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“State Secrets”

Distinguished Service to the First Amendment, honoring Edward Willis Scripps

The Boston Globe, 2025

Author(s): Staff

The Boston Globe’s “State Secrets” investigative series exposed the secretive culture and undemocratic practices of the Massachusetts Legislature, revealing how secrecy erodes public confidence. The reporting prompted legislative leaders to promise changes in the coming year.

Honoring Edward Willis Scripps

E.W. Scripps is largely responsible for today’s free and independent press. In 1878, E.W. started his own newspaper in Cleveland designed to reach the greatest number of people by being affordable. Most importantly, it was completely independent, which left no party, cause, business or individual above criticism.