Rumor, gossip and a dose of shoddy journalism led to an internet frenzy over the weekend claiming that a “news blackout” was in effect and that Mexican drug cartels had seized two Texas ranches in the Laredo area.

It turns out, thankfully, no Texas ranches were seized and all violence was contained to the Mexican side of the border.

Besides the obvious teachable moments that apply here, what jumps out at me the most is this story shows the growing lack of faith and confidence the American people have come to have in the MSM.

Here is the latest on the story as blogged my Michelle Malkin.