Up Close: Democrat Kathy Hochul, Republican Bruce Blakeman makes case to voters for NY governor

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.

A person was killed, and three others were hurt after a shooting near a sports complex in northeast Harris County, according to the sheriff's office.

A Central Florida man who threatened to kill family members or himself was arrested after he lunged at deputies with a knife. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested the man who threatened to kill deputies and lunged at them with a knife. Local law enforcement responded to a home on the 11000 block of Clay Pit Road in Tampa regarding an adult male threatening to kill family members or himself.

City Colleges of ChicagoThe City Colleges of Chicago teachers and staff Local 1600 union is prepared to strike Monday if no contract deal is reached amid a contract dispute. Monday, October 19, 2026 3:22AMCHICAGO (WLS) -- Union leaders said Sunday night that there was still no contract agreement between City Colleges of Chicago and the union representing about 1,500 faculty and professional staff members. Negotiations continued through the weekend after hours of talks failed to produce a deal. The union has been negotiating with City Colleges since February. Its previous contract expired in July, and members voted last month to authorize a strike if an agreement was not reached by Monday. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchUnion leaders said key issues in the negotiations include wages, benefits, AI protections and reducing barriers for students. Tony Johnston, president of Cook County College Teachers Union Local 1600, said members remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached but are prepared for a possible strike. "We are committed to seeing how far we can go tonight.