Opinion: The only way to build a stronger democracy is by giving more voices more choices

Opinion: The only way to build a stronger democracy is by giving more voices more choices

“Unfortunately, in New York, restrictive ballot access laws, partisan gerrymandering, closed elections, and party bosses selecting candidates behind closed doors have left voters with fewer and fewer choices. More people feel like their votes do not matter and more people, especially those that consider themselves independents, are staying home.”

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'The War on Smoke Shops': Officials agree, illegal pot enforcement is needed, but how is it working?

'The War on Smoke Shops': Officials agree, illegal pot enforcement is needed, but how is it working?

Most officials agree – in order for the legal cannabis market to thrive, the unlicensed market must be tampered down. But enforcement of the unlicensed market has ruffled feathers on both sides of the issue – some have pushed for greater enforcement, while others say the current tactics mirror the enforcement of the failed war on drugs that marijuana legalization in New York State was aimed at rectifying.

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Ardila avoids questions about sexual assault allegations at community event

Ardila avoids questions about sexual assault allegations at community event

Juan Ardila, the Western Queens assemblymember who a month ago was accused of sexually assaulting two women at a 2015 party, refused to answer questions about an alleged independent investigation into the allegations when confronted by the Eagle at a neighborhood clean-up event his office hosted over the weekend. 

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Opinion: Steve Cohen is putting community first

Opinion: Steve Cohen is putting community first

“No matter what, three new casinos are coming to New York City. And with sports betting apps always just a click away, it is clear that we need to find ways to address gambling addiction in not just our community but across the board. Steve Cohen and his team have directly engaged with us, and made it clear that they want to be our partners in finding solutions, which is more than can be said for any of the other proposed projects.”

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As Assembly lines are approved, Queens locals rally against them in Richmond Hill

As Assembly lines are approved, Queens locals rally against them in Richmond Hill

As lawmakers approved State Assembly district lines on Monday, a group of South Asian and Indo-Caribbean advocates rallied in South Queens to protest the newly approved lines, which they say maintain unfair districts that splits up and dilutes their growing political voice.

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