Episode Details

Minnesota's new state-sponsored parental leave program goes into effect on Jan 1, 2026, and some parents who already took parental leave for their 2025 babies will have the opportunity to take another round of leave in 2026. Host Sean McPherson is joined by Minnesota Reformer Reporter Michelle Griffith and Racket Co-Founder Em Cassel to break down everything you need to know about parental leave in Minnesota, as well as to chat about Minnesota's 'Golden Era' of film in the 90s, and whether or not we might see a resurgence of cinema shot in our state. After those stories, Executive Producer Anna Weggel hops on the mic to share some listener submissions from the #mailbag and to talk about some exciting upcoming Christmas tree lighting ceremonies brought to you by our sponsors at Xcel Energy. 

Read more about the stories discussed in today's episode: 

• Minnesota’s paid leave program will launch with 0.88% payroll tax, state agency says (Minnesota Reformer)
• New Minnesota paid family leave law could allow some new parents to "double dip" in 2026, due to timing quirk (CBS News)
• MN’s Movie Boom: Inside the 1990s ‘Golden Age’ of North Star State Cinema (Racket)

Learn more about the  sponsors of this November 13th episode:

Xcel Energy - Subscribe to learn about upcoming programs and volunteer opportunities.

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