The viral photo claiming Nolan Wells returned to mainland Mississippi on the Fourth of July has unraveled into a typical mess of miscommunication, fluffed by social media and parroted by corporate media outlets like CNN and MSNBC. Warren Hudson, Wells’ best friend, has slapped down the narrative, clarifying that the photo was actually snapped a week earlier. Typical, right? The mainstream loves a sensational story even if it’s built on shaky foundations.

Why are we still surprised? CNN and MSNBC seize any opportunity to push an agenda, and they’ve clearly opted for a feel-good, heroic narrative instead of sticking to the facts. They want clicks, retweets, and shares—even if it entails spinning false timelines. It’s almost as if they ignore the concept of journalistic integrity when they think there’s a trending story in the mix. What matters is the headline, not the nuances.

Fox News, while not immune to this, at least counterbalances with skepticism toward the establishment. Yet, in cases like this, they too can get swept up in the fray, amplifying viral moments instead of scrutinizing them. The bottom line is that any media outlet should be held accountable, whether they’re sensationalizing returning heroes or relegating vital context to tautological soundbites.

The public deserves better than a race to the bottom where truth is less valued than the next viral moment. Let’s not continue to buy into flawed narratives crafted by corporate media. Demand clarity, demand truth, and most importantly, make them work for your trust.