Reno News Roundup: Deputy DA fired, auditor hit with restraining order and AI fail prompts lawsuit

Kristen and Bob cover this week’s major Reno news — from a deputy district attorney’s firing over social media posts to lawsuits involving UNR and the Reno Police Department. We also discuss the return of the homelessness advisory board, our documentary on homelessness and Reno’s new “death café.”

📰 Deputy district attorney fired

A Washoe County Deputy District attorney, Aziz Merchant, was fired from the DA's office after local attorneys raised concerns over his social media videos. The content, described as misogynistic and suggestive of violence, drew public criticism and a swift response from the DA’s office.

🎓 UNR lawsuit over toxic academic environment

A graduate student in the University of Nevada, Reno’s clinical psychology program filed a lawsuit alleging harassment. She claims the department’s long-standing problems hindered her progress toward a doctoral degree.

🚔 False arrest lawsuit after AI facial recognition fail

A Reno police officer is being sued after a man was misidentified by Peppermill Casino’s AI facial recognition system. Despite presenting valid IDs, the man was arrested and later cleared. The city’s defense is that Real IDs can still be fraudulent.

🏘️ Homelessness advisory board to meet after 18 months

The county’s community homelessness advisory board plans to reconvene for the first time since May 2024. We also discuss the Good Neighbors Warming Shelter, which begins its second year providing overnight refuge at several churches.

🎥 Our documentary, “A City in Crisis,” is now available on YouTube

Our documentary, “A City in Crisis,” traces Reno’s homelessness challenges from 2010 to 2024. It features footage from local vigils and examines the gap between government responses and on-the-ground realities. The film is now available on YouTube.

⚖️ Self-professor First Amendment auditor hit with restraining order

First Amendment activist Drew Ribar was issued a restraining order after a judge found a pattern of harassment against attorneys and community members. While the court acknowledged his right to film in public, the judge determined that his behavior crossed into harassment.

🖤 Reno’s “Biggest Little Death Café”

A new monthly gathering at the Radical Cat bookstore brings people together to talk openly about death and dying. Hosted by two local death doulas, the event encourages honest conversation around end-of-life issues. The segment closed with reflections on why discussing mortality matters for everyone.

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This summary was generated with the assistance of AI and edited by us.