The spark was lit on this day in 1690. British publisher Benjamin Harris printed the first American newspaper, Publick Occurrences, Both Foreign and Domestick, in Boston. It was short-lived—shut down after one issue—but revolutionary. Without government permission, Harris dared to tell the truth.

Authorities, bristling at his Whig-leaning voice, deemed the paper “without the least Privity or Countenance of Authority.” It was immediately suppressed. So much for freedom of speech—but the seed was planted.

It would take another 14 years before the next soul risked it. But nothing could stop the fire once it was lit. As William Hazlitt noted, “Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity a greater.” The free press endured.

Centuries later, journalism thrives. As of 2003, more than 54 million newspapers were sold daily. Today’s digital era has changed the platform—but not the duty. Journalism still holds power to inform, provoke, and protect truth.

Legendary broadcaster Edward R. Murrow once said, “It is well to remember that freedom through the press is the thing that comes first... we couldn't be free without newspapers, and that is the real reason we want the newspapers to be free.”

In a world saturated with headlines, William Storey’s words still echo. The press has a responsibility: to report the facts and, when needed, to raise some hell.