The midterms are not over. Several key races still undecided.
Natalie Neysa Alund👋🏼 Hi there! I'm Natalie Neysa Alund, filling in forPhaedra Trethan, who's taking a couple of days off!
In Thursday's news:
- The midterms are not over. Several key races in multiple states are still to be decided. We break it down.
- A jury has convicted Russell Brand of rape. The comedian was found guilty following a bombshell trial across the pond.
- We look at what inspectors expect from chefs to earn a Michelin star.
But first: See 78-year-old's incredible finish at his 43rd NYC Marathon. You might cry! I did!
Midterm updates: Alaska, Mississippi Senate races still neck and neck
Democrats may have won control of Congress, but the midterm elections are not over. It may take days, or even weeks, to learn the winners of several key races across the country. As of Thursday, Democrats had flipped seven Senate seats and more than 30 House seats. Votes are still being counted in the U.S. Senate races in Alaska and Mississippi, as well as in dozens of House contests. President Donald Trump said he will accept the midterm results and work with Democrats, but he also pledged to veto Democratic bills that come across his desk.
- Democrats in Congress face critical test ahead of 2028.
- A "Watergate-level repudiation." Ted Cruz weighs in on the Republican losses across Texas.
- Elon Musk spent $445 million on Republicans. They still lost.
- Why Florida stayed red when many other states turned blue.
Russell Brand found guilty of rape, sex assault
Comedian Russell Brand was found guilty of several counts of rape and sexual assault following his trial in London. The offenses took place between 1999 and 2009 and involved six women who did not know each other. During the trial, Brand admitted he "misused" his fame "very, very selfishly" to have sexual encounters with women in the past, but testified that he never engaged in non-consensual activity. Brand was refused bail and is set for sentencing Nov. 9. He faces prison time.
Real quick ✅
- Experts say clues are helping them make sense of the tragic nose-down Florida jet crash that killed 9 people and injured one person on the ground.
- Fun fact about new senator-elect: His grandfather invented chicken fingers!
- A North Carolina man has sued OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT aided his wife in a monthslong plan to poison him by spiking his sodas and energy drinks.
- Six New Yorkers lost their lives in an early morning house fire that also left nine others, including first responders, injured.
What does it take to earn a Michelin star?
As Apple TV's "Knife Edge" follows chefs chasing Michelin stars, USA TODAY looked at what inspectors expect and why one great meal isn't enough to make the cut. The annual award for exceptional cooking includes three stars representing the guide's highest honor. Earning a Michelin star starts with a visit from an anonymous inspector, who orders from the menu and pays the bill like any other guest. As they dine, they consider five things: ingredient quality, how well flavors work together, cooking techniques, the chef's personality in the food and consistency across the menu and between visits.
A break from the news
- Starbucks' holiday menu, including festive drinks, sandwiches and bakery items, is here! Check out all the tasty treats!
- Woof! What led to the iconic photo of Uga V and the Auburn player?
- Could you qualify for credit card debt forgiveness? Find out here.
Natalie Neysa Alund is senior reporter at USA TODAY. Email me at [email protected].