Star report
Country singer cited for handgun at airport
Country singer Scotty McCreery has been cited after authorities say he had a loaded handgun with him in RaleighDurham International Airport. Authorities told local media organizations that they found a loaded 9 millimeter handgun in McCreery’s backpack at a security checkpoint on July 13. He told authorities he had been at a firing range and forgot to take the gun out. He was flying to Nashville, Tennessee. Authorities say he had a valid concealed carry permit. He was cited for a misdemeanor concealed weapon permit violation and released. McCreery told WTVDTV in a statement that he has learned a lesson he won’t forget, adding, “I take gun safety very seriously.” The singer is an “American Idol” winner and North Carolina native.
Spicer unlikely to disappear from television
He won’t be behind a podium at the White House, but it’s unlikely Sean Spicer will disappear from television. Spicer quit as White House press secretary Friday, ushered out with the wish that “I hope he goes on to make a tremendous amount of money” from Anthony Scaramucci, President Donald Trump’s new communications director. That’s often the case in the communications business, where service in the high-pressure crucible of the White House is prized. Jay Carney, a press secretary in former President Barack Obama’s administration, now works for Amazon. Spicer’s voice would be valued at a television network, although the polarizing nature of the Trump White House may limit his options. Fox News Channel is the most obvious choice, as the network most friendly to Trump’s message. Spicer was interviewed for Sean Hannity’s Fox show Friday night. Fox said of Spicer, “We talk to all major players.” The network recently hired Ari Fleischer, former press secretary to President George W. Bush, as a contributor, along with former U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, a Utah Republican. Other conservativeleaning media organizations have hired former Trump associates. Boris Epshteyn is a commentator for Sinclair Broadcasting, and Corey Lewandowski, who had a controversial run at CNN, works at One America News Network. But it’s difficult to see Fox being outbid by anyone on the right. CNN has Trump-friendly commentators on staff, most notably Jeffrey Lord. Spicer would seem an upgrade with his insider’s knowledge of the Trump administration, but the network put out word Friday that it wasn’t interested. ABC, CBS and NBC have less of an appetite for political talk, and there were no immediate signals of interest.