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The Democrats have secured a majority in the Senate and will also take control of the House of Representatives after the midterm elections, in a stunning rebuke to US President Donald Trump.
The Democrats needed only three House gains and a net four seats in the Senate to take control of Congress.
House Democrat leader Hakeem Jeffries says the results have exceeded expectations in what he says is a patriotic moment, not a partisan one.
"From sea to shining sea, the American people have spoken and made clear they've had enough of the extremism, enough of the corruption. They want a Congress that's going to deliver for the American people, and that is exactly what House Democrats will do as soon as we get into office in January."
Donald Trump lashed out on social media as it grew clear Republicans were in danger of losing their congressional majorities, writing on Truth Social that if he had been on the ballot, Republicans would have won in a landslide.
He's told Fox News that the war in Iran could be partly to blame for the backlash - but maintains it has been the right decision.
"People understood the importance of what I've done with Iran. I think historically it's going to be much more important than this evening, because you can't let the number one state sponsor of terror have a nuclear weapon.”
In the US, questions are being asked about who's to blame for the massive defeat of the Republicans in the US Midterm elections.
Our correspondent Ben Lewis is on the ground in Washington DC.
Recriminations are already underway in Washington DC after the Republicans shocking showing in the midterms.
Vice President JD Vance posting a lengthy review of the result
"The reason we lost is the war. ... If you'd like to argue it was worth it, that losing the Senate for the next 6 years was worth it, then do so. Argue it was a worthwhile cost to pay. Agree or disagree, that's at least honest."
"To the people who are pissed off and want to say, “I told you so”: you’re right, you did tell us so."
That statement was endorsed by Donald Trump Jr… the President’s son.
Democrats are jubilant… the incoming Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer indicating that white house officials should prepare for the oversight that has been lacking over the past 2 years.
But some newly elected Democrats… like James Talarico of Texas, are urging party chiefs to focus on the economy and cost of living, rather than retribution.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has sacked his chief of staff for what his office says could be treason, a day after his arrest on suspicion of wiretapping.
Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who is not related to the president, was among three police officers detained and accused of illegally tapping the phones of the president, journalists, politicians and businesspeople.
Listyo had been national police chief for five years before becoming the president's chief of staff in October.
The arrests come as Prabowo faces falling approval ratings and economic turmoil, while the motive for the alleged wiretapping remains unknown.
A two-day hearing to challenge the government's underage social media ban has concluded in the High Court.
Barristers for Labor spent the second day outlining a range of risks they say social media platforms pose, including adverse sleep effects, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation.
The High court is being asked to decide whether limiting children and young people's political engagement outweighs the harm done by social media platforms.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said the ban continues to draw interest from countries looking to implement similar solutions.
"People are very interested, obviously, in the social media ban that we've put in place, and that is raised with me, spontaneously by people who want to engage and discuss, what has happened there."
To sport, ten Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander runners are returning home after crossing the finish line at the New York City Marathon.
The runners, aged between 18 and 30, completed six months of intensive training through the Indigenous Marathon Project before tackling the gruelling 42-kilometre course.
The program aims to build health, resilience and leadership among young First Nations people.
Gamilaroi man Zach Stewart is one of this year's Indigenous Marathon Foundation Participants.
"I am super proud of myself. I went through the highs, the lows, everything in between, but I still completed it. And if I had a message for any of the mob out there that are looking at doing something hard and challenging, but something super rewarding, I would highly recommend the Indigenous Marathon Foundation and doing the IMP program. I'm super inspired by my team and my squad, and wow, what a way to end it here in beautiful Times Square."
