Publishing false statements knowingly is referred to as libel. This differs from slander which is defamation of character expressed verbally.
Though the US constitution contains an amendment protecting freedom of the press, this amendment does not protect people from false information. The Supreme Court has not allowed people to report false information in particular about individuals that ruin their reputation or defame their character to be protected by the First Amendment.
C The Daniel Shays rebellion was due to the poor social and economic problems and the Articles of Confederation was not able to properly rule the newly structured country.