Shows
Purple Politics Nevada with Lucia StarbuckNevada AG answers your questions on price fixing, immigration, and due processNevada Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford in Carson City, Nev., on May 17, 2023.(Lucia Starbuck / KUNR Public Radio)This month’s episode of Purple Politics Nevada with host Lucia Starbuck featured Nevada’s Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford, who talked about his bills in the Nevada legislature to prohibit price-fixing of essential goods, including housing and internet access, and to protect young people on social media through age verification and disabling some functions. He also filed more than a dozen lawsuits challenging President Donald Trump and his administration. Listen to this episode to hear his answers to KUNR listener questions abou...2025-05-1626 min
KUNR Public Radio: Local News FeedSeniors pack a bus to Carson City to advocate for legislationThe wheels on the bus go round and round as a group of seniors made their way to Carson City on Thursday to lobby state legislators. KUNR’s Lucia Starbuck hitched a ride.2025-04-2205 minPurple Politics Nevada with Lucia StarbuckWhat could Medicaid cuts mean for tribal and rural Nevada?A mileage sign along State Route 339 in Yerington, Nev., on Nov. 13, 2023.(Katherine Fulwider)Congress is still debating ways to fund President Donald Trump’s agenda, including immigration, energy, and tax cuts for the wealthy. Earlier this month, House Republicans passed a budget resolution that allows them to avoid a filibuster in the Senate, which has been more conservative in their proposals. Both chambers will now draft the final legislation, which calls for $1.5 trillion in spending cuts. Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson have reiterated that they don’t want to touch Medicaid. However, the Energy and Commerce Committee has been task...2025-04-1926 minPurple Politics Nevada with Lucia StarbuckPurple Politics Nevada Live: What’s next for healthcare and housing in Nevada?Nevada Republican Minority Leader Sen. Robin Titus (from left) and Democratic Assemblymember Erica Roth join KUNR’s Lucia Starbuck on stage for Purple Politics Nevada Live on March 4, 2025, at the Brewery Arts Center in Carson City, Nev.(Manuel Holguin JR / KUNR Public Radio )At a live taping of Purple Politics Nevada at the Brewery Arts Center in Carson City, KUNR’s Lucia Starbuck moderated a timely conversation between Republican Senator Robin Titus and Democratic Assemblymember Erica Roth on the future of healthcare and affordability in the Silver State.With fewer than 100 days left in Nevada’s biennial legisl...2025-03-2126 min
Renoites- The Podcast about Reno NevadaLucia Starbuck on Reporting the Purple Politics of NevadaNevada has an unusual legislative calendar, in which our legislature doesn’t meet every year, but every other year. And they don’t meet the entire year either- the session is only 120 days. 120 days to do all the lawmaking for a state of millions of people. Obviously, these are busy times and there is a lot going on.
Thankfully, our guest on this episode is political reporter Lucia Starbuck from KUNR. Lucia hosts her own podcast called Purple Politics Nevada and focuses on political issues particularly affecting us here in Northern Nevada. We talked about some of the...2025-03-121h 08Purple Politics Nevada with Lucia StarbuckHow are state legislatures computing with AI?Assemblymember Joe Dalia speaks with KUNR about AB187 to prohibit pornography of children from being generated by artificial intelligence on Feb. 11, 2025, in Carson City, Nevada.(Manny Holguin Jr. / KUNR Public Radio)There’s no way to avoid artificial intelligence in our daily lives. It autocorrects on your phone, it recommends the next movie you should watch on Netflix, and it translates languages. Anyone with a smartphone can generate whatever they put their mind to with one simple prompt. In this month’s episode of Purple Politics Nevada, host Lucia Starbuck looks into how state legislatures are wrangling with this evol...2025-02-2226 minPurple Politics Nevada with Lucia StarbuckNevada lawmakers outline new education, health care, housing, and environmental billsThe 120-day biennial session kicks off on February 3. Two years ago, Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo set a record with the number of bills he vetoed. He will again need to work with the Democratic-controlled legislature. With the session right around the corner, Purple Politics Nevada host Lucia Starbuck spoke to several lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to understand their education, healthcare, housing, and environmental bills.Tune in to the first episode of Season 3 to hear Sen. Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro’s promise to continue raises for public school teachers; Sen. Minority Leader Robin Titus’ goals to i...2025-01-2226 minPurple Politics Nevada with Lucia StarbuckWhat could Trump’s second presidential term mean for Nevada?President-elect Donald Trump spoke at a campaign rally at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, on October 11, 2024.(Ember Braun / KUNR Public Radio)Why did Nevada go red for president for the first time in 20 years? What will Donald Trump’s second presidential term look like in the Silver State over the next four years, particularly for public lands, immigration, and education? And what makes Nevada purple? These key questions were answered in this month’s episode of Purple Politics Nevada hosted by KUNR editor Vicki Adame, featuring political reporter Lucia Starbuck, senior correspondent Bert Johnson, and KNPR political repo...2024-11-2226 min
Ballot Battleground: NevadaTop 2024 election takeaways: Early voting matters, coattails, Reid Machine, ballot deadlines and much more with reporters Tabitha Mueller and Lucia StarbuckWhat really happened in the 2024 election is now coming into focus with all the results now in. What are the biggest takeaways? What lessons did we learn about the electorate? What will candidates and campaigns take away and use in future elections? Tabitha Mueller, reporter with The Nevada Independent, and Lucia Starbuck, KUNR political reporter, join host Ben Margiott to talk takeaways. The three chatted about the importance of early voting, the Reid Machine's strength, the changing Clark County, how Nevadan you are, ballot deadlines, election denialism and much more.Nevada state election resultsNorthern...2024-11-1344 min
The NPR Politics PodcastIn Nevada, Cost Of Living And Immigration Are Key IssuesDemocrats have prevailed in recent presidential elections in the state, in part thanks to a robust union voter mobilization effort. But the state, where Republicans control the governor's mansion, is absolutely purple — and this year's presidential race looks particularly close.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, campaign correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and KUNR reporter Lucia Starbuck.The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes wit...2024-10-3013 minThe NPR Politics PodcastIn Nevada, Cost Of Living And Immigration Are Key IssuesDemocrats have prevailed in recent presidential elections in the state, in part thanks to a robust union voter mobilization effort. But the state, where Republicans control the governor's mansion, is absolutely purple — and this year's presidential race looks particularly close.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, campaign correspondent Franco Ordoñez, and KUNR reporter Lucia Starbuck.The podcast is produced by Jeongyoon Han, Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes wit...2024-10-3013 min
Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics PodcastWorld’s Richest Man Asks for Tax Cut At Trump RallyOn Today's Show:Lucia Starbuck, political reporter and host of Purple Politics Nevada at KUNR, talks about the issues animating voters in the swing state of Nevada, what the polls show about Trump and Harris's chances of winning the state, and the unique political dynamics at play.
2024-10-2820 min
Purple Politics Nevada with Lucia StarbuckElection Day countdown: Nevada voters’ concerns on economy, environment and political climateSo much happened this presidential election cycle, and that’s an understatement. With Election Day right around the corner, in this month’s episode of KUNR’s Purple Politics Nevada, host Lucia Starbuck checked in with voters featured on the show throughout the year to learn how they’re feeling now.Carlos Pérez-Campbell, 28, was a guest in June, along with other nonpartisans, who make up the largest number of registered voters over both Democrats and Republicans. Pérez-Campbell registered as a nonpartisan to protest the two-party system, but the day Biden dropped out of the race and endors...2024-10-2326 min
Ballot Battleground: NevadaAmodei-Kidd candidate forum, mail ballots arriving, election updates and Trump's Reno rallyMail ballots are arriving, early in-person voting starts this weekend and after months of campaigning, billions in spending and one of the craziest years in American politics ever, the 2024 general election is upon us. We start with a a quick recap of former President Trump's Reno rally and have several 2024 election updates, including a ballot error in Carson City, three voter roll lawsuits being withdrawn and tell you about Washoe County's new ballot sorter.Then, Rep. Mark Amodei (R) and nonpartisan political newcomer Greg Kidd participate in a candidate forum as they vie for Nevada's 2nd Congressional...2024-10-1841 minPurple Politics Nevada with Lucia StarbuckNorthern Nevada Black voters on safeguarding democracy, economy, and Harris vs TrumpBlack voters are responding in different ways to seeing Kamala Harris become the first Black woman to be a presidential candidate for a major political party. For this month’s episode of Purple Politics Nevada, host Lucia Starbuck breaks the misconception that this voting bloc is a monolith and speaks to community members about their top issues, such as upholding democracy, the high cost of living, and education.Hear from two sisters, Sherrell Collins, a Reno resident and US Army veteran, and Beverly Johnson, a California resident volunteering for the Harris-Walz campaign in Nevada, about the importance of...2024-09-2526 minPurple Politics Nevada with Lucia StarbuckNevada Dems overjoyed at new choices on presidential ticket heading into the DNCOne month before the Democratic National Convention, President Joe Biden announced he was no longer seeking re-election. He immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, and Democrats across the country and in Nevada have rallied behind her and her recently selected running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.In this month’s episode of Purple Politics Nevada, host Lucia Starbuck spoke to a political science expert and historian to add context to what the president’s decision means and with Democratic delegates as they prepare to head to the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago.Nevada Attorney Gene...2024-08-1626 minPurple Politics Nevada with Lucia StarbuckNorthern Nevada seniors concerned about democracy, environment, and cost of livingVoters over the age of 65 make up the largest voting bloc in Nevada when broken down by age. But do they feel heard by political candidates this election? In this month’s episode of Purple Politics Nevada, host Lucia Starbuck spoke to seniors to find out. Listen to their concerns regarding democracy and how they’re navigating an increased cost of living.Following the assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Reno resident Ron Brooks said it has the potential to further erode democracy, but he hopes to see Trump change his...2024-07-1926 minPurple Politics Nevada with Lucia StarbuckNonpartisans feel disenfranchised, written off, excluded from primaries in swing state NevadaThere are more nonpartisan voters registered in Nevada than registered Democrats and Republicans, and that’s been the case since July of last year. However, they didn’t feel they had a voice in partisan races during the closed primary election earlier in June. In this month’s episode of Purple Politics Nevada, host Lucia Starbuck spoke to nonpartisans about election reform, disdain for the parties, and issues such as the environment.Hear from real estate agent Rossana Bertani-Lopey, who is disappointed in the parties and is looking for candidates who will address immigration, affordable housing, and infras...2024-06-2126 min
Purple Politics Nevada with Lucia StarbuckNorthern Nevada Latinos focus on economic prosperity, still deciding who will earn their voteLatino voters in Northern Nevada are voicing that their top issues are accessing economic opportunities and addressing immigration — but it goes beyond that — and while they’re committed to casting their ballots in November, what remains to be seen is who will earn their vote.In this month’s episode of Purple Politics Nevada, host Lucia Starbuck spoke to Latino business owners, attended a Cinco de Mayo celebration, and learned about get-out-the-vote efforts for Latinos in Northern Nevada.You can hear from Reno resident Lilia Amador, who is concerned about the environment; Carson City resident Rene Rui...2024-05-1726 minPurple Politics Nevada with Lucia StarbuckNative voters in Nevada feel unheard, voice concerns about MMIP crisis, mining, housingJune marks 100 years since Indigenous people were granted citizenship — and with that, the right to vote in the United States. However, the right to vote wasn’t fully expanded in every state until the 1960s. So, what issues matter most to Native voters in Nevada today?In this month’s episode of Purple Politics Nevada, host Lucia Starbuck spoke to Indigenous community members from several different tribes, traveled to a reservation outside of Reno, and attended a powwow to get their thoughts.You can hear from Walker River Paiute Tribe members, including tribal activist Elveda Martin...2024-04-1926 min
The Economics of Everyday Things39. HouseplantsInterest in houseplants has exploded in recent years. But what causes floral trends, and prices, to grow? Zachary Crockett sows a few seeds. SOURCES:Justin Hancock, director of research and development at Costa Farms.Brian Williams, co-owner of Brian's Botanicals.Sarah Williams, co-owner Brian's Botanicals. RESOURCES:"Bidding Wars and $1,000 Succulents: The Wild World of Rare Houseplants," by Hannah Holland (The Washington Post, 2023)."Houseplants Boomed During the Pandemic. Gen Z and Millennials Say the Popularity Is Here to Stay," by Lucia Starbuck (KUNR, 2022)."The Most Iconic Houseplant Trends Through the Decades," by Wretched Flowers (Architectural Di...2024-03-1114 minPurple Politics Nevada with Lucia Starbuck‘100 years of deferred maintenance’: How Storey County will use Tesla’s property taxesStorey County manager Austin Osborne at his office at the Storey County courthouse in Virginia City, Nev., on Jan. 30, 2024.(Lucia Starbuck / KUNR Public Radio)Later this year, Tesla will have to start paying property taxes for the first time in 10 years. Nevada gave the electric car manufacturing company more than $1 billion in tax breaks in 2014 to build its gigafactory at the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center in Storey County. Now, Storey County has big plans to upgrade its aging infrastructure and pay back some debt.This episode of KUNR Public Radio’s show Purple Politics Nevada with Lucia Starbuck fe...2024-02-1626 minPurple Politics Nevada with Lucia StarbuckPurple Politics explains what voters can expect at the 2024 Nevada caucus and primaries(Lucia Starbuck / KUNR Public Radio)In February, Nevada will become the first state in the West to make its voice heard on who should run for president of the United States. The state-run Presidential Preference Primaries will take place on Feb. 6 for the two major parties: Republicans and Democrats. For Republicans, the primary will be non-binding, and instead, delegates will be awarded at the state Republican Party-run caucus two days later on Feb. 8.This episode of KUNR Public Radio’s show Purple Politics Nevada with Lucia Starbuck features Jim DeGraffenreid, a Nevada GOP national committee member, on wh...2024-01-1926 minPurple Politics Nevada with Lucia StarbuckSen. Cortez Masto reflects on health care, lithium mining, and the Latino voteNevada Democratic U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto in the Senate studio at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 7, 2023. (Courtesy of Tony Hernandez)Purple Politics Nevada with Lucia Starbuck is KUNR’s monthly show about Nevada politics and the 2024 election. This episode features Nevada Democratic U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and her health care accomplishments, thoughts on the clean energy debate, and how she says the party can re-energize the Latino vote.Click here for a transcript of the audio story.Web OverviewThe senator highlighted th...2023-12-1505 minPurple Politics Nevada with Lucia StarbuckPolitical candidates don’t need background checks. Seriously?The homepage of Transparency in Politics.(Lucia Starbuck / KUNR Public Radio)Purple Politics Nevada with Lucia Starbuck is KUNR’s monthly show about Nevada politics and the 2024 election. This episode is about a lesser-known truth: political candidates don’t undergo background checks, and one Nevada-based organization’s efforts to change that.Click here for a transcript of the audio story.Episode OverviewTo file for candidacy in Nevada, a small list of conditions must be met that vary by office, including age and residency restrictions, one must be eligible to vot...2023-11-1704 minPurple Politics Nevada with Lucia StarbuckPurple Politics Nevada returns: A conversation with NPR’s Domenico Montanaro about the 2024 electionKUNR’s Lucia Starbuck (right) moderated a discussion with NPR’s Domenico Montanaro about Nevada politics and the 2024 election during KUNR’s 60th Anniversary event at Reno Little Theater in Reno, Nev., on Oct. 10, 2023.(Maria Palma / KUNR Public Radio)Purple Politics Nevada is back! Season 2 will focus on Nevada politics and the 2024 election.For the first episode, host Lucia Starbuck spoke with NPR’s senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro about the Silver State’s role in the 2024 election, the presidential primary, and issues on the minds of voters and candidates.Click here for a transcri...2023-10-1305 minPurple Politics Nevada with Lucia StarbuckPurple Politics Nevada host Lucia Starbuck gives behind-the-scenes look at reporting on legislatureJournalists Paul Boger (from left), Tabitha Mueller, Lucia Starbuck and Naoka Foreman prepare for Third House, a traditional spoof of the Nevada Legislature in Carson City, Nev. on June 1, 2023.(Joey Lovato / The Nevada Independent)Purple Politics Nevada is KUNR’s weekly show about the 2023 Nevada Legislative Session. In this week’s episode, KUNR news editor Vicki Adame is in the host seat to interview democracy reporter Lucia Starbuck about her experience covering the 2023 legislative session.Click here for a transcript of the audio story.Episode OverviewThis was Starbuck’s first time c...2023-06-2305 minPurple Politics Nevada with Lucia StarbuckNevada elected officials speak on 2024 election, A’s stadium legislation from 2023 sessionsKUNR’s Pints & Purple Politics event on Wednesday, June 14, in Reno, Nev., was moderated by Lucia Starbuck (from right) and featured Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar and Treasurer Zach Conine.(Maria Palma / KUNR Public Radio)KUNR held its third Pints & Purple Politics event tied to the 2023 Nevada Legislative Session on Wednesday at Reno Little Theater.Purple Politics Nevada host Lucia Starbuck moderated the conversation with two of Nevada’s top Democrats: Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar and Treasurer Zach Conine. This week’s episode of Purple Politics Nevada recaps the event.Click here for a tran...2023-06-1605 min
Our Town RenoLucia Starbuck, On Reporting About the Homeless in Reno"Our Town Reno is a little experimental, so sometimes we just have one voice for a story. But I'm still going into it as a journalist and these folks do not have an incentive to lie or make things up. They are so honest all the time, so people kind of get mad at that. For example, I did a story on a sign in a McDonald's that said you can't be here for more than 30 minutes. I was like, ‘Hmm, I wonder if this targets houseless individuals?’ I went down there to interview folks about the sign and I inte...2020-07-2314 min
Our Town RenoLucia Starbuck, On Reporting About the Homeless in Reno"Our Town Reno is a little experimental, so sometimes we just have one voice for a story. But I'm still going into it as a journalist and these folks do not have an incentive to lie or make things up. They are so honest all the time, so people kind of get mad at that. For example, I did a story on a sign in a McDonald's that said you can't be here for more than 30 minutes. I was like, ‘Hmm, I wonder if this targets houseless individuals?’ I went down there to interview folks about the sign and I inte...2020-07-2314 min