7 Things: Government shutdown possible according to Tuberville; gambling not a focus in Montgomery; and more…

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January 29, 2026

7. Governor-elect National Championship-winning Coach U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of an attack on U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), describing the incident as potentially staged amid ongoing political tensions and questions about motives and timing given scandals in her state and with her finances.

6. Former ALGOP Chairman John Wahl reported his campaign for lieutenant governor raised more than $1 million within a day of announcement, demonstrating strong early financial support and the power of the endorsement from President Donald Trump.

5. U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) endorsed U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) in Alabama’s U.S. Senate race, praising him as a powerful ally for economic freedom and conservative principles, this follows a much bigger endorsement from President Donald Trump.

4. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon hailed Alabama for answering the Trump administration’s call by expanding school choice, praising voucher programs and parental rights initiatives as national models for education reform and empowerment as the Trump administration pushes for more school choice.

3. An Alabama immigration bill expanding local police powers won Alabama State House committee approval, granting more authority for enforcement and federal cooperation; but in Minnesota, the opposite is happening as President Donald Trump warned Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey he is “playing with fire” after an immigration enforcement conversation was followed by Frey defying calls to cooperate.

2. Alabama leaders, Speaker of the Alabama House Nathanial Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) and State Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) tempered expectations for a gaming bill in 2026, stating votes may not exist yet despite lobbying and discussions, with major hurdles remaining for legalization and limited time remaining in the state legislative session.

1. Governor-elect National Championship-winning Coach U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) warned that another Democrat-led government shutdown looms over proposed DHS funding tied to demands over immigration enforcement, and he predicted a major fight as Democrats resist funding ICE amid ongoing operations and backlash.

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Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN.