Brave New World of Information

I heard for about the eighth time today that tomorrow will be the day when The New York Times publishes a blockbuster story about Gov. David Paterson.
I know the essence of blogging, almost, is to start or repeat rumors, but I'll take a pass on it this time. Suffice it to say if the rumors are true, Paterson, already toast politically, could be forced out of office. But it was Super Bowl Sunday that we first heard about this alleged story, and it has yet to surface.
Paterson forcefully denied yesterday that he has done anything wrong or that he is aware of the Times pursuing any such damaging story about him. He even said there is no broom closet in the Executive Mansion, a place mentioned in some of the blog reports alleging misconduct on his part.
Could this be an effort by a political or budgetary opponent to force him from office? Or is it just irresponsible speculation? Or is it true? We don't know yet.
One of the ironies of the decline of the newspaper business is that the thirst for information from the public has never been stronger. Another irony is while there is probably more need than ever before for careful editing of information that goes before the public, there is far less now than there used to be.
It's a brave new world of information out there, and it doesn't always serve the public well.