Episode 450: WSLR News Wed., July 15: State pre-emption; school meals; PACs; Done with Gun; Kelly Kirschner

The Florida legislature has recently produced more than 50 laws that restrict local decisionmaking. The Suncoast’s state legislators approved all of these unpopular bills - yet most of our local representatives and senators seem to be cruising to re-election. Next: School districts are in a budget squeeze, and that has consequences. On the table in Sarasota now are price increases for school meals.Then: PACs are popping up in a growing number of down-ballot races. We explain what these campaign vehicles do, and what role they’re playing in local races.Next: The Sarasota Police Department just finished a gun return program. What’s the upshot?Finally: Kelly Kirschner is a former mayor of Sarasota. He is now running for Congress, and we put the spotlight on his candidacy.