Every week, Alliance for a Better Minnesota will highlight the important work being done in the progressive community. Focusing on issues that impact Minnesotans’ lives, this important work helps Minnesota continue moving forward.

Decrease In HIV Infections: A new report released by the United Nations found that new infections and deaths from HIV and AIDS are decreasing. The UN said it may be possible to control the epidemic by 2030, and eventually end it in every region of the world.

Mayo Clinic Best In Nation: New rankings from U.S. News and World Report this week found that the Mayo Clinic is the top hospital in the country. The Mayo Clinic received the most top spots out of all of the hospitals compared.

U.S. Budget Deficit Shrinking: The U.S. budget deficit has hit its lowest point since the 2008 recession. From October 2013-June 2014, the deficit was 28 percent lower than it was during the same time the year before.

Workplace Pregnancy Discrimination Rules Tightened: For the first time in 30 years, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that it has refined and toughened its discrimination rules against pregnant employees. It clarified when businesses have to provide lighter work for pregnant employees, banned businesses from forcing pregnant workers to leave even when they’re capable of working, and stated that employers who allow parental leave must provide it to men and women equally.