Ethically Dubious Ways to Make Your Next Flight More Enjoyable

Getting your way as a consumer often requires social awareness and a sense of what's appropriate. But up there in the rough and scary unfriendly skies, it's a whole other game. Sometimes, having a pleasant flight means making others physically uncomfortable and can push the boundaries of your personal moral code. What are these sneaky secrets?

Lifehacker's Adam Dachis guides readers through the dark side of air travel, from the ethically gray (taking advantage of poorly coded airline sites to get the seat you want without paying extra fees) to the outright mean (using a water bottle to keep the passenger in front of you from reclining).

from the Consumerist

Obama Says No To Bin Laden Photo

President Obama decides not to release any photos of Usama bin Laden's death, citing concerns it would threaten national security interests.

More

Editors Notes: Sound familiar!

'Superman' Actor Jackie Cooper Dies At 88

Former child star 'just kinda died of old age,' attorney says

LOS ANGELES — Actor Jackie Cooper, the former child star who enjoyed renewed fame years later as Daily Planet editor Perry White in the Christopher Reeve "Superman" movies, has died near Los Angeles, his attorney said on Wednesday. He was 88.

Cooper died on Tuesday at a convalescent home in the coastal city of Santa Monica. "He just kinda died of old age," attorney Roger Licht told Reuters. "He wore out."

He rose to fame as a prominent cast member of Hal Roach's "Our Gang" short comedy films, appearing in such notable releases as "Teacher's Pet" and "Love Business."

More

Happy Star Wars Day

May The Forth, Be With You.

Fruitland Police Department Press Release

DATE & TIME: May 1, 2011 @ 8:38 p.m.
INCIDENT: Possession of CDS
LOCATION: N. Fruitland Blvd. & Clyde Avenue Fruitland, Maryland
CASE NO.: 2011-468

PERSON CHARGED: KAREN MERCADEZE BLANCO

AGE: 29

ADDRESS: BRONX, NEW YORK

PERSON CHARGED: CINDY LEE ALVES

AGE: 26

ADDRESS: ELMONT, NEW YORK

PERSON CHARGED: TERION ASHANI WILLIAMS

AGE: 24

ADDRESS: BRONX, NEW YORK

CHARGES:

POSSESSION OF CDS – MARIJUANA

POSSESSION W/INTENT TO USE PARAPHERNALIA

POSSESSION W/ INTENT TO USE PARAPHERNALIA

DISPOSITION: Remanded to custody of Central Booking, WCDC

Resume:

On the above time, date and location, Fruitland officers conducted a traffic stop on a Mitsubishi Galant which displayed a single operating headlight.

Observation by the officers revealed the presence of loose tobacco throughout the vehicle and a K9 unit was contacted to respond for a scan. The K9-scan resulted in a positive alert and a search was conducted of the vehicle. CDS and CDS paraphernalia was located within the vehicle and the above named subjects were susequently charged.

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On May 2, 2011 at approximately 4:38 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to a residence on the thirteen hundred (1300) block of Aspen Drive for the report of a domestic assault. Upon arrival the officers met with an adult female victim who advised that she and the below listed suspect had been involved in a domestic argument. During the argument, the suspect struck the victim in the left eye with a closed fist. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. The victim did not require medical treatment.

ARRESTED: Joseph Vincent Price, 39 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Second degree assault

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100016789

On May 3, 2011 at approximately 7:30 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Walmart Department Store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival, the officers met with store security who advised that store employees had observed the below listed suspect take clothing from the store without attempting to make payment. The clothing was recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED: Kim Michel Deyunn, 28 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 1,000)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100016975

On May 3, 2011 at approximately 9:00 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were received a call to respond to the Walmart Department Store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised that store employees had observed the below listed suspect take clothing from the store without making any attempts at payment. The property was recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED: William Michael Morris, 19 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100)

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 201100016982

WCSO Press Releases

Incident: CDS Possession with the Intent to Distribute
Date of Incident: 29 April 2011
Location: Jersey Road, Salisbury, MD

Suspects:
1. Dontrell D. White, 22, Salisbury, MD
2. Latonya J. Thompson, 34, Salisbury, MD
3. Deandre T. Ames, 20, Salisbury, MD
4. Samuel C. Russ, 21, Salisbury, MD
               
Narrative: On  29 April 2011 at 10:10 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office attempted to pull over a vehicle for speeding on Jersey Road in Salisbury. Prior to the vehicle stopping, the deputy observed that a clear plastic baggie was thrown from the vehicle by a passenger. After this item was discarded from the vehicle, the operator pulled to the side of the road. Upon approaching the operator, identified as Samuel Russ, the deputy discovered that Russ was operating the vehicle on a Learner’s Permit only. While the deputy spoke with the occupants about the stop and what was seen thrown from the vehicle, another deputy recovered the thrown item, a baggie of what was determined to be crack cocaine. The crack cocaine was in an amount that was indicative it was intended for distribution.

The deputy arrested the driver, Russ and his three passengers. A search of the vehicle revealed an additional baggie that held marijuana.

All four were transported to the Central Booking Unit where they were processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance the four were detained by the Commissioner in the Detention Center on the following bonds:

Dontrell White: $100,000.00\
Latonya J. Thompson - $25,000.00
Deandre T. Ames - $25,000.00
Samuel C. Russ - $25,000.00
Charges: Possession of CDS with the Intent to Distribute

****************************************************

Incident: CDS Possession
Date of Incident: 30 April 2011
Location: Rt. 50 Bypass at Jersey Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspects: Dana L. Chamberlin, 32, Salisbury, MD
                                
Narrative: On 30 April 2011 at 1:17 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle on Rt. 50 for erratic driving. Upon approach to the vehicle, the driver and passenger, Dana Chamberlin appeared overly nervous about being in the presence of a law enforcement officer. A drug K9 team arrived to scan the vehicle which resulted in a positive alert for the presence of the odor of illegal drugs. A search of the vehicle revealed a crack cocaine smoking device where Chamberlin had been sitting. An examination of the device revealed the remnants of crack cocaine.

The Delmar Police Drug K9 Team assisted with this incident.

Chamberlin was arrested and transported to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and brought before the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner held her in the Detention Center in lieu of $25,000.00 bond.

Charges: Possession of CDS

****************************************************

Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 30 April 2011
Location: 500 Glen Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspects: 1. Juvenile Female, 14 YOA, Berlin, MD
                 2. Juvenile Male, 16 YOA, Snow Hill, MD
                                 
Narrative: On 30 April 2011 at 8:13 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to investigate an assault complaint at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that two juveniles became embroiled in a verbal altercation that turned into a mutual physical altercation between the pair.

Both juveniles were charged on a Juvenile Referral  that will be sent to the Department of Juvenile Services for adjudication.

Charges: Assault 2nd

****************************************************

Incident: Theft Investigation
Date of Incident: 1 May 2011
Location: 500 Glen Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspects: Pending
                                 
Narrative: On 1 May 2011 at 2:19 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to investigate a theft that occurred in the parking lot of the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center.  Investigation revealed that an unknown suspect broke out a passenger side window of a vehicle and took a GPS device, DVD’s and a Playstation 3 from inside the vehicle.

At this time the Sheriff’s Office in actively investigating this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4891 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.
Please refer to case 11-1702

Charges: Pending

****************************************************

Incident: Theft Investigation
Date of Incident: 30 April 2011
Location: 500 Glen Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspects: Pending
                                 
Narrative: On 30 April 2011 at 1:00 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office investigated the theft of a wallet from inside a vehicle that was parked at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center. During the ensuing investigation, the deputy learned that the credit cards contained in the wallet were used at local businesses in Salisbury immediately following the theft.

The investigation into this theft and the subsequent use of the credit cards is continuing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4891 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.
Refer to case 11-1696
Charges: Pending

****************************************************

Incident: DUI Arrest
Date of Incident: 30 April 2011
Location: S/B Salisbury Blvd. at College Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Entienne NMN Saintfleur, 32, Salisbury, MD
                                 
Narrative: On 30 April 2011 at 2:30 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle for speeding and erratic driving on Salisbury Boulevard in Salisbury. Upon approach to the vehicle operated by Entienne Saintfleur, the deputy detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from within the passenger compartment. Upon stepping from the vehicle, Saintfleur stumbled and swayed while following the deputy’s instructions. After a battery of Field Sobriety Tests, the deputy concluded that Saintfleur was operating his vehicle  while under the influence of alcohol. Post arrest, Saintfleur was transported to the Maryland State Police barrack where a breath test confirmed that conclusion.
Saintfleur was released upon signing his citations.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

****************************************************

Incident: Check Welfare
Date of Incident: 30 April 2011
Location: 20000 block of Jackson Road, Fruitland, MD
                                 
Narrative: On 30 April 2011 at 11:00 PM, the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Central 911 that they had a distraught caller on the line who claimed that he was armed with a handgun.  Based on the information received, deputies responded to the residence and placed themselves in safe positions where they could observe both the residence and the caller. Communication was facilitated between the subject and the Sheriff’s Office via Central 911 and he ultimately came to the rear door and made contact with the deputies.  No one was injured in this incident and the responding deputies were able to render the assistance needed to the subject.
Releasing Authority: 1st SGT Tim Robinson
Date: 3 May 2011

****************************************************

Incident: Assault on a Deputy
Date of Incident: 1 May 2011
Location: 4000 block of Skylar Drive, Eden, MD
Suspects: Charles R. Tingle, 55, Eden, MD
                                 
Narrative: On 1 May 2011 at 9:17 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to investigate an altercation inside a residence in the 4000 block of Skylar Drive in Eden. Upon arrival, the deputy met with a female subject who told the deputy that her boyfriend became enraged while watching the hockey game because his favorite team was losing. The female advised that Tingle began throwing furniture around the house and one of the chairs struck her causing injuries, which were visible to the deputy.

The deputy attempted to enter the residence to contact Tingle but he locked the door and began yelling expletives at the deputy. Once provided with a key,  the deputy entered and located Tingle in a rear bedroom, brandishing a knife. After Tingle refused multiple demands to drop the weapon and instead cursed at the deputy, the deputy took action to make Tingle compliant and subsequently took him into custody.

During the arrest the deputy became contaminated with bodily fluids from Tingle and was subsequently treated at PRMC.

Tingle was detained by the District Court Commissioner in the Detention Center in lieu of $25,000.00 bond.
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree
                Resisting Arrest

GOVERNOR MARTIN O'MALLEY TO ADDRESS MARYLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 3, 2011) – TODAY, Governor Martin O'Malley will address Maryland business leaders at the Maryland Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Membership Meeting and Business Hall of Fame Awards Dinner.

The Governor will discuss economic development and transportation priorities. The Annual Meeting is the Maryland Chamber’s largest networking event of the year. Attendees will also honor the achievements of three outstanding business leaders as they are inducted into the Maryland Business Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees are R. Neal Black, President & CEO of JoS. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc.; Thomas S. Bozzuto, Chairman & CEO of The Bozzuto Group; and Maurice B. Tosé, Chairman, President & CEO of TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.

MARYLAND RECOGNIZED BY HARVARD UNIVERSITY AS A NATIONAL LEADER IN GOVERNMENT INNOVATION

The Maryland Energy Administration’s ‘Generating Clean Horizons’ initiative to compete for the Kennedy School of Government’s ‘Innovations in American Government’ Award

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 4, 2011) – Governor O’Malley today announced that Maryland has been recognized by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University for developing one of the most innovative public sector programs in the nation. The announcement comes as the Kennedy School names the top twenty-five innovations in government, representing the best in creative problem solving of local, state, and federal municipalities around the country, as part of the competition for the prestigious Innovations in American Government Award.

“In times when governments must do more with less, Maryland is leading by example: using its increasingly limited resources to make the right choices and investments in the future,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “By investing in smart, creative solutions like Generating Clean Horizons, Maryland is creating jobs through innovation and making real progress towards our goal of generating twenty-percent of our state’s energy needs from renewable sources by 2022.”

The Generating Clean Horizons initiative was launched in 2008  in an effort to ‘kick-start’ utility-scale clean power generation in Maryland.  The initiative, which is administered by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) in partnership with the Department of General Services (DGS) and the University of Maryland Systems (UMDS), was designed to leverage the State of Maryland’s purchasing power by offering twenty-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) to developers of new, renewable energy facilities. The state solicited proposals from developers of renewable energy technologies (biomass, solar and wind), ultimately signing agreements with two commercial scale onshore wind farms and one of the nation’s largest solar farms. As a result, the Generating Clean Horizons program has spurred the creation of 78 MW of new renewable energy generation – enough to power nearly 20,000 average Maryland homes per year – while also creating new 'green' jobs and saving Maryland millions of dollars each year in energy costs.

The Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s Innovations in American Government Award was created in 1985 by the Ford Foundation in response to widespread pessimism and distrust in government’s effectiveness. In the time since, Maryland governments have been honored with the award four times, most recently in 2004 for the City of Baltimore’s CitiStat program: a data-driven management tool developed by then-Mayor Martin O’Malley to encourage personal accountability and focus attention on results. The CitiStat program serves as the model for Maryland’s innovative StateStat program, and has been studied and emulated by countless jurisdictions from around the globe.

In addition to receiving recognition as one of the most innovative governmental programs in the nation, the Generating Clean Horizons initiative served as the model for the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2011, which sought to leverage long-term PPAs to kick-start offshore wind development in the waters off of Maryland’s Atlantic coast.  The resulting offshore wind development is expected generate much needed clean, renewable energy, create new ‘green’ jobs, and promote long-term price stability. The Obama Administration and the US Defense Department are also evaluating the initiative as a way to promote offshore wind to enhance national energy security and economic competitiveness.

“I’m proud that Maryland has, yet again, been recognized as a national leader in government innovation,” said Malcolm Woolf, Director of the Maryland Energy Administration. “We know that to compete in this global economy, innovation is key. Despite fiscal constraints, we will continue to find ways to accelerate our progress towards a clean energy future.”

Today’s announcement by Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government marks the end of the second round of the Innovations Awards cycle, in which the nation’s top twenty-five most innovative programs are selected from a pool of more than 500 qualified applicants. The winner of the Award, along with five finalists, will be announced this fall. The winner is eligible to receive a grant of $100,000, and each finalist receives a $10,000 grant.

For more information, visit the Maryland Energy Administration.

Today’s National Research Council Report On The Chesapeake Bay

Today the National Research Council of the National Academies issued a report “Achieving Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Goals in the Chesapeake Bay: An Evaluation of Program Strategies and Implementation.” In response, Environment Maryland Policy Advocate Tommy Landers issued this response:

“Today’s report is an important reminder that Maryland needs to carefully track our Chesapeake Bay cleanup actions, and that we need to get ahead of the curve in meeting our water quality goals. The report notes that many of our current measures are ‘low-hanging fruit,’ like cover crops and treatment plant upgrades.  Very soon, we need to start implementing more innovative approaches.

“One of the most important things Gov. O’Malley can do is to reduce the amount of manure applied to farm land.  Decades of over-application of manure have left many of our lands saturated with phosphorus, a key pollutant in the bay.  The problem stems from a flawed test farmers use to determine when to apply manure, the so-called Phosphorus Site Index.

“Gov. O’Malley should prohibit manure application on soils that are already full of pollution.  That would make him a leader in the Chesapeake Bay region in addressing one of the biggest, but least accounted for, impacts of industrial animal agriculture on our waterways.

“The report says that throughout the watershed ‘current accounting [of cleanup practices] cannot on the whole be viewed as accurate.’ A clear example of that is Maryland’s nutrient management plan for farmers. The program is a step above many other states. But more important than simply having a plan is first, ensuring those plans are strong enough to protect water quality and second, making sure farmers actually stick to them.”

Mid Day SBYNews

Shorebirds Pitcher Arrested Last Night For A DUI.

It has been reported that one of the Shorebirds pitchers was arrested at Brew River last night for driving under the influence of alcohol. We were told there was some kind of motor vehicle accident involved as well. 

Lankford Sysco to lay off employees.

It has also been reported that Lankford Sysco will lay off some of its employees due to the economy.

Lisa Bryant, (WBOC) Delivers One Of The Finest Stories I've Ever Seen

OCEAN CITY POLICE INVESTIGATING MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT

The Ocean City Police Department is currently investigating the theft of a box trailer

containing two Harley Davidson motorcycles and one Iron Horse motorcycle. On May 2,

2011, Ocean City Police responded to the area of 409 Baltimore Avenue in reference to a report of a motor vehicle theft. The trailer and motorcycles, which were stolen between 1 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on May 2, 2011 in the Tidelands auxiliary parking lot on the west side of Baltimore Avenue, were taken by an unknown suspect.

The trailer, which is 16 feet long, is painted black. “S.R. Bressler” is painted on the side of

the trailer in white cursive lettering with “Welding and Fabrication” also painted on the

side in black and orange lettering. The wheels of the trailer are described to have tandem wheels on each side.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Ocean City

Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 410-723-6604. Anonymous tips may

also be made via email to ocpd@oceancitymd.gov.

A Letter To The Editor

Elected Official Doesn't Care what the Constitution Says?

"I don't care what other cities do, or what the Constitution says, because sometimes that's wrong.."  Shanie Shields, Salisbury City Councilwoman Did Ms. Shields not take an oath as an elected official to uphold the U.S. Constitution?  Has she read it recently?  People may change and their opinions may differ but our Founding Fathers debated and left behind enough correspondence and documents for us to clearly interpret what they intended for the rule of government in the United States of America.  To understand it clearly, you may have to read those other documents and correspondence from the originators but they debated the issues and compromised on some issues, but clearly communicated a free democratic republic for America. Our current liberal policy makers and judicial system have been twisting its meaning and interpreting the Constitution to further their own agendas.  Shame on you, Americans, for allowing an administration to govern, as currently in office, that clearly resembles Marxism!   I hope enough of you are concerned as I am for where our country is heading.   I also hope enough of you realize the future of a free America is in deep trouble and it will motivate you to vote for serious changes in 2012!

GOP Begins To Unravel Unfunded Medicaid Mandates To States

House GOP conference vice chair Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington State, Georgia Republican Rep. Phil Gingrey, and Utah Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch introduced legislation on Tuesday that they say will remove “onerous” Medicaid funding requirements for the states.

They say Medicaid spending “ties the hands of states,” consuming, according to a fiscal survey of the states, an average of 22 percent of state budgets.

The bipartisan National Governors Association says that governors nationwide aren’t asking for a bailout fix from the Treasury Department. “In fact, we encourage the federal government to follow the lead of states and make the tough decisions necessary to get its fiscal house in order,” the NGA said. “Federal fiscal stability is critical to the long-term strength of states and the country.”

Hatch, McMorris Rodgers and Gingrey expect the proposal to get broad bipartisan support. “If they [Democrats] care for their citizens and they care for their budgets, they’re going to be with us on this,” Hatch told reporters at a Tuesday press conference. “This is not a partisan bill.”

The sponsors already have significant Republican support for the bill in both the House and Senate. At the press conference, House Energy and Commerce chairman Rep. Fred Upton, Wyoming Sen. John Barasso, House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Chair Joe Pitts of Pennsylvania and Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander joined in introducing the legislation and have each signed on as co-sponsors.

“The federal government has literally said the states have to spend money the states don’t have,” Alexander said at the Tuesday press conference. “The end result of that? They have to find it somewhere else.”
Here is more

51% See Free Market As Better Way To Reduce Health Care Costs

While support for repeal of the national health care law has fallen to its lowest level yet, most voters still believe free market competition rather than more government is the better way to reduce the cost of health care in America.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 51% of Likely Voters say free market competition between insurance companies will do more to bring down health care costs than more government regulation.  Thirty-one percent (31%) disagree and feel increased government regulation is the better way to go.  Eighteen percent (18%) are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Still, the number of voters who favor free market competition is down 15 points from late October 2009, when two-out-of-three voters (66%) felt that way.

Republican Congressman Paul Ryan's long-term budget-cutting plan features a radical reworking of Medicare that includes the creation of health insurance exchanges that he contends would drive down prices due to free market competition. But opposition to Ryan's budget plan is growing.

Rasmussen

Avoiding Double Standards On Osama Bin Laden

Former IDF chief of staff and foreign minister Shaul Mofaz has some advice for the United States, now that international al Qaeda terror chief Osama Bin Laden is dead.

Following Bin Laden's assassination last weekend by U.S. special forces in Pakistan, Mofaz has suggested the U.S. refrain in future from criticizing Israel for taking similar action.

 Mofaz, currently head of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, added he would like to see targeted killings used more often.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu praised the U.S. for its determined war on terror, calling the successful operation a “resounding victory for justice.”

In the past, U.S. leaders and international heads of state have frequently criticized Israel when it has eliminated terrorists responsible for major attacks against its citizens.

One of the most recent examples of such criticism came after the January 2010 targeted killing of senior Hamas terrorist Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, one of the group's founders and its top weapons buyer.

Israel was vilified by numerous countries around the world for the killing, although its foreign intelligence agency, the Mossad, has neither confirmed nor denied any connection with the operation. More

Safe Kids Day Is This Saturday!

Safe Kids Day this Saturday, May 7th from 12:30 - 3 p.m. at the Mid Shore YMCA in Salisbury.

The event is free, and fun for the whole family. Meet Safety Pup, Sunguard Man, Sunshine the Clown, the Comedy Princess and more!

USPS Reduction

The Postal Service is moving past voluntary buyouts and preparing managers for firings. Reduction-in-force notices have already gone out to administrative employees likely to be affected. This month specific employees will find out whether their job will be eliminated. Some may keep their jobs, but at lower ranks. In March, USPS offered $25,000 buyout incentives, but only 2,000 non-union employees signed up. USPS's goal is to eliminate 7,500 jobs.

White House Lies About California Newspaper Request?

A small weekly paper in California claims that a White House official asked it to remove a sentence from a “benign” feature about Marine One because it reflected poorly on first lady Michelle Obama.

In an email to The Daily Caller, Gina Channell-Allen, president of the Pleasanton Weekly in Pleasanton, California, said that her paper “received a call from the White House asking us to take out part of the story because it reflected poorly on the First Lady.”

The story in question was a soft feature about Marine One titled, “Inside Marine One, President Obama’s Helicopter,” that ran in the paper on April 20.

Pleasanton staffer Amory Gutierrez “didn’t get to ride in ‘Marine One,’” she wrote in her story, “but I did get the VIP tour and took photographs of the otherwise unseen aircraft.”

She also wrote a sentence that the White House thought made FLOTUS look snooty.

“Basically the reporter said that the First Lady didn’t speak to the pilots but acknowledged them by making eye contact,” Allen wrote in her email.

Allen says she “complied” with the White House’s request “because it was not worth making a fuss over.”


UPDATE: Katie McCormick Lelyveld, FLOTUS’ press secretary, wrote the following in an email: “Our office has never interacted with the Pleasanton paper, and not knowing the story existed, we never asked for such a line to be removed.”

Daily Caller