Why did the Jussie Smollett story dominate the news?

The New Republic

A U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant was arrested this week for planning a killing spree against prominent journalists and Democrats, yet that news was overshadowed by Smollett's indictment and arrest. "Smollett’s story prompted a flurry of attention from the beginning; his arrest turned it into a blizzard of commentary," says Matt Ford. "Cable news covered every twist and turn in elaborate detail." Ford says Smollett received more coverage than any other story this week. He wonders if Smollett was a "smokescreen." "Several major stories this week revealed deep truths about this political moment in America," he says. "None pertained to the TV actor." ALSO: Bill Maher slams Smollett for giving a gift to Fox News.