Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman clash over crime and child care on the campaign trail

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Governor Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman campaigned in separate appearances Sunday, offering sharply different visions for New York as voters prepare for early voting and Election Day. Hochul visited Concourse Village in the Bronx, where she highlighted policies including a ban on cell phones in schools and expanded access to community college and child care. The governor said those priorities are rooted in her own experiences. "I knew what it was like to struggle, not having child care. That's why as governor, when I'm focusing on your family as my fight and we're going to have child care for everybody, this was a personal fight because I knew what it was like not to have it," Hochul said. Meanwhile, Blakeman campaigned in Elmont on Long Island alongside Lee Zeldin, whom Hochul narrowly defeated in the 2022 gubernatorial election. Zeldin later became administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in the Trump administration. While Hochul did not mention Blakeman during her Bronx appearance, supporters said a major challenge for Democrats in the borough is voter turnout. "I'm counting on all of you," Hochul told attendees.

Up CloseUp Close with Liz Cho airs Sundays at 11:00 a.m. on Channel 7, WABC-TV in New York City. Eyewitness News UpClose - 10/18/26Sunday, October 18, 2026 4:01PMNEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- With early voting already underway and Election Day approaching, New York's gubernatorial candidates are making their final pitches to voters. Gov. Kathy Hochul and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman appeared on "Up Close" on Sunday, where they outlined their priorities and made the case for why they should lead New York for the next four years. During the interviews, Eyewitness News anchor Mike Marza asked each candidate what they hope to accomplish if elected. Their responses focused on their competing visions for the state's future as the campaign enters its final stretch. Up Close with Liz Cho airs Sundays at 11:00 a.m. on Channel 7, WABC-TV in New York City. SUBSCRIBE TO THE UP CLOSE PODCASTDiscover more podcasts from abc7NY hereWATCH: Up Close on our Connected TV apps for Fire, Roku, Apple TV and Android TV. Click here to learn more. RELATED: Watch more episodes of Up CloseCopyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.

An investigation is underway after shots were fired in north Houston on Monday afternoon, according to the Houston Police Department.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Brady Oliveira (20) runs for the first down against the Calgary Stampeders during second half CFL football action in Winnipeg on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods. TORONTO – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers enter the final week of the CFL regular season controlling their playoff fate.

Parti Québécois (PQ) Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is set to be sworn in as Quebec’s 34th premier Wednesday, as his party prepares to form a minority government following the Oct. 5 provincial election. St-Pierre Plamondon will also unveil his cabinet, marking the next step in the transition of power after the PQ won 59 seats in the National Assembly.