Willmar, Minn., is one of the most diverse cities in greater Minnesota. More than 25 different languages are spoken in its school system, and immigrants hailing from east Africa, Mexico, Myanmar and central America have revitalized its downtown.

So on Sept. 8, Kerri Miller took the Rural Voice town hall series to Foxhole Brewhouse in Willmar to talk with community members about how they’ve successfully built an inclusive city.

The conversation focused on how the region evolved over the last few decades to include immigrations from Africa, Mexico and other countries and discuss the positive impact that integration has had on the local culture and economy. Participants also discussed ongoing challenges, like political representation for newcomers and institutional discrimination.

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In 2023, Minnesota passed a law requiring free menstrual products in all public school bathrooms for grades four through 12.

But when the law went into effect last year, some schools weren’t sure how best to put it into practice.

MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with two graduate students who created the Minnesota Menstrual Products in Schools Toolkit to help school staff navigate implementing the law.

They shared what they learned about the needs inside schools and why they believe their toolkit can make a difference for students and educators alike.

The Federal Reserve recently cut its key interest rate for the first time since December 2023.

The move marked a shift in monetary policy as the central bank responds to what Fed Chair Jerome Powell described as a “really cooling off” labor market, while continuing to monitor inflation.

MPR News guest host Catharine Richert and senior economics contributor Chris Farrell talk about the reasoning behind the Fed's decision and what the rate changes could eventually mean for your credit cards, mortgage, savings account or investments.

Guest:

• Neel Kashkari is president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. It’s one of the Federal Reserve System’s 12 regional banks with a district that includes Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Northern Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

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Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.