Latest news with #KevinMcCall
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Yahoo
Violent incidents at Coney Island subway station raise safety concerns
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) — Recent violent events at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station have raised serious concerns about safety in New York City's transit system. Community leaders, local officials, and residents are now demanding stronger measures to ensure public safety. More Crime News A brutal attack on a 16-year-old Black teenager last week has drawn widespread condemnation. The victim was assaulted by a group of teenagers who reportedly yelled racial slurs, threw a banana at him, and repeatedly punched and kicked him while he was on his way to school. The attack, captured on video and shared widely on social media before being removed, is being investigated as a hate crime. One suspect, also 16 years old, has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including hate crimes and robbery. The victim's mother, Monique White, expressed her anguish during a public safety town hall meeting held Friday night at Coney Island Cathedral Church. 'No one should be beating on you or fighting you for the color of your skin,' she said, while noting that her son is recovering from the traumatic incident. Civil rights leader Rev. Kevin McCall and Councilman Justin Brannan hosted the town hall to address the community's concerns. Rev. McCall emphasized the need for proactive measures ahead of the summer months, stating, 'We must not be silent when these things happen'. More Brooklyn News Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry assured attendees that all individuals involved in the attack would be apprehended. Meanwhile, Councilman Brannan criticized the city's decision to cut funding for youth programs designed to ensure safe passage for students traveling to and from school. This is not the first violent episode at the subway station. In December, a woman was tragically set on fire while sleeping on a subway car. The suspect in that case is currently awaiting trial. Additionally, just last week, another 16-year-old was stabbed in the leg during an altercation at the same station. Despite an overall 22% drop in subway crime during the first ten weeks of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, felony assaults remain high. In response to these incidents, NYPD officials have increased patrols at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. Lieutenant Clifford Strong confirmed that additional officers are now stationed across platforms and mezzanines 24/7 to enhance security. Community members voiced their frustrations during the town hall meeting. One attendee remarked, 'More than ever, Coney Island is at a divide.' Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bill would let New Mexico counties temporarily halt issuing new cannabis producer licenses
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – After federal agents shut down a major cannabis grow in Torrance County, there's new attention on a proposal that could make it easier for counties to put a pause on new cannabis producer licenses. 'We've been at a loss as to what to do and how to move forward. How many more can Torrance County handle and should they handle?' said Torrance County Commissioner Kevin McCall. Story continues below News Insiders: New Mexico's U.S. Attorney Sheds Light On 'Secretive' Job Crime: FBI investigation into former Navajo Nation presidential candidate Events: Tent Rocks National Monument to reopen after seasonal closure Just how many cannabis grows can a county handle is at the heart of a new bill lawmakers are weighing in Santa Fe nearly a week after the feds shut down an alleged illegal operation near Estancia. Current state law doesn't let New Mexico's local governments deny permits for cannabis growing operations. TorranceCounty said it has more than 35 cannabis producers there alone. 'At some point, we as a county want to say enough is enough, we've got enough,' said McCall. The county said the grows have taken a toll on county roads, cause light pollution, and create an odor. Some constituents have also raised concerns about water usage. Now, in a bipartisan effort, Sen. Liz Stefanics (D- San Miguel, Santa Fe, Torrance & Valencia), Rep. Stefani Lord (R- Bernalillo & Torrance), and Rep. Anita Gonzales (D- San Miguel & Torrance) are introducing SB 152 which would give county governments a say in pausing cannabis grower licenses. 'This bill would allow counties to petition the Regulation and Licensing Department for a two-year moratorium on cannabis grow permits in their counties,' said Sen. Stefanics. If a county files a petition, the bill allows the State Regulation and Licensing Department to have the final say on if the pause on new licenses would take effect. 'It's about letting the counties get in control of what they are being asked to let happen in their counties,' said Sen. Stefanics. Reacting to the bill, prominent cannabis operator Duke Rodriguez, said the real discussion should be around the number of retail licenses the state allows. New Mexico Association of Counties told KRQE that Torrance County isn't the only county that has stated the need to control cannabis producer licensing in their area better. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
