Author

Jessa Reid Bolling

Jessa Reid Bolling is a reporter at the Alabama Political Reporter and graduate of The University of Alabama with a B.A. in journalism and political science.

Roy Moore announces second run for U.S. Senate

Former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore on Thursday announced his decision to run for U.S. Senate again in 2020 after falling short in an election for the same seat against Democratic Sen. Doug Jones just two years ago. “Can I win?” Moore said. “Yes, I can. Not only can I, they know I can.” … Continued

Jessa Reid Bolling

June 20, 2019

House passes funding bill for programs critical to health care, education and defense

The House of Representatives approved the Fiscal Year 2020 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education funding bill that will secure funding for important health, labor and education programs. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, announced the legislation includes several provisions for Alabama that she secured for programs critical to health care, education and defense. Sewell said … Continued

Jessa Reid Bolling

June 20, 2019

Bill to prevent tax-related identity theft heads to president’s desk

The Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation last week to thwart identity theft tax refund fraud and prevent American taxpayers and seniors from falling victim. Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses a stolen Social Security number to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund. The bill was authored by U.S. Sens. Doug Jones and … Continued

Jessa Reid Bolling

June 17, 2019

Spencer Collier lawsuit against former Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley settled

Former Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Spencer Collier has settled his lawsuit against former Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, Bentley’s alleged mistress Rebekah Mason and the former head of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Stan Stabler and others. The lawsuit alleged wrongful termination and defamation after Collier was dismissed from his position with the ALEA. Collier … Continued

Jessa Reid Bolling

June 13, 2019

New report shows nearly 20 percent of LGBTQ youths have attempted suicide

A new report conducted by The Trevor Project found sobering rates of mental health issues among LGBTQ youth across the United States. According to The Trevor Project, a non-profit organization that focuses on suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ youth, their survey is the “largest survey of LGBTQ youth mental health ever conducted,” with … Continued

Jessa Reid Bolling

June 12, 2019

Gov. Ivey approves chemical castration bill for some child sex offenders

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill that requires child sex offenders to be chemically castrated once released from prison. The bill, House Bill 379, applies to sex offenders over the age of 21 whose victims are between the ages of 13 and 7. This reversible procedure purports to include the administration of medication — … Continued

Jessa Reid Bolling

June 11, 2019

Emails show Culverhouse dispute unrelated to abortion legislation

Newly released emails show the dispute between The University of Alabama and Hugh Culverhouse Jr. began at least four days before Culverhouse called for a boycott of the school following the state’s passage of restrictive abortion legislation. University officials said in a statement they considered returning Culverhouse’s donation, the largest financial gift in the University’s … Continued

Jessa Reid Bolling

June 10, 2019

Governor signs bill reforming Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed legislation Thursday that will reform the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. House Bill 380 is designed to increase the efficiency of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. This bill creates a Director of Pardons and Paroles, appointed by the governor, and provides strict rules and guidelines to … Continued

Jessa Reid Bolling

June 7, 2019

Federal ruling allows Alabama Census lawsuit to proceed

A lawsuit filed by the state of Alabama against several federal departments has been allowed to proceed after a federal district court denied a federal government motion to drop the case. Attorney General Marshall and U.S. Rep. Brook filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Census Bureau in May 2018, arguing … Continued

Jessa Reid Bolling

June 7, 2019

Gov. Ivey announces 164 new First Class Pre-K classrooms

Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education announced that the Alabama First Class Pre-K program will add 164 new classrooms to 38 counties this fall. This is the first round of new classroom grants that will be released by the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education. Additional grants will be awarded … Continued

Jessa Reid Bolling

June 7, 2019