Alex Backus
Live Blog Editor
Alex Backus is an editor for Newsweek's live blogs, based in Las Vegas. The team covers live and breaking U.S. and international news. Alex has covered major California wildfires, politics and agricultural issues during her nine years as an anchor, reporter and producer in television news. She also co-hosted the Miss California pageant in 2017 and 2018. Alex joined Newsweek in 2021 from KLAS-TV, the CBS affiliate in Las Vegas and previously worked across California and Montana. She is a graduate of California State University, Stanislaus. Languages: Assyrian and intermediate Spanish.
Ukraine War Updates: Zaporizhzhia residents hear explosions in suburbs
Attacks continued across Ukraine as Friday marked one full year since Russia's invasion began.
The Braille clothing brand changing the fashion game
Designer Alexa Jovanovic is increasing inclusivity and accessibility in fashion with her brand Aille Design.
North Korea launches two ballistic missiles, officials say
North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles off of its east coast early Monday, South Korean and Japanese officials report.
Trump top pick for 2024, holding wide lead over DeSantis: poll
The former President remains a favorite among GOP voters with a clear lead over DeSantis, the Harvard CAPS-Harris polls finds.
China's possible lethal aid to Russia is "red line": U.S. ambassador
U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Sunday that the United States has "never, ever wavered in our support for the Ukrainians."
State of the Union Updates: Republicans slam Biden for "angry" speech
President Joe Biden delivered his second State of the Union address Tuesday night before a politically divided Congress.
Ukraine War Updates: Explosions heard near Zaporizhizhia nuclear plant
Russia launched new attacks on Ukraine as western allies agree to send tanks to Kyiv.
Ukraine War Updates: Russia faces problems with T-14 Armata deploy, report
Germany and the U.S. announce plans to send tanks to Ukraine as Russia begins its renewed offensive.
Oscar Nominations Update: Jaime Lee Curtis shares 'moment of joy"
The nominations for the 95th Academy Awards were announced Tuesday.
Bryan Kohberger Updates: Victims resemble Kohberger's bullies, classmate
A preliminary hearing is set to begin in June for Bryan Kohberger, the 28-year-old man accused of murdering four University of Idaho students.
FAA Outage Updates: Travel chaos continues as 7,100 U.S. flights delayed
Thousands of flights are delayed after a major system failure led to a nationwide ground stop Wednesday.
California Storm Updates: State under flood watch, more rain expected
Much of California remains under flood watch following deadly storms over the weekend.
House Speaker Vote Updates: House Adjourns, 14th vote expected tonight
Voting for the next House Speaker continues Friday night after members of Congress failed to reach a consensus in 13 previous ballots.
Bryan Kohberger Updates: Chilling new details released in Idaho murders
Details surrounding the murders of four University of Idaho students in November were released today as suspect Bryan Kohberger appeared in an Idaho courtroom.
House Speaker Vote Update: Vote moved to Thursday after razor-thin margin
The House will move to a third day Thursday after Rep. Kevin McCarthy lost six-straight votes.
Idaho Murders Updates: Suspect arrested, motive under investigation
A man has been arrested in connection with the November murders of four University of Idaho students.
Winter Storm Updates: Death toll rises, 2,500 Wednesday flights canceled
Buffalo, New York braces for more snow as travel woes continue amid severe weather.
Steve Bannon frustrated Trump, MAGA aren't fighting back harder
The longtime Trump ally has continued to criticize the former president after he announced he is again running for president in 2024.
Over 1,700 flights canceled, 3,000 delayed Monday amid deadly arctic storm
A massive winter storm continues to wreak havoc for travelers across the U.S. after the holiday weekend.
Winter Storm Elliott Updates: Over 4,900 flights canceled in U.S.
Thousands of flights have been canceled and delayed due to dangerous winter conditions ahead of the holiday weekend.
Midterm Elections: Harris say midterms shows Democracy is "in tact"
Control of Congress is still at stake, as votes continue to be counted in key races.
Midterm Elections Updates: AZ county walks back plan for full hand count
Candidates hold rallies in key battleground states as the economy shows signs of recovery less than two weeks from elections.
Midterm Elections Updates: Walker denies paying for second woman's abortion
With two weeks until the election, candidates face off in debates and host rallies to gain voters' support.
Earthquake Hits Near San Jose Updates: Video shows classroom, homes shaking
A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck near San Jose, California shortly before noon local time on Tuesday.
New York, Pennsylvania GOP candidates embrace Trump, hope for upsets
Representatives Lee Zeldin and Dr. Mehmet Oz were hoping to defy polling putting them behind their Democratic opponents in debates Tuesday.
Ukraine War Updates: U.S. dissatisfied with negotiations to release Griner
Russia claims Ukraine plans to use a "dirty bomb" in a false flag attack to be blamed on the Kremlin.
Steve Bannon Updates: Bannon sentenced to four months in prison, fined
A judge sentenced Steve Bannon to four months in prison and a fine of $6,500 for contempt of Congress on Friday.
Liz Truss Resigns: Tories want final two PM candidates to debate
The U.K. Prime Minister lasted just 44 days in office after losing the support of her party and the British people.
Ukraine War Updates: Ukraine records 1,884 alleged war crimes in last week
Russian missilies hit Zaphorizhzhia as Putin says a mobilization of army reservists will be completed in two weeks.
Georgia Missing Toddler Updates: Search for Quinton Simon continues
Police have obtained new evidence as the search for 20-month-old Quinton Simon continues in Chatham County, Georgia.
