NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)October 24, 2026Hillsborough County
Undecided voters, Isaias recovery, ICE spending and weekly news briefing
Photo: WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)
This weekly news briefing covers polling on undecided voters ahead of Florida's 2026 midterm elections, early recovery efforts following Hurricane Isaias, a federal report on Immigration and Customs Enforcement spending, a court ruling on a child social media ban, utility rate regulations, and the official recognition of a local Tuskegee Airmen chapter.
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)Why It Matters
Residents face ongoing storm recovery in the panhandle, shifting state regulations on child social media accounts, and decisions on utility rate structures.
Key Facts
- Florida's 2026 midterm elections are approaching, with vote-by-mail ballots being returned and statewide early voting beginning next week.
- Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin last week as a category 2 storm, causing widespread damage in the Florida panhandle.
- Governor Ron DeSantis reported that six people died due to Hurricane Isaias.
- A federal accountability review found that Immigration and Customs Enforcement wasted tens of millions of dollars expanding detention and operations rapidly.
- The federal report highlighted Florida's defunct 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention center, noting it operated without ample authorization from federal immigration officials.
- An appeals court ruled that the state can enforce its ban on social media accounts for children under 14 years old.
- Utilities must go before the Florida Public Service Commission for approval when raising rates or recouping costs.
- The Tampa Bay chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen was officially recognized as the fourth chapter in Florida.
Who's Mentioned
PersonRon DeSantis“Governor who stated six people died due to Hurricane Isaias”locationFlorida“State where midterm elections, storm recovery, and policy actions are taking pla”OrganizationTuskegee Airmen“Tampa Bay chapter officially recognized as the fourth in Florida”OrganizationImmigration and Customs Enforcement“Federal agency subject to a federal accountability review regarding spending”OrganizationWUWF“Partner station in Pensacola”PersonSandra Averhart“Reporter from partner station WUWF in Pensacola discussing storm recovery”OrganizationFlorida Public Service Commission“State body that reviews utility rate increases and cost recoupment”locationDestin“Location near where Hurricane Isaias made landfall”OrganizationWUSF“Media organization producing a three-part series on energy costs”locationPensacola“Location of partner station WUWF”