People: Ex-Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer to join MSNBC
Former Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer said Thursday that he’s joined cable news channel MSNBC as a contributor.
The Democrat’s first appearance in his new role came Wednesday during an appearance on “The Ed Show” in which he discussed a segment on the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline. Schweitzer is an outspoken proponent of the project to ship oil from Canada to Texas Gulf Coast refineries, putting him at odds with many Democrats.
He’s appeared regularly on various news programs since leaving office in January 2013. In those and other public appearances, he’s strived to portray himself as a “common sense” politician with little regard for party lines.
Rumored as a presidential hopeful, Schweitzer has visited the key Democratic caucus state of Iowa but has made no formal announcement about whether he might run in 2016.
Video clips of Bieber arrest released
Justin Bieber’s wobbly walk during a South Florida sobriety test isn’t the only thing police video captured after his January arrest on driving under the influence and other charges. But it’s unclear if the remaining clips will be released.
Bieber’s attorneys raised no objections to the roughly 10 hours of video released Wednesday following public records requests by the Associated Press and other news organizations. They have argued to a judge that police video of the 19-year-old singer urinating into a cup for a drug test invades his privacy.
Miami-Dade County Judge William Altfield plans to review the withheld video privately and have a hearing next week on whether any portions will be released.
Bieber has pleaded not guilty to the charges stemming from his January arrest.
FLOTUS set for role in ‘Parks’ finale
First lady Michelle Obama is making a trip to Pawnee, Ind.
FLOTUS is set to make an appearance in the one-hour season finale of “Parks and Recreation,” which airs April 24 at 8 p.m.
Ex-‘Idol’ Aiken files for Congress
Former “American Idol” runner-up Clay Aiken officially filed Thursday to run for Congress in North Carolina, saying that he wants to help end the gridlock in Washington and that no single political party has all the answers.
The performer, a Democrat, turned in his paperwork at the State Board of Elections to seek the 2nd District seat currently held by Republican Renee Ellmers. Aiken must first try to win the Democratic primary less than 10 weeks away.
The birthday bunch
Actor Gavin MacLeod is 83. Actress Bernadette Peters is 66. Comedian Gilbert Gottfried is 59. Actor John Turturro is 57. Rock singer Cindy Wilson is 57. Actor Rory Cochrane is 42. Country singer Jason Aldean is 37. Actor Geoffrey Arend is 36.