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.

Minneapolis Forms Sister-City With Bosaso, Somalia: Earlier this week, the Minneapolis City Council formed the nation’s first sister-city alliance with Somalia, with a city called Bosaso, which is located in the Horn of Africa. The passing of the alliance, which now sets Minneapolis with 12 sister-cities, was especially emotional for Abdi Warsame, the City Council’s first elected Somali-American. “What this means to me today is that our country and beloved city of Minneapolis is going to give political recognition to a city that has been a sanctuary to the people who have fled the civil war,” Warsame said.

Gas Under $3: Analysts say that the Twin Cities’ falling gas prices are here to stay for awhile, likely until late-December. The trend for the past few years has been lowered gas prices in mid-November until late-December, but experts say that the lowered gas prices now suggest that they could be here for more time than they’ve been in previous years.

SCOTUS Refuses To Hear Gay Marriage Bans: In light of a national movement toward equality, the Supreme Court refused to hear lower-courts’ cases for gay marriage bans, setting a precedent that means 30 states now have legalized gay marriage.

Voter ID Law Blocked in WI: The Supreme Court blocked Wisconsin officials earlier this week from requiring voters to carry a photo ID with them before casting their ballots. The federal judge who blocked it said that the restriction would negatively impact those most likely not to have a photo ID, such as senior citizens and minorities.