New Yorker article puts McCurtain County back in spotlight, and it's not pretty
This week, the New Yorker published an article outlining the impact a small, print-only newspaper in Oklahoma has had on uncovering and spotlighting misdeeds around the county.
McCurtain County found itself the center of nationwide controversy when the McCurtain News-Gazette, run by a father and son duo Bruce and Chris Willingham, accused county officials of plotting to kill Gazette reporters while making hateful comments about Black people after a March 6 meeting.
A recording of the alleged conversation was published in mid-April, but the people at the heart of the controversial recording were already opponents in a lawsuit filed in federal court the same day the alleged recording was made.
The lawsuit was brought March 6 by McCurtain Gazette-News reporter Chris Willingham against the McCurtain County Board of County Commissioners, the McCurtain County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Kevin Clardy, and county investigator Alicia Manning.
In the fallout, Gov. Kevin Still called for the officials to resign - two of which did - and the Oklahoma Attorney General to investigate the sheriff.
What's the latest on the McCurtain County scandal?
McCurtain County newspaper had already sued officials in federal court. Here's why
McCurtain County Sheriff's Office responds to allegations; questions authenticity of recording
McCurtain County community in turmoil after sheriff, commission accused of hateful speech
McCurtain Co. commissioner resigns amid controversy over violent remarks
Jesse Jackson says the McCurtain County sheriff should resign. No one is certain he will.
How can Oklahoma confront racism in its past and present? 'It's going to take the young.'
Oklahoma investigation into McCurtain County sheriff uncovers no crime, AG says
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: New Yorker article puts McCurtain County back in spotlight
