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A grand jury investigation into Hope Florida and a $10 million Medicaid misappropriation left Floridians with plenty of questions. Many remained unanswered. One of the reporters who broke the story does his best. Also, the latest space news, including a SpaceX rocket carrying NASA astronauts to the International Space Station. For closers, a playwright discusses a new work from the Sarasota Jewish Theatre. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

If you compare your electric bill from last month with, say, one from a couple of years ago, you’d probably see a jump. A three-part WUSF investigation digs into why, and we’re talking to the reporters who put it together. Afterward, do you trust AI to get things right? Plus, Sarasota Orchestra's music director explains what's on tap for this season's schedule. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

There can be a lot of pressure on high school and college athletes. How do they focus on sports and academics while maintaining physical and mental health? Also, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor joins the show to talk about housing costs and mortgage rates. Then, do short-term rentals need more regulations? And a local time capsule provides a glimpse of Tampa from 60 years ago. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

Even in this era of media saturation, a debate can make or break a campaign. But for the first time in 50 years, there may be no such meeting involving the leading candidate for Florida governor. Afterward, a veteran political reporter talks about a court ruling that has opened the door to unlimited spending on Florida campaign advertisements. Then, we hear from a Tampa physician who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he was helping Ebola patients. Finally, meet the founder of a Tampa nonprofit focused on empowering minority children through art, music and dance. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

We learn more about a Tampa Bay Times investigation that found a "side door" in the foster care system that can leave parents struggling to reunite with their children. Also, have you seen billboards floating off the beach? We get into that, fall hunting season, and a musician and bandleader bringing his ensemble to the region. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

In just over a month, voters go to the polls. There are lots of races on the ballot, from governor to Senate to Legislature and more. One thing all Florida voters will get to decide: whether to reduce property taxes. On this episode, we examine the possible effect on fire rescue services and community planning. Also, why is Hillsborough County the epicenter of Florida’s dengue outbreak? Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3 Biking and walking advocates in Tampa are gathering this weekend to spread the word about going car-free. And before L.A. became America’s movie-making hub, our state was "Hollywood East." Plus, updates on two local neighborhoods: St. Petersburg’s Shore Acres is still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and Sarasota’s Newtown is looking to maintain its character amid plans for redevelopment.

Pinellas County schools face declining enrollment. And like other districts facing dwindling rolls, Pinellas may have to close a number of campuses and merge others. District officials have difficult choices confronting them amid concerns for students, staff and teachers. Plus, an update on a case involving Florida wildlife officials’ surveillance of activists and a conversation with the outgoing president of The Ringling Museum. And “The Zest” makes a return visit to the kitchen table of Sarasota chef Giuliano Hazan. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

As our staff focuses on WUSF’s annual fall pledge drive this week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is presenting some of our favorite interviews from the past few months. Interested in donating? Click here. And thank you for listening. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

As our staff focuses on WUSF’s annual fall pledge drive this week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is presenting some of our favorite interviews from the past few months. Interested in donating? Click here. And thank you for listening. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

As our staff focuses on WUSF’s annual fall pledge drive this week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is presenting some of our favorite interviews from the past few months. Interested in donating? Click here. And thank you for listening. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

As our staff focuses on WUSF’s annual fall pledge drive this week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is presenting some of our favorite interviews from the past few months. Interested in donating? Click here. And thank you for listening. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

The Hillsborough County Juvenile Detention Center closed at the end of August. It was located on land where the Tampa Bay Rays are planning to build a stadium. Turns out those actions are related. The sudden shutdown has reportedly left judges, lawyers and officials confused about where to house the youths who were placed there. Then, we try to pack in a lot of info about PACs — Political action committees, which funnel the big money in political races at all levels. Finally, we learn how prison culinary programs can change the lives of inmates. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

Friday marks 25 years since 9/11. It was a watershed moment for the U.S. and the world. It changed how we approached the world, flying, security, patriotism and society in general. Journalists, an aviation executive, a robotics rescue expert, a college professor — and several deeply affected callers — share their experiences from the day and describe what has changed for them since. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3

If the summer had you second-guessing your salad, you’re not alone. Cyclosporiasis, a nasty stomach bug caused by a microscopic parasite, spread across several states, sickening more than 1,100 people and killing two. The outbreak was linked to iceberg lettuce grown at a Mexican farm. It appears the outbreak’s settling down. So, what should you know about leafy greens? How safe are they to eat? And how did the Cyclospora parasite get into the food supply in the first place? Also, we're hitting the peak of hurricane season. But it's been very tranquil in Florida. And, customers at a family St. Petersburg bodega come in search of Cuban sandwiches, conversation and community. They’re described in a local author's "love letter" to her parents. Then we check back in with a popular Lakeland bakery featured on The Zest podcast in 2019. A lot has changed since before COVID-19. Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni3