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.

Northfield #1 For Retirees: Money Magazine released a list earlier this week of the best cities in the nation where people can retire, and Northfield, Minnesota, scored the top spot. According to the criteria in the magazine, Northfield’s housing prices, taxes on pension income, Medicare reimbursements and generosity of Medicaid helped it land the number one spot on the list. The city is also desirable because it’s only 45 minutes away from the Twin Cities, and it’s home to two colleges while hosting an active retiree community.

University of Minnesota Among Smartest Public Colleges: Business Insider ranked the smartest public colleges in the nation, and the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus scored among the top 25, sharing the 22nd spot with three other states, including the University of Wisconsin’s Madison campus.

MSP Firefighters Deliver New Coats To Low-Income Kids: In an effort to provide new and warm coats to families who might not be able to afford them, firefighters in Minneapolis have adopted a tradition of raising money to purchase these necessities. This year, St. Paul firefighters joined the cause, and together the two cities’ firefighters bought 1,000 coats for low-income children. The children select their favorite color and size, and the jackets are personalized and include the child’s name inside.

Fifth-Grade Minnesota Teacher Wins Major Award: Angela Harvala, a fifth-grade teacher at North Elementary School in Princeton, Minnesota, received the Milken Educator Award this week, which recognizes outstanding excellence in education. She also received a $25,000 cash prize. She’s one of 40 educators across the nation to win the award, which has been called the “Oscars of teaching.”