What's on the radio Monday, Oct. 19

Here’s the MPR News programming plan for Monday, Oct. 19, on the radio and on the stream. Missed a live show? Follow the links below to find our show archives and podcast feeds. And for daily news updates straight to your inbox every weekday morning, sign up for the MPR News a.m. newsletter.

9 a.m. — MPR News with Angela Davis

How is Minnesota's paid leave program working?

Minnesota launched a major new benefit for workers in January.

The statewide paid family and medical leave program allows eligible workers to receive part of their pay while taking time off to recover from a serious illness, welcome a new child or care for a loved one.

More than 100,000 Minnesotans have applied for benefits so far, but questions remain about how smoothly the program is working and how employers are adjusting.

Coming up at 9 a.m. on Monday, MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about what we’ve learned in the first nine months, who’s using the paid leave program and what needs to be improved.

And we want to hear from you, too.

Have you used Minnesota's new paid family and medical leave program? What do you think works? What still needs to be improved? What questions do you have for our guests?

Call us during the 9 a.m. hour at 651-227-6000 or 800-242-2828. 

Guests:

• Alice Mann is a DFL state senator who represents District 50, which includes Edina and Bloomington. She is also an emergency room physician.

• Evan Rowe is the deputy commissioner for workforce services and transformation at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, also known as DEED.

10 a.m. — 1A with Jenn White

How is religion shaping the midterm elections?

Bishop Mariann Budde [BUD-ee] gained national attention when she urged President Donald Trump to have mercy on vulnerable populations. Now, Budde [BUD-ee] has decided to step down as the first woman to lead her diocese, but she hasn’t stopped speaking out. Hear from Bishop Budde [BUD-ee] on how religion is shaping the midterm elections, and how she sees her role in public life today. Next time on 1A.

11 a.m. — MPR News with Catharine Richert

Starting Monday, we have a new call-in show with MPR News host, Catharine Richert. Everyday at 11 a.m., Monday through Thursday, she’ll be taking your questions about the headlines everyone’s talking about, whether the news is happening in Minnesota, nationally or on the other side of the world.

Coming up at 11: It’s about two weeks from the midterm elections. Host Catharine Richert will talk with two guests who can help you make sense of the political dynamics at play going into this final stretch of election season.

Join the conversation. What issues are most important to you going into this election season? What do you wish the candidates were talking about more? Call us in the 11 a.m. hour at 651-227-6000 or 800-242-2828. 

Noon — Minnesota Now with Nina Moini

Monday on Minnesota Now, we’re following all the latest regional news headlines and weather. We’ll talk with a ProPublica reporter who immersed himself in the world of online sports betting to test the limits of the company’s “responsible gaming” safeguards. Plus, sports news with Wally and Eric.

1 p.m. — On Point

Are we on the verge of a new Cold War?

Behind closed doors, the Pentagon is rethinking America’s nuclear strategy. The goal? To give President Trump more options for using nuclear weapons, including smaller bombs on the battlefield. Critics warn that could trigger a new nuclear arms race and risk turning conventional conflicts into global catastrophes. Are we on the verge of a new Cold War? That’s on the next On Point.