Welcome to GenFKD’s Daily Pregame, where we give you the day’s biggest headlines so you don’t have to pull a muscle in order to stay informed.
Sheldon Silver in full action. Source: Shutterstock
Sheldon Silver’s Corruption Trial Kicks Off, Getcha Popcorn Ready
Sheldon Silver’s corruption trial begins today in Lower Manhattan, with jury selection kicking off what may prove to be a grisly affair.
The former New York State Assembly Speaker faces public corruption charges that accuse Albany’s sludgemaster of illegally collecting around four million dollars via kickback schemes that traded political favors for cash. Alongside former New York State Senator Dean Skelos (whose trial begins in a few weeks), Silver is the highest-profile corruption target for the office of Preet Bharara, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Silver’s attorneys have labeled his actions totally legal, while business is expected to booming for Bharara’s office for the foreseeable future.
Source: Slate
Republican Candidates Debating Debate Format
GOP presidential candidates are demanding more control over future debates, namely by decreasing the influence of the Republican National Committee.
A gathering by several campaign teams on Sunday night resulted in a list of specific demands over items like opening and closing statements, the number and type of questions posed to candidates, moderator selection and even the selection of broadcast networks themselves. The meeting came among a broad unhappiness among the candidates about the debates thus far, particularly after the first Democratic debate seemed to solidify support around Hillary Clinton’s candidacy.
Surprisingly, there are reports of intense conflicts between the candidates’ desired changes. Jeb Bush’s team reportedly argued vehemently in favor of having a debate on the Spanish-language Telemundo network, while Donald Trump’s camp said it would boycott any such event. The debate over the debates continues.
Source: CandyFavorites.com
Dentist’s Well-Meaning Campaign Undermined by Terrible Candy
One dentist is trying to save kids from getting their teeth drilled by launching a program to take away their Halloween candy.
No, Dr. Fawn Rosenberg from Lexington, Mass. isn’t stealing kids’ treats or, even lamer, giving out apples instead. The dentist is actually offering kids cold, hard cash in return for sweets, with every pound of plastic-wrapped diabetes netting kids one dollar. Even further, Rosenberg is sending the candy, along with a dental care toolkit, to American troops overseas.
Of course, the program may actually lower the morale of soldiers abroad, as they throw out package after package of Necco Wafers.
