[Dave S]

Now, suddenly it's breaking news. Hmmm.

Yes because Lott opened his fat mouth and uttered some inane things and failed to apologize. The failure to apologize led some to believe that he meant what he said. That made the earlier story relevant. There are tons of stories floating around about most of the leaders. They are not published unless they have news value. When Lott expressed questionable comments, that made the other story relevant.

[Sabertooth]

Yes because Lott opened his fat mouth and uttered some inane things and failed to apologize. The failure to apologize led some to believe that he meant what he said. That made the earlier story relevant. There are tons of stories floating around about most of the leaders. They are not published unless they have news value. When Lott expressed questionable comments, that made the other story relevant.

Precisely. Lott gave this story birth, and then let it run.
Everything else is a consequence of that.