The Old Blog in the Desert

A majority of the Washoe County Commission declined to approve results from the June Primary Election after two reports showed manipulation based on the certification provided by county data.

Instead of investigating the evidence, Nevada Secretary of State Francisco V. Aguilar and Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford are trying to force the County Board of Commissioners to certify the election by going to the Nevada Supreme Court.

“This week, three county commissioners refused to canvass accurate election results as required by law,” Aguilar said. “Their actions have the potential to set a dangerous precedent for elections in Nevada. It is unacceptable that any public officer would undermine the confidence of their voters.”

Ford echoed this sentiment, stating, “When the Board of Commissioners failed to perform its duty to certify the authenticated results of the recount, it failed to meet the expectation of Nevada voters that the election results would reflect the votes of the majority.”

Both Aguilar and Ford, both Democrats, are calling on the court to confirm the legal obligations of county commissioners. They insist that the entire Washoe Board of County Commissioners must canvass and certify election results, accurate or not.

They filed the petition with the Nevada Supreme Court despite an April 2024 guideline published by the Department of Justice that reads, “There are criminal and civil prohibitions against voter intimidation and voter interference. Federal law prohibits intimidation, threats, and coercion throughout the voting process, including registering to vote, casting a ballot, and even at the stage of counting or tallying votes.”

Clara Andriola, a county commissioner, initially voted not to certify the elections but has now faced pressure from Ford and Aguilar. Her decision to bring back the vote for recount certification, while raising some eyebrows, is not a complete surprise.

Before her vote, Andriola stated, “Given the fact that it’s not the first time that we’ve heard a lot of concerns of procedures, a lot of concerns of alleged mishaps, I think have been a term that’s been used a lot or hiccups … I am not going to certify the vote. I believe that it warrants further investigation.”

Voting rights advocate Robert Beadles provided the county commission with evidence they used not to certify the election.

“These people just can’t stop screwing us all over,” said Beadles. “They continue to serve themselves rather than the people. Regardless, the cat is out of the bag—the election was 100 percent rigged.”

Ford and Aguilar are, he added, in appearance, interfering with the election process by misusing Nevada laws.

Perhaps there is a connection, perhaps not. My quirky pension for looking at links between unrelated items gets me wandering down the proverbial rabbit hole. In this case, I realized that on Thursday, July 18, the same day as former Donald Trump’s nomination acceptance speech at the RNC, I learned it was International Nelson Mandela Day.

While my brain works in ways I don’t always understand, I started thinking about Nelson Mandela, the effect named after him, and how legacy media and the federal government are telling us to reject what we see and hear. As I lay in bed with a cold, influenced by a medication to help me stop “coughing, sniffling, sneezing, so I can rest better,” I recalled the Schumann effect.

The Schumann effect, known as Schumann resonances, refers to global electromagnetic resonances generated and excited by lightning discharges in the cavity formed by the surface of the Earth and the ionosphere.

These resonances occur at extremely low frequencies, with the fundamental frequency around 7.83 Hz. Recent theories suggest a fascinating link between these resonances and the Mandela effect, challenging the understanding of mainstream science.

The space between the surface and the ionosphere is a resonant cavity for electromagnetic waves. When lightning strikes, it generates electromagnetic waves that travel around the Earth, creating standing waves at specific frequencies. The primary frequency of these resonances is 7.83 Hz, but there are also higher harmonics at approximately 14.3, 20.8, 27.3, and 33.8 Hz.

Schumann resonances are used to monitor global lightning activity and are a suggested method to study climate and ionosphere changes. Some researchers also explore their potential effects on human consciousness and health, proposing that these resonances could influence brain function in ways not yet fully understood.

The Schumann and Mandela effect share a connection. The Mandela effect is a psychological phenomenon where a large group of people remember an event or detail differently from how it occurred. Named after Nelson Mandela, this phenomenon gained its name because many people falsely remembered him dying in prison in the 1980s, even though he passed away in 2013.

The Schumann-Mandela hypothesis suggests that the electromagnetic fields generated by Schumann resonances could influence brain activity and memory formation, potentially leading to collective false memories or the Mandela effect. Techniques like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) use electromagnetic fields to influence brain activity, affecting mood and memory. While these methods controlled for treating conditions like depression and OCD, they hint at the broader potential of electromagnetic fields to influence cognitive processes.

There is intriguing evidence that Schumann resonances influence the brains of animals. The frequency of 7.83 Hz interacts with biological systems in various ways. Schumann affects the circadian rhythm of animals, influencing sleep patterns, feeding behaviors, and other daily activities. Exposure to Schumann resonances is to changes in melatonin levels, a hormone that regulates sleep and wakefulness, playing a crucial role in maintaining the circadian rhythm.

Some studies show that the frequencies of Schumann resonances can synchronize with brainwaves, particularly in the low-frequency range of six-to-16 Hz. Schumann also influences the human brain, impacting synchronization, learning, memory, and dream states, leading to the Mandella effect.

The fact that electromagnetic fields can impact brain activity supports the Schumann-Mandela hypothesis. Geomagnetic influences, including geomagnetic storms, can alter brain wave patterns, especially in the alpha frequency range, and affect cognitive functions like attention and memory. These disruptions in natural brainwave cycles could result in vivid dreams that seem real, potentially leading to false memories.

While mainstream science has not established a direct link between the two effects and the creation of false memories, the Schumann-Mandela hypothesis is worth exploring. Speculative ideas often drive scientific advancements, and curiosity about potential connections between Schumann and the Mandela effects could lead to important discoveries. Concepts like space travel, submarines, and smartphones were once considered far-fetched, yet they became reality through exploration and innovation.

In conclusion, while the connection between Schumann resonances and the Mandela effect remains speculative, the potential influence of electromagnetic fields on brain function and memory formation is an intriguing area of research. Further investigation into the Schumann-Mandela hypothesis could deepen our understanding of both phenomena and uncover new insights into the workings of the human brain.

And while I am aware that I haven’t been sleeping very well the last couple of nights, I wonder if I missed a shift in the Universe because I was drugged off my ass to help me get the sleep I never got.

The City of Yerington asks all municipal water users to conserve water in response to a prolonged heat wave that has significantly increased water demand. City officials are taking proactive measures to ensure a sustainable water supply for all residents amidst this heightened demand.

The city has reduced watering parks and fields to lessen pressure on the municipal system. The conservation effort follows the failure of one of the city’s primary municipal wells earlier this year, with public works personnel and partner agencies currently working to construct a replacement well.

Working with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mason Valley and Peri and Sons Farms, the city has also arranged for the upcoming Night in the Country Music Festival to utilize alternative water sources. The partnership should further reduce system demands while supporting the community’s largest event.

City Manager Robert Switzer stressed the importance of resident cooperation during this period of high water demand.

“We understand the importance of maintaining our green spaces, but in light of the current situation, we must prioritize the availability of water for essential uses,” Switzer stated.

Yerington officials have shared practical water conservation tips with residents, including limiting outdoor watering to early morning or late evening hours to minimize evaporation, monitoring sprinklers to ensure efficient watering of vegetation, fixing leaks promptly, and reducing shower times.

The building from which an attempted assassination on President Donald Trump occurred on Saturday, July 13, has been found to have extensive ties to various industries and financial institutions, including the investment giant BlackRock.

American Glass Research (AGR), which manufactures glass products, owns the building. In March of this year, Indicor, a company in the defense contracting sector, purchased AGL.

Indicor CEO Doug Wright has a history in defense contracting, having previously worked for Raytheon and Ingersoll Rand. Raytheon and Honeywell, another company Wright worked for, made headlines for their decision not to donate to politicians who voted against certifying the Biden election on Tuesday, January 6, 2021.

Federal Election Commission filings indicate that, after initially pausing political contributions following the Tuesday, January 6 insurrection, defense companies resumed their donations, including to Republicans who questioned the Biden victory. This financial entanglement further complicates the narrative and the connections between the political and defense sectors.

On June 1, 2022, Roper Technologies, Inc. announced the sale of a majority stake in its industrial businesses, including its entire Process Technologies segment, to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC (CD&R). The transaction involved approximately $2.6 billion in pre-tax cash proceeds.

Nathan K. Sleeper joined CD&R in 2000 and is the CEO. His investment banking and management background includes involvement in the fossil fuel industry.

In 2018, CD&R acquired PowerTeam Services, LLC, renamed Artera Services. Artera owns multiple environmental companies, including natural gas industry corporations, KS Energy Services, and Feeney Utility Services Group.

The dual role of Sleeper in the investment committee of his alma mater, Howard College, which oversees the endowment of the school, and his involvement in fossil fuel investments points to the entrenched financial interests opposing divestment efforts.

Attention has also turned to the other individuals involved in the financial management of the endowment. Andreas Halvorsen, CEO of Viking Global Investors, and Michael Eisenson, a private equity firm leader, serve on the investment committee.

The hedge fund run by Halvorson, Viking Global Investors, increased its investment in the natural gas company Calpine Corp in 2016. Similarly, the private equity firm operated by Eisenson had interests in RGL Reservoir Management, a company specializing in technology for extracting oil from tar sands.

BlackRock Inc. has been notably active in acquiring substantial stakes in various companies. In January 2024, BlackRock filed an SC 13G form with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), disclosing ownership of over 7.6 million shares of Viking, marking a significant increase from their previous holdings.

The BlackRock investment trail also leads to Forum Energy Technologies, Inc., which has over 200 institutional owners, including BlackRock. The web of financial interests extends to the Forum purchase by Variperm Energy Services and connections to Pacific Perforating, which ultimately trace back to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC.

Belron, a global leader in vehicle glass repair and replacement, is another critical piece of this puzzle. Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Fund X announced on December 17, 2021, the sale of its investment in Belron.

The nearly $23 billion transaction involved selling approximately 39 percent of CD&R Fund X stake to funds managed by Hellman & Friedman, GIC, and BlackRock Private Equity Partners. CD&R Value Building Partners I then purchased the remaining 61 percent.

Belron, with market-leading brands such as Carglass®, Safelite®, and Autoglass®, also manages vehicle glass and other insurance claims for insurance customers. For the period ending December 2020, sales and adjusted operating results for Belron were over 4.2 billion and more than 6.3 million, respectively.

CD&R Fund X acquired a 40 percent stake in Belron in February 2018, a transaction that valued the company beyond $3.2 billion. Since then, CD&R has worked closely with the D’Ieteren Group and the Belron management team to drive growth and margin improvement. Following the recent transaction, CD&R holds a 20 percent stake in Belron, remaining the second-largest shareholder primarily through the $4 billion CD&R-managed SPV.

Finally, a photograph posted on social media by Alex Soros in January 2024 depicted a pane of glass with a bullet hole, accompanied by money totaling $47. This image has become eerily symbolic, as the assassination attempt came from the top of a glass factory, and Trump, should he win the election, would become the 47th President of the United States.

Shortly after the attempted assassination, a video surfaced online, uncovered and extensively reported by Laura Loomer. The video shows the shooter in a classroom during a BlackRock commercial made in 2022 and released in 2023. This revelation adds another layer of intrigue, linking the shooter to a location associated with BlackRock.

The connections between AGR, Indicor, and the broader network of defense contractors suggest a more profound and potentially deadly plot. The involvement of high-profile financial and industrial players raises questions about the true motives behind the assassination attempt and whether it was part of a larger scheme with political and economic ramifications.

The revelations about these interconnected financial and industrial entities will fuel further speculation and scrutiny. The unfolding story may yet reveal more about the intricate and potentially dangerous web of interests surrounding the assassination attempt on Trump and the Deep State.

The Nevada Secretary of State (SOS) and Attorney General (AG) pressured the Washoe County Commissioners to certify a manipulated and fraudulent election through the recount certification process.

They threatened the commissioners with criminal prosecution and removal from office if they did not comply or face punishment by law and removal from office if proven guilty. It is what extortion looks like.

Every race was affected by massive vote manipulation. The evidence shows the changing of 21,000 ballots, disenfranchising voters. A hand recount would have revealed over 35,000 manipulated ballots and votes, making nearly 43 percent of the election fraudulent.

Using official Washoe County data, certified as accurate via the Cast Vote Record (CVR), a factual minimum of 3,527 Republican-styled ballots were destroyed, with a speculative number of 4,186.

The destroyed ballots were substituted with an equal number of nonpartisan ballots and recast again for Angela Orr in the nonpartisan board election, just reaching the 50 percent +1 requirement. The replacement process needed to create a new paper trail because of the variations in ballot formats.

A court-authorized hand count was necessary to absolve the Registrar of Voters from wrongdoing. The hand count would have revealed discrepancies in the flipped ballot styles within the electronic CVR had the paper trail not been backfilled.

Republican ballots cast for Walter Grady in the Republican Senate Primary were also a target for destruction. The vote totals were calculated using equations over precincts, similar to methods used in previous elections across Nevada. These methods show that replacement ballots were used in other nonpartisan races to benefit the winners.

In nonpartisan primaries, any candidate who receives 50 percent of the vote wins the general election, making it crucial to investigate Orr’s 51.09 percent win in the nonpartisan State Education Board race and Alex Woodley’s 52.09 percent win in the nonpartisan School Trust Race (District E). The remaining mail-in totals for many Republican Senate candidates are so small that reconstructing their original totals before ballot deletion is impossible.

The election represents a 13.4 sigma anomaly. Instructions are provided on calculating the 13.4 sigma value, indicating the chance of this event is effectively zero.

When considering the superimposed timelines of Democrats and Nonpartisans in the mail-in vote, the speculative number of manipulated votes is between 17,635 and 20,930, not accounting for irregularities in the early vote.

The Court was asked to order a new election for all 2024 Washoe Primary Races, conducted in-person and hand-counted at the precinct level. One Democrat and Republican referee would have counted the ballots publicly, allowing any Washoe County resident to observe the process on video. If the new election results differed from the original, the Nevada Supreme Court was to step in to eliminate the use of voting machines.

In a 4-1 vote, after hours of public comment, the Washoe County Commission reversed its previous decision and certified two recounts from the June primary election on Tuesday, July 16. Commissioner Jeanne Herman was the sole dissenting vote.

Vice Chairwoman Herman stated there is no appetite to ensure safe and honest elections. Commissioners Clara Andriola and Mike Clark voted to certify under duress, with Clark expressing regret and citing legal threats as the reason for his changed vote.

The failure to certify initially led Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar and Attorney General Aaron Ford to file a Writ of Mandamus with the Nevada Supreme Court. They claimed the refusal to certify set a dangerous precedent.

At the recent meeting, Clark blamed the undermining of voter confidence on County Manager Eric Brown, citing a 2023 audit that found election processes error-prone and confusing. Clark criticized Brown’s leadership and called for a legislative fix to restore trust in elections.

Republican Commissioners Herman and Clark, supported by a far-right movement within the county, have consistently voted against certification. On Tuesday, Clark changed his vote under legal pressure as Andriola expressed increased confidence in the election process after meeting with the county’s interim registrar of voters and the district attorney’s office.

Public comments included calls for a hand recount or a complete redoing of the election. Commissioner Herman stood firm against certification, citing constituent reports of fraud and voter hardships.

Questions remain as to why the AG and the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office are so resistant to investigating election fraud claims if the elections are as secure as claimed. The legal threats and Writ of Mandamus indicate a fear of what an investigation might reveal.

It is well documented in this blog that election fraud in Washoe County is extensive, with up to 43 percent of the vote rigged, especially in mail-in voting, and calls for a new in-person, hand-counted election.

As a final note and as a way of personal commentary, we have a public that cares about how fair and honest our elections are. What is not available are honest bureaucrats, department heads, law enforcement, judiciary, and local media.

At every turn, the public is ignored or turned into an election-denying conspiracy theorist. Furthermore, this reporter and his blog have remained shadowbanned despite several name and Internet address changes.

Former President Donald J. Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Penn., where chaos erupted as shots rang out, killing one spectator and injuring several others, including Trump.

“Donna and I thank God that former President Trump is safe and unharmed after being shot at during a rally in Pennsylvania,” Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo said. “We are waiting for more information from the Secret Service. In the meantime, we are praying for calm and civility around the country.”

The incident unfolded during Trump’s speech, where he was abruptly interrupted by gunfire. Witnesses reported hearing two bursts of shots, prompting a swift response from security personnel who rushed Trump offstage. Video footage showed the suspected shooter lying motionless on a nearby rooftop shortly after the incident.

Trump, visibly shaken and bleeding from around his ear, was quickly transported to a hospital. In a social media post following the incident, he disclosed that a bullet had pierced the upper part of his right ear.

President Joe Biden condemned the violence in a televised statement, describing it as “sickening.” He later reached out to Trump to express his concern and solidarity.

Law enforcement officials recovered an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle from the scene, believed to have been used by the assailant.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack.

Leaders, including Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressed shock and solidarity with Mr. Trump. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation of political violence across party lines in the United States.

Despite the harrowing events, the Republican National Convention, where Trump is to be formally nominated, will proceed as scheduled in Milwaukee starting Monday.

The young man who attempted to assassinate Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania is Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old resident of Bethel Park, a suburb south of Pittsburgh. According to reports, Crooks lived in a relatively affluent neighborhood, described as firmly middle-class by local officials.

Dan Grzybek, who represents the area on the county council, recalled meeting Crooks’s parents briefly and described them as pleasant and open-minded. He noted that their family political affiliations were varied, with Crooks registered as a Republican, his mother as a Democrat, and his father as a Libertarian—a reflection of the diverse political landscape in Bethel Park.

Crooks, who graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022, was not known to have a criminal history and was fatally shot by Secret Service agents after firing multiple shots toward the stage where Trump was speaking. An AR-15-type semiautomatic rifle was recovered near his body, indicating his weapon of choice during the attack.

The motive behind Crooks’s actions remains unclear, and the FBI is actively investigating, conducting interviews with friends and family, and scouring online activities for potential clues. Law enforcement found Bomb-making materials inside the vehicle and home of the man suspected of shooting Trump.

The shooter’s father, Matthew Crooks, declined to provide details about his son until he talked to law enforcement. His son reportedly used his gun to carry out the attack. The community of Bethel Park has been stunned by the incident, with residents expressing disbelief that such violence could originate from their neighborhood.

The shooting, which resulted in the death of one spectator and critical injuries to two others, has sparked widespread condemnation and raised questions about security protocols at political events. Leaders from both parties have denounced the attack, emphasizing the need for unity and civility in political discourse.

As investigations continue, federal authorities expect to provide further updates on their findings and the circumstances surrounding the attempted assassination of a former U.S. president.

Sid Miller, the commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture, vividly described the chaotic scene when gunfire erupted. Miller recounted the panic and confusion that swept through the crowd.

He observed people bleeding and others screaming while security personnel and law enforcement officers moved swiftly to secure the area and ensure safety. Despite the tense atmosphere, many rallied in solidarity, chanting “U.S.A.!” as Trump left the stage.

The incident drew immediate comparisons to past acts of political violence in U.S. history, such as the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and attempts on the lives of other presidents. The swift response from law enforcement, including the engagement of snipers positioned nearby, underscored the heightened security measures at such events.

Trump, visibly shaken, stood up and acknowledged the crowd after the shooting subsided, raising his fist as a gesture of resilience amidst the turmoil. The rally, initially a show of enthusiastic support, quickly turned into a scene of trauma and disbelief, leaving attendees shaken but thankful that the outcome was not more tragic.

As investigations into the motive and circumstances behind the shooting continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and tensions inherent in American political discourse.

Following the incident, Trump confirmed on Truth Social that a bullet pierced his right ear. Despite this, law enforcement officers and safely ushered him into an SUV.

Eyewitnesses like Tiona Evans, who attended the rally as a birthday gift to herself, expressed profound shock and emotional distress over the day’s events. Attendees exchanged accounts of what they had witnessed amidst rumors and confusion in the aftermath.

Joseph, who was just yards away, describes what happened, “I heard several gunshots. The man beside me suffered a gunshot wound to the head, was instantly killed, fell to the bottom of the bleachers. Another woman looked like she got hit in the forearm or hand.”

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro identified the deceased victim as Corey Comperatore, 50, of Sarver, Penn. He was a former volunteer fire chief for Buffalo Township.

Pennsylvania State Police later identified David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, Penn., and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, Penn., as the men shot while at the Trump rally. They said the two are in stable condition.

In a single frame of a photograph by veteran photographer Doug Mills, a bullet appears to be streaking near Trump’s head. Former FBI special agent Michael Harrigan noted the technical rarity of capturing such an image, suggesting the trajectory of a high-speed projectile in flight.

Despite the chaos, Trump’s resilience was evident as he arrived in New Jersey, leaving his plane unaided. His injured ear, out of view of the cameras, stood as a stark reminder of the danger faced and the broader implications of political violence in America.

Republican Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, has vowed to seek answers from the Secret Service regarding the incident.

“There are many questions and Americans demand answers. I have already contacted the Secret Service for a briefing and am also calling on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to appear for a hearing,” said Comer.

The shooting, which occurred while Trump addressed supporters at the rally, left him with a bullet grazing his right ear, as depicted in photos showing blood on his ear and face as Secret Service agents swiftly evacuated him from the stage.

According to the Secret Service, the shooter fired from an elevated position outside the venue. “U.S. Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased,” announced Anthony Guglielmi, the agency’s chief spokesperson. Tragically, one rally attendee died after being struck in the head, and two others were critically injured.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, whose department oversees the Secret Service, personally briefed President Biden about the shooting. “We are engaged with President Biden, former President Trump, and their campaigns, and are taking every possible measure to ensure their safety and security,” Mayorkas assured.

Criticism has arisen over proposed legislation to remove Secret Service protection from Trump. Allies of the former President have questioned the timing and motives behind such legislative efforts, particularly in light of the recent shooting.

“Leading Democrats introduced legislation intended to strip President Trump of Secret Service protection,” Alex Pfeiffer, spokesman for the Make America Great Again Inc. super PAC, wrote on X. “They did that at the same time as Joe Biden called President Trump a ’dictator,’ and Nancy Pelosi said President Trump ’must be stopped.’”

Last April, key Democrats revealed new legislation that would strip Trump of his Secret Service agents if he was convicted of a felony and sent to prison.

Thompson, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said the legislation was to clarify who had custody of Trump in the event he went to prison.

“My bill would not have affected the Secret Service’s presence during this tragic event,” he said. “It aims to clarify lines of authority when a protectee is sentenced to prison and is in the custody of another law enforcement agency. That does not apply to the former President.”

A Manhattan jury in May convicted Trump on 34 counts of allegedly falsifying business records. His sentencing is on Sept. 18.

Thompson said he was concerned that a Secret Service protective detail could lead to accommodations for a former president in prison.

“It is regrettable that it has come to this, but this previously unthought-of scenario could become our reality,” the Mississippi lawmaker said. “Therefore, it is necessary for us to be prepared and update the law so the American people can be assured that protective status does not translate into special treatment — and that those who are sentenced to prison will indeed serve the time required of them.”

America First Legal, an outfit made up of former senior officials from the Trump administration, said Saturday it had filed an open-records request to determine if the Homeland Security Department rebuffed requests for enhanced Secret Service protection for Trump. And allies of Trump are questioning why his opponents want to put his life in more danger by writing legislation that would remove his Secret Service protection.

Meanwhile, controversy surrounds the Biden administration’s decision, through the DHS, to deny Secret Service protection to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign, a move critics say goes towards the inconsistencies in security policy, if not the targeting of political rivals.

My Cousin Elmo says, “I accidently confused the word ‘jacuzzi’ with ‘yakuza’ and now I’m in trouble with the japanesse mob.”

My Cousin Elmo says, “You can’t clean the outhouse while sitting on the hole.”

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford has announced plans to donate $16,000 in campaign contributions received from a California family allegedly involved in a campaign contribution laundering scheme.

During his 2022 re-election campaign, Democrat Aaron Ford received $16,000 from David Duong, CEO of California Waste Solutions, and his son, Andy Duong. After making his first donation, Andy Duong posted a picture on Instagram with Attorney General Ford, captioned, “Supporting our phenomenal leader, Aaron Ford, Attorney General of Nevada. Go team #fordfornevada #LB1111.” He also tagged Ford in the post.

Cal Waste Solutions has been under FBI scrutiny since 2019 for allegedly operating a straw-donor money-laundering scheme. In June, the FBI raided the company’s offices, the homes of David and Andy Duong, and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, also implicated in the scheme. The Duong family and Thao maintain their innocence, and details of the FBI investigation remain undisclosed.

Ford’s campaign contributions are part of a broader issue where wealthy special interests use shell companies, intermediaries, or “straw donors” to obscure the source and amount of their political donations. Ford was the only Nevada politician to receive donations from the Duongs, while several California politicians, including Rep. Ro Khanna, Assemblymember Evan Low, and Rep. Adam Schiff, also received contributions.

Following reports of the alleged scheme, Ford released a statement on Monday, July 7.

“After seeing reports on this matter, which was the first time I learned of the allegations, I have chosen to donate the contributions my campaign received to charitable organizations,” Ford said.

His decision aligns with actions taken by other elected officials who also received contributions from the Duongs.

Laura Martin, the Executive Director of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN), leads an organization dedicated to advancing progressive causes and candidates in Nevada. The coalition, comprising more than 30 organizations, including Planned Parenthood, Chispa, Mass Liberation Project, Silver State Equality, and the Culinary Union, wants to make Nevada a more “socially and environmentally just state.”

On Saturday, July 13, Martin made controversial posts wishing for news about the death of President Donald Trump and claimed the recent assassination attempt at Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania was “staged.”

Despite PLAN’s non-partisan stance, Martin’s social media history contains numerous incendiary remarks directed at Republican candidates and officials, both within and outside of Nevada. Nevertheless, the Nevada Democratic Party and elected Democratic officials continue to work with PLAN on legislation affecting Nevadans.

Martin’s “Planistas” are activists and community organizers who influence state Democratic lawmakers, such as Assemblywoman Cecilia Gonzalez, during legislative sessions to promote progressive legislation. Gonzalez, who became involved with PLAN as a Planista in 2015 out of anger, has sponsored criminal justice reform legislation that PLAN endorses. During a live chat on Instagram, Gonzalez promised to reintroduce the legislation in the next legislative session in 2025.

Democratic candidates and elected officials frequently praise PLAN’s organizing efforts, endorsements, and voter engagement, which have been instrumental in their electoral victories. For instance, in 2018, Jacky Rosen acknowledged PLAN’s significant contributions to her campaign, calling their efforts “important work.”

However, the Nevada GOP has called on Nevada Democrats to denounce Martin’s statements, describing them as “classless” and indicative of “what is wrong with America.”

In response, a spokesperson from Rosen’s campaign stated to The Globe, saying, “Senator Rosen strongly disagrees with these comments and believes that calls for political violence and hate have no place in this country. She has called for us to come together as Americans and reject baseless conspiracy theories on both sides.”

Similarly, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s spokesperson, Lauren Wodarski, stated, “Senator Cortez Masto believes calls for political violence are wrong and strongly condemns the irresponsible rhetoric from Laura Martin.”

Chris D’Aloia, Communications Director for Rep. Susie Lee, said, “Congresswoman Lee strongly denounces political violence and any calls for it, including the disturbing comments from Laura Martin.”

Hell, in 2006, I lost a newspaper gig because I publicly stated through social media that a Republican candidate who complained to the editor, claiming I continuously ignored him, had nothing in his “war chest if all he could do was blame a reporter for his failing campaign.”