Unfortunately this happens all to often in the working world.
An online friend of hubby's took an offer with a police station (to be dispatcher gave notice to his other job and the day before he was to start at the new job they called and asked if he quit his old job, which at first he thought was odd question to ask. Turns out the new place changed their mind and said he didnt have the job. He has since hired a lawyer.

It sure sounds like in your case someone else came available that they really wanted. Such a cowardly place to have your check ready after hours when no one was there. Your better off not working there at the newspaper.