With multi-billionaire Elon Musk buying a 9.2 percent stake in social media platform Twitter last month, hope abounds that this formerly free public forum will shed its “woke” censorship and hyper-left bias and get back to hosting a real conversation on ideas.
One guided by independent thought, not increasingly left-leaning herd-think …
Until then, though I am sticking with my decision to eschew Twitter – with the notable exception of auto-posting links and the occasional retweet.
Or, this …
Anyway, welcome to a Wednesday edition of FITSFeed, our format which focuses on news briefs, reader feedback and other stuff I probably would have posted on social media had it not pissed me off.
Got something for the feed? Please email me.
***
THE FEED …
5:43 p.m. EDT – TODAY’S TUNEAGE
(Via: YouTube)
“Try this trick and spin it … yeah.”
***
5:09 p.m. EDT – ALLEGED INSURANCE SCAM UPDATE
(Via: Sumter County Detention Center)
Earlier today, this news outlet reported on arrests related to an alleged insurance scam in Sumter County, South Carolina. A total of seventeen people are facing twenty-five charges, but the suspected ringleader of the operation – Tyburious Heyward – remains at large.
What failed to make the initial headlines? The fact Heyward was convicted of running a similar racket in 2019 – receiving a five-year prison sentence for his leadership of a ring that staged car wrecks, impersonated victims and defrauded insurance companies out of tens of thousands of dollars.
Clearly, Heyward got out of jail early …
Prior to his latest brush with the law, Heyward was arrested in 2018 in Sumter, S.C. on charges of reckless driving and failure to stop for police. Oh, and at the time he led Sumter police on a high-speed chase through the city four years ago, he was “wanted on charges in other jurisdictions,” according to The Sumter Item.
Sheesh …
Ordinarily, I would say Heyward’s impending arrest on the latest charges he is facing (assuming police are able to locate and apprehend him) would be a positive development for public safety. Sadly, this is South Carolina … where “Republican” lawmakers continuing appointing judges who habitually allow violent criminals back onto the streets.
***
4:05 p.m. EDT – SERVE AND CONNECT SCORES AGAIN
(Via: Serve & Connect)
One of South Carolina’s most impactful nonprofits is back in action this week! Serve & Connect – a Columbia, S.C.-based charity that works to strengthen relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve – held an event with Walmart this week.
The big box retailer is joining forces with the nonprofit on a major expansion of its “Greg’s Groceries” initiative. This program is named after Greg Alia, a Forest Acres, S.C. police officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty on the morning of September 30, 2015.
Alia’s widow – Kassy Alia Ray – is the founder of this organization, which I have previously hailed as a “definitional force for good” in the Palmetto State.
Serve & Connect’s many partners include the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), S.C. Law Enforcement Officers Association (SCLEOA), South Carolina Police Chiefs Association (SCPCA), South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police (SCFOP) and South Carolina Sheriff’s Association (SCSA)
Want to support Serve & Connect? Visit the group’s website here to learn how …
***
3:01 p.m. EDT – GRATUITOUS SELF-PROMOTION …
In case you missed it, I am on the latest installment of the ‘Murdaugh Murders’ podcast, our news director Mandy Matney’s highly successful audio offering. I am told I am as mellifluous as ever … lugubrious, even … but if you want to check it out for yourself, click here.
***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR …
(Via: FITSNews)
Will Folks is the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. Prior to founding FITSNews, he served as press secretary to the governor of South Carolina. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and seven children. Oh, he also has LOTS of hats … but has given them up for Lent this year.
***
WANNA SOUND OFF?
Got something you’d like to say in response to one of our articles? Or an issue you’d like to proactively address? We have an open microphone policy here at FITSNews! Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. Got a tip for a story? CLICK HERE. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? CLICK HERE.
BANNER VIA: GETTY IMAGES
