NYC to offer free pet food at 22 pantries across all five boroughs

Published October 19, 2026 7:22 AM CDT DALLAS - Following the end of the State Fair of Texas, vendors will donate their leftover food today to help local food pantries.  What we know: Over the last 10 years, the "State Fair Cares" initiative helped feed North Texans with unused items from the fair's food and beverage vendors. Several food banks that help people around Fair Park will pick up the donations today. The annual event serves as its largest community program and fundraiser of the year.  What they're saying: State Fair of Texas President Mitchell Glieber highlighted the importance of the annual event. "The State Fair of Texas is about so much more than the 24 days we spend together at Fair Park. It is about bringing people together, celebrating the traditions and hospitality that make Texas special, and creating opportunities that make a lasting difference in our communities," Glieber said. "We are grateful to every fairgoer who joined us this year, as well as the team members, vendors, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this season possible. " By the numbers: The 2026 fair brought in massive crowds and raised millions of dollars for Texas students and communities

Midway AirportByABC7 Chicago Digital Team Tuesday, October 20, 2026 4:19AMA runway at Chicago Midway International Airport is now closed for safety repairs. WLSCHICAGO (WLS) -- A runway at Chicago Midway International Airport is now closed for safety repairs. The Chicago Department of Aviation says the departure end of the runway needs to be fixed after being damaged by recent aircraft activity. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchThe runway closure could cause flight delays and cancellations. "The extent of these disruptions will vary based on airline schedules and weather conditions, particularly wind direction, which affects how the airport's four-runway network can be used for arrivals and departures," the CDA said in a statement, in part. The work is expected to wrap up next month. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. (WLS) -- Illinois Congresswoman Delia Ramirez is one of the latest elected officials to receive a suspicious envelope in the mail. Police were called to the congresswoman's office in West Chicago on Monday afternoon. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchThe FBI later took over the investigation. Top Stories4 family members among 5 dead after murder-suicide shooting at Mundelein home, police sayEvanston students recall New Trier fans yelling alleged racist, homophobic slurs at football game44 minutes agoOfficials ID 75-year-old woman who died after vehicle drove into 'contaminated water' in GaryAuthorities have not said what was inside the envelope. Similar mail has arrived at government offices around the country, including the offices of at least five other members of Congress from Illinois. No hazardous substances have been found. SEE ALSO | Suspicious letters prompt hazmat responses at 2 Cook County government buildingsREAD MORE | Suspicious letters sent to congressional offices in Illinois, FBI investigates nationwide incidentsCopyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Apu’s unheralded return is a remarkable twist to a yearslong discourse about how the character has represented a painful stereotype for some South Asian Americans. After a 2017 documentary by comedian Hari Kondabolu, “The Problem With Apu,” the character was largely exiled from the screen. How a documentary on Apu became a turning pointIn “The Problem With Apu,” Kondabolu, a self-described fan of the Fox show, tried to process his misgivings. He interviewed a slew of celebrities of South Asian origin, including Kal Penn, Utkarsh Ambudkar and Hasan Minhaj, about growing up with the character. They shared memories of being bullied and called “Apu” as an insult. Adding to their view of Apu as just a caricature was that Hank Azaria, a white actor, voiced him. With the full name of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon Jr., he felt like the “forever foreigner, someone who represents Indians in the United States through this sole typology of being a convenience store owner, being a recent immigrant, having this heavy accent, being really limited in this sort of like American identity,” says Bhoomi Thakore, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Connecticut.

TORONTO – Gavin McKenna found himself stapled to the bench last Thursday. The No. 1 overall pick at the 2026 NHL draft returned to the fray over the weekend — and was right back in the spotlight four nights later. McKenna scored the winner on a third-period power play in Toronto’s 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks that halted the Maple Leafs’ three-game slide Monday. The 18-year-old winger grabbed a loose puck after Auston Matthews won a battle down low and fired low glove side on Yaroslav Askarov for his third goal as a professional. “Pretty fired up,” said McKenna, who dropped to one knee in celebration following his goal that snapped a 1-1 tie. “It’s a hard league to score in … when you get to put one in the back of the net, it feels pretty good.” Story continues below advertisement

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Protesters gathered in downtown Chicago on Monday evening, calling on the Trump administration to continue supporting Ukraine as Russian airstrikes intensified and concerns grew about the war's impact on civilians. The demonstration took place outside the Wrigley Building, where participants stood in silence while expressing concern for family members and loved ones still living in Ukraine. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchProtesters said they have been receiving disturbing updates from relatives as attacks continue. "It would cost the American people nothing, nothing, except maybe some political capital to let Ukraine defend itself," said Chicago resident Julian Hayen. "It would not cost American people anything to share intelligence with Ukraine so they can intercept missiles. "Demonstrators pointed to reports that Russian airstrikes have escalated over the past week, including reports that a 1-year-old child was killed at a playground, prompting international outrage. "It's exhausting for everybody," said Chicago resident Andrew Benson.