Graphic novel illuminates Thomas Paine’s revolutionary life and legacy

The British born Thomas Paine played a fundamental part in the American Revolution, which led to the formation of the world’s most powerful democracy.

The radical free thinker’s life is depicted in Paul Fitzgerald’s new graphic novel PAINE. The author answers The Meteor’s questions on Paine’s pivotal role in the American Revolution, how he fell foul of the French Revolution, and what the arch anti-royalist would have made of the Queens Platinum Jubilee.

Salford Star closure – how Salford council tried to block and discredit the Star

The Salford Star has shut down. This article is a warning to others who may follow, on the pitfalls of founding a genuine publication that aims to give the community a voice and hold public bodies up to account. They will try to discredit you, block information and shut you down.

Here the Salford Star editor, Stephen Kingston, looks at how democracy perished badly under the Salford mayoral system.