Legislative session winding down; Power and Influence top 50; new name for new helicopter and more in this week’s OTR

Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in Alabama

Legislative session running out of time

The 2025 legislative session is nearly over with the last day set for next Wednesday and it looks like they saved all the excitement for the end. “Off the rails” was how one lawmaker described the situation after about 50 local bills got held up when a Greene County gambling bill stalled in the Senate. Some lawmakers remain optimistic the bills that were held up will make it through, but the clock is ticking.  

Power and Influence drops today

The first installment of the most anticipated list in Alabama is set for release today. Yellowhammer News Power & Influence Top 50 list releases its first 10 names today with more to follow throughout next week. The list includes the top 50 influential leaders in business, politics and public service. We hear some notable North Alabamians made the list as well.

New helicopter needs a name

The name of the Army’s new helicopter is expected to be announced next week. Developed at Redstone Arsenal, the MV-75 will follow in the footsteps of the Apache, Black Hawk, Chinook and others. There was some discussion if the name of the new helicopter would continue in the tradition of Native American names. However, that discourse occurred mostly before the current administration took office. The name is now expected to be Native American-inspired.

Drip, drip, drip

Madison Utilities set off a wave of controversy in March when the board voted to stop adding fluoride to the water supply. With the fallout still rippling, the board has scheduled a public hearing that will no doubt feature plenty of vocal input. The decision to stop supplementing the city’s water with fluoride took many by surprise, including city council members. The public hearing is set for next Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

Lessmann campaign kicks off

Madison City Council District 5 candidate Alice Lessmann held a campaign kickoff on Thursday. Introduced by Madison’s favorite power couple, Tommy and Debbie Overcash, the council candidate addressed the assembled crowd saying she believes in Madison’s future. Lessmann is the only candidate to announce for the seat, which is no surprise to one supporter, “She’s a successful business owner and Alice is well known throughout the community as a proven leader.”