California state lawmakers wrapped up their 2025 legislative session, sending hundreds of bills to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. The deadline marked the end of a tumultuous period in which the state experienced record breaking devastation during the Los Angeles fires and lawmakers confronted a $12 billion budget deficit. California also waded into the national redistricting debate over the summer, with a quickly approaching Nov. 4 special election that made for an unusual last month of session. CapRadio Statehouse Politics Reporter Laura Fitzgerald and POLITICO Politics Reporter and Playbook PM author Lindsey Holden discuss some of the notable bills passed in the final week.

“Unreal Reality” is the theme of this month’s storytelling showcase In a Nutshell at The Sofia in Sacramento. And who better to tackle that theme than the city’s very own Survivor contestant, Joe Hunter. The firefighter became a fan-favorite during season 49 of the long-running reality hit and he’ll return for season 50. But first, he joins us in the studio, along with JP Frary and Keith Lowell Jensen.