History suggests apartheid ends not through appeals to conscience alone but through sustained economic and political pressure, says HUGH LANNING
Local newspapers are under threat – and with them local democratic accountability
by NUJ general secretary MICHELLE STANISTREET
As the US marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, the People’s World Editorial Collective argues that the real legacy of 1776 lies not in official celebrations but in centuries of popular struggles to make democracy a reality for all
Once a source of national pride, Cuba’s healthcare system declines as energy shortages deepen crisis, writes ANDREA RODRIGUEZ
Socialists, feminists and trade unionists gathered in Manchester to launch a network committed to evidence-based activism with a renewed emphasis on class and collective struggle. ANNA BARRETT reports
By making it simpler to support workers in struggle, Strike Map’s new Solidarity Fund aims to strengthen strikes when they need it most, write ROBERT POOLE and HENRY FOWLER
Only an ambitious programme of state-led investment can restore growth and improve living standards, argues MICHAEL BURKE
YOUR local newspaper should be the community watchdog, celebrating the achievements of its readers, campaigning for local causes and holding local politicians and businesses to account.
But the industry is in dire straits, titles are closing and merging and independent owners are selling out so the majority of local newspapers are now owned by just three companies — Newsquest, which is part of a United States conglomerate, Reach Trinity Mirror and Johnston Press.
Staffing levels have been repeatedly slashed. Journalists are working in extremely stressful conditions, often in offices miles away from the areas they are supposed to be covering.
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