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war.
Staten Island relief organization: Gaza travel ban threatens care for war-injured children
”This [travel ban] is very concerning. I’m personally upset that there’s lack of empathy and decency about what is happening."
www.silive.com
August 20, 2025 at 1:47 PM
At just 4 years old, Omar Abukwaik lost his arm and suffered severe injuries when a bombing destroyed his home and killed his entire family in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war.