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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.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Oct. 19, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — The Salt Lake City Fire Department and city officials are mourning the lost of longtime firefighter John Stevens. “Words can’t begin to describe the sadness I’m feeling over the death of friend and colleague John Stevens,” Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall posted on social media.

The offering of government checks has become a go-to tactic for Trump when he faces a political jam. He’s previously endorsed $2,000 in dividends from tariff revenues and large refunds from spending cuts achieved by the Department of Government Efficiency, neither of which materialized. The latest example could reveal how much voters still trust Trump as they decide control of Congress in the midterm elections on Nov. 3. Get Starting PointA guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter EmailStaunch supporters such as Lucy Martinez, the president of a Republican women’s club who attended a recent Trump rally in Texas, said there’s no doubt in their minds. “I think that I will get the $5,000,” she said. Out of all the presidents, Trump is someone “who kept his promises to his people and all the United States.”Trump has dished out payments as elections approachHowever, many voters are already embittered by his economic leadership. His critics see a president who failed to tame inflation and keep America out of overseas conflicts, and whose agenda has fueled higher prices as the war with Iran appears to be at a stalemate.

Calgary·NewA murder trial got underway Monday for a Calgary man accused of shooting his girlfriend in the head during an argument. Gerald Frommelt, 42, is on trial for 2nd-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend Jamie Lynn Scheible, 23Meghan Grant · CBC News · Posted: Oct 20, 2026 12:10 AM EDT | Last Updated: 34 minutes agoListen to this articleEstimated 2 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results. Gerald Frommelt is on trial with murder in the 2022 death of his girlfriend Jamie Lynn Scheible. (Calgary Police Service, Zoe Willard)A murder trial got underway Monday for a Calgary man accused of shooting his girlfriend in the head during an argument. Gerald Frommelt, 42, is on trial for second-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend Jamie Lynn Scheible, 23, who was fatally shot in April 2022. Justice David Labrenz heard an opening statement from prosecutor James Thomas, who outlined the Crown’s theory of the case and expected evidence.

Across 38 seasons of “The Simpsons,” the Halloween-themed “Treehouse of Horror” episodes have always been a treat of spooky stand-alone storylines. On Sunday, the show surprised viewers with a major resurrection: Apu, the beloved Kwik-E-Mart operator who had not been heard for the better part of a decade, spoke once again in Springfield. He and his wife, Manjula, were back with a meaty plotline — and the voices of actual Indian American actors: Sunil Malhotra, a veteran voice-over artist, and Janina Gavankar (“The Morning Show”).

SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ — Terrill Middle School and Malcolm E. Nettingham Middle School both ranked among New Jersey’s top 150 middle schools in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings,...

Get the Daily News delivered to your inbox Live music, theatre, and stand-up return to the Old Church Theatre from September through May. Enjoy award-winning artists, local productions, and tiered season discounts. View the full lineup and get tickets! Link here.

President Donald Trump is hoping that $5,000 checks can juice Republican turnout in November's midterm elections — but even some of his devoted fans are doubting that government payouts would arrive.

Cambridge and Lexington captured the top slots in US News & World Report’s annual rankings of the best public elementary and middle schools in Massachusetts, according to new data released Tuesday. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School in Cambridge ranked No. 1 among more than 700 public elementary schools in Massachusetts that received ratings, according to the rankings for the 2026-27 school year. The Jonas Clarke Middle School in Lexington secured the top spot on the state’s list of 370 middle schools. US News ranked more than 46,000 public elementary schools and 24,000 middle schools nationwide at the state and district levels. An overall nationwide rating for each school was not generated. K-8 schools were split between the two lists. “Great elementary and middle schools educate their students from all socioeconomic backgrounds with the goal of setting them up for success,” according to US News.

SOUTH BURLINGTON — When “Across the Fence” first aired on Valentines Day, Feb. 14, 1955, it is unlikely that anyone involved with the program would have predicted the show would be on the air 71 years later. Co-produced by the University of Vermont Extension Service and WCAX-TV, Across the Fence is the longest-running locally produced TV show in the country.

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GREAT FALLS — CMR tailback Donavin Scribner announced his commitment to Montana Tech football on his social media on Monday night. Scribner is the Rustlers' leading rusher with 835 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in seven games in 2026. He joins Rustlers safety Grayson Muzzana as yet another CMR commitment to the Orediggers in the 2027 class. The senior running back held offers from St. Norbert and Mount Marty. The central Montana product will be staying in the Treasure State to play football at the next level. Scribner did miss CMR's 34-0 win over Billings Skyview last Friday. The Rustlers sit 6-2 ahead of a crosstown matchup with Great Falls, and hope to have their star tailback for their final regular season game or postseason run.

Albertans have voted to remain in Canada with a majority of voters rejecting a future binding vote on independence. Question 10 on the referendum ballot asked voters whether Alberta should remain in Canada or whether the province should hold a second, binding referendum on leaving Confederation.