Lydia Nusbaum

Political Reporter

Montgomery, AL

Political Reporter Lydia Nusbaum joined WSFA and the Raycom family in June of 2018.

Before moving to Alabama, she spent two years as a reporter, anchor, and producer for KOMU 8 News in Missouri. Lydia reported on the Missouri legislature and the mid-Missouri area. She covered the indictment of former Governor Eric Greitens, President Donald Trump’s two visits to Missouri, and the impact legislation could have on Missourians.

Lydia is a graduate from the University of Missouri with a Convergence Television Reporting major and Political Science minor.

As someone who loves the outdoors, Lydia enjoys spending her time hiking, hammocking or taking a jog.

Recent Articles by Lydia

Lawmakers meet for session with gloves and masks during COVID-19 outbreak

The Senate and House chambers were quieter than usual Tuesday afternoon during session with only some state lawmakers filling the seats.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published March 31, 2020 at 7:39 PM

74K filed Alabama unemployment claims in 1 week

The state’s server can’t handle the surge, leaving some people unable to file a claim.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published March 31, 2020 at 1:33 PM

House lawmakers leave chamber empty amid COVID-19 pandemic

In a rare moment the House floor stood nearly empty as Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon gaveled in the chamber Thursday morning.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published March 26, 2020 at 2:14 PM

Rural hospitals see layoffs after ban on elective procedures

Some Alabama rural hospitals laid off workers after the statewide health order prohibited elective procedures.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published March 25, 2020 at 8:05 PM

State’s system overwhelmed as number of unemployment claims surge

The influx of unemployment claim filings put a strain on the Alabama Department of Labor’s system causing some people not to be able to file.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published March 24, 2020 at 8:23 PM

Task force looks at schooling options after COVID-19 outbreak

The Alabama State Department of Education created a task force that would recommend solutions for future school decisions as the coronavrius outbreak continues.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published March 19, 2020 at 7:04 PM

Ivey to approve $5 million appropriation for coronavirus preparedness

State lawmakers will send a supplemental appropriation of $5 million for COVID-19 preparedness to Gov. Kay Ivey, who has promised to approve it.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published March 12, 2020 at 2:15 PM

Education lottery bill filed in House with 70 co-sponsors

If passed, the bill would go to the ballot as a constitutional amendment for people to vote on.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published March 10, 2020 at 7:39 PM

Ala. House passes bill to lift ban on yoga in public schools

The Alabama House passed a bill Tuesday that would allow school boards to offer yoga classes in K-12 public schools.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published March 10, 2020 at 7:09 PM

Alabama lawmakers considering teacher ‘House Bill of Rights’

Alabama House members plan to debate the bill on the floor Tuesday.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published March 10, 2020 at 8:00 AM

Future hospital closures to come ‘if all things stay the same’

Pickens County Medical Center Friday became the 17th privately-run hospital to close in the state over the last decade.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published March 6, 2020 at 3:40 PM

Governor’s gambling study group holds first meeting

Gov. Kay Ivey’s study group on gambling policy held its first meeting Thursday morning.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published March 5, 2020 at 5:54 PM

Constitutional carry bill clears Ala. Senate committee

Supporters say it is their constitutional right to carry a concealed weapon without buying a permit from the government.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published March 5, 2020 at 11:44 AM

30-35% voter turnout expected in Tuesday primary

This comes as several presidential candidates and statewide offices will be on the ballot.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published March 2, 2020 at 7:10 PM

Nancy Worley weighs options after Ala. Democratic party case dismissed

The lawsuit attempted to determine who is in control over the Alabama Democratic Party’s leadership.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published February 28, 2020 at 5:59 PM

Bill to regulate occupational taxes heads to governor’s desk

A bill requiring municipalities to go through the state legislature before instituting or raising an occupational tax cleared one of its last hurdles in the state legislature Thursday afternoon.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published February 27, 2020 at 3:13 PM

Mental health initiatives aim to help law enforcement, students

Lawmakers announced a package of bills they said would increase access to mental health care treatment across the state.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published February 26, 2020 at 8:20 PM

Chairman gives preview to study group on gambling policy

The chair of the Governor’s Study Group for Gambling Policy said he anticipates both open and closed-door meetings aimed at gathering the facts about gambling and gaming in the state.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published February 24, 2020 at 3:04 PM

Nursing homes on track to have worker shortage

Alabama nursing homes will need about 9,600 licensed practical nurses (LPN) by 2030 to meet the necessary demand, according to a 2017 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services study.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published February 21, 2020 at 6:58 PM

House-approved teacher benefits package could face challenge in Senate

The proposal created a Tier III retirement benefits package for education employees including people like teachers, janitorial staff, bus drivers, and other staff. The goal is to alleviate a teacher shortage.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published February 20, 2020 at 7:23 PM

Ala. medical marijuana bill passes first hurdle in state legislature

A Senate Judiciary Committee passed a medical marijuana bill 8-1 Wednesday morning. It now heads to the full Senate.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published February 19, 2020 at 11:57 AM

Dozens lobby at statehouse for criminal justice reform

More than 100 people came to the statehouse to lobby state lawmakers for criminal justice reform Tuesday.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published February 18, 2020 at 7:42 PM

Proposals to end grocery tax expected this legislative session

A tax on food raises about $500 million for the education trust fund in Alabama.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published February 17, 2020 at 8:45 PM

Law enforcement supports proposed mental health crisis centers

Reaves said law enforcement is in contact with people nearly every day who need mental health treatment.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published February 14, 2020 at 7:02 PM

Bill to restrict transgender student athletes stalls in committee

Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, said this bill would level the playing field for women in sports in K-12 schools.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published February 13, 2020 at 1:16 PM

Payday lending restriction bill fails in Senate committee

A Senate committee shot down a bill that would have required payday lending businesses give borrowers more time to pay back their loans.

Lydia Nusbaum

Published February 12, 2020 at 9:49 PM

Bill proposes increased fines for illegally altering confederate monuments, historical buildings

A House committee carried over a bill that would require cities or entities pay $10,000 fine each day for illegally altering or moving certain buildings including confederate monuments on public property.