IRC Media Friday News Brief — October 2, 2026

Five stories to know this Friday across Indian River County, Florida and the nation.

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY VOTERS FACE MONDAY REGISTRATION DEADLINE

Florida's deadline to register for the November 3 general election is Monday, October 5, leaving only the weekend plus Monday for anyone who is not yet registered. Indian River County reported 119,327 active registered voters as of September 30. Local voters can still request a vote-by-mail ballot through 5 p.m. October 22.

FLORIDA ATTORNEY GENERAL SUES PFIZER; CASE FILED IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a civil lawsuit Thursday against Pfizer and CEO Albert Bourla, alleging the company misled consumers about the safety and effectiveness of its COVID-19 vaccine. The complaint was filed in St. Lucie County Circuit Court and seeks monetary penalties, disgorgement and injunctive relief. Pfizer says the allegations have no merit and that its representations were accurate and science-based. The claims have not been proven in court.

SPACEX CREW-13 REACHES INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION AFTER FLORIDA LAUNCH

SpaceX launched NASA's Crew-13 mission Thursday from Cape Canaveral with two U.S. astronauts, one Canadian astronaut and one Russian cosmonaut aboard a Crew Dragon spacecraft. The crew reached the International Space Station after an approximately eight-hour flight and will spend months conducting research aboard the station.

MIAMI FEDERAL JUDGE DISMISSES NONCITIZEN-VOTING PROSECUTION

U.S. District Judge David Leibowitz in Miami dismissed a federal prosecution Thursday against Jamaican national Chelsea Cox, finding the 1996 federal statute criminalizing noncitizen voting unconstitutional as applied in her case. The ruling applies to Cox and does not bind other judges. Every state, including Florida, still requires U.S. citizenship to vote, and the ruling should not be interpreted as making noncitizen voting legal in Florida.

IRAN PREPARES OPTIONS FOR BROADER RETALIATION IF U.S. ATTACKS RESUME

Iranian commanders are preparing options for a broader response if the United States resumes large-scale attacks, according to Reuters reporting based on Iranian officials and a source familiar with the discussions. No final decision has been made, and Tehran continues to pursue diplomacy through Qatar. Any renewed fighting could affect regional security, global shipping and energy markets.

That's your IRC Media Friday News Brief for October 2, 2026.

We'll continue following developments across Indian River County, the Treasure Coast, Florida and the nation throughout the day.

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