4chan can be a cesspool but they are usually right on top of breaking news and my son tells me they investigate very well and as a result, have lots of information before anyone else.
I hate to say it but 4chan is “where it is at” right now. Free republic used to be the point of the spear but over the decades it has turned into more of an old folks home. We talk about it but they are doing it. I pretty much spend all my internet time there anymore and just stop by here to keep up with the other old fogeys.