Municipal elections were held across several cities in North Alabama on August 26, 2025, including races for mayor, city council, and school boards in cities like Albertville, Athens, and Florence, with results being actively tracked and reported.
St. Paul, Minnesota, has made history with its all-female city council, a rarity among large U.S. cities. The council, consisting of seven women under 40, six of whom are women of color, aims to represent the city's diversity and prioritize issues such as housing policy, climate action, and public safety interventions. Experts note that this milestone has a significant impact on inspiring young women and girls, and Minnesota has a history of women's participation in elected office exceeding the national average.
Massachusetts welcomed the new year with a series of new laws, including a significant state tax cut, an increase in the rental deduction cap, and the implementation of dental reform to ensure more premium payments go towards patient care. The minimum wage remains at $15, now surpassed by Connecticut. Additionally, Boston's City Council saw the induction of four new members and the election of Ruthzee Louijeune as president, the first Haitian-American to serve on the council, with a focus on affordable housing and public school improvements. The next council meeting is scheduled for January 10.