Niece Says Uncle’s Death Was a Suicide

Shannon Gallagher, sole heir to her uncle’s estate days before his death, is asking a Broward judge to throw out the murder case against her.

Thomas Burke, 74, was dying of cancer when he was found shot in his Fort Lauderdale home in March 2022, days after signing a new will leaving everything to his niece, then a Surfside commission candidate. Gallagher says he took his life; a medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.

Representing herself at a June 29 hearing, she argued detectives mishandled the investigation, while prosecutors pointed to gunshot residue evidence and gaps in her timeline. Judge Ernest Kollra has not ruled.

 Students Paint Hydrants for America 250

Students across the Jackson County School District have painted roughly 20 fire hydrants red, white, and blue to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

The district began letting students decorate campus hydrants in May, with plans to extend the project to every municipality in the county. School board staff capped the effort with a final hydrant of their own, admitting theirs might not be the county’s best.

That honor went elsewhere. Superintendent Hunter Nolen said the district judged Marianna High School’s entry the winner, calling the students’ eagle-and-flag design “museum quality.”

Where Florida Ranks on Food Poisoning

A new summer ranking places Florida in the middle of the pack for food poisoning risk, at roughly one recorded incident for every 617 residents, ranking 26th among the 49 states measured.

The analysis, drawn from more than 50 years of federal outbreak data, consumer complaints, and a survey of 3,000 travelers, ranks Oregon worst at one incident per 63 residents and Alaska safest. Nationally, the CDC estimates 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne illness each year, with 128,000 hospitalized.

Researchers caution that the figures reflect reported incidents only, so actual case counts run far higher.

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➤ Statewide: FDOT marked the holiday weekend with patriotic safety messages on highway signs across the state, urging motorists, “Don’t drive star-spangled hammered” and “You’re not a firework, don’t drive lit.” (See Signs)

➤ Brandon: Army veteran Brian Nakamura, his wife, and their six children received the keys to a new five-bedroom Habitat for Humanity home built through the Veterans Build program, including a bedroom designed for their 13-year-old son with autism. (More)

➤ Hallandale Beach: An 11-year-old girl shot in the head while waiting in her family’s car outside a Hallandale Beach McDonald’s was released from the hospital Saturday, saying, “It feels like I have another chance.” (More)

➤ Mulberry: A father and his adult son are expected to recover after their ultralight plane struck power lines and crash-landed on State Road 60 shortly after takeoff on Saturday morning. (See Video)

➤ Ormond Beach: Officials launched a “30 is the new 35” campaign urging drivers to slow down on downtown Granada Boulevard after the corridor recorded three deaths and 38 serious injuries over the past decade. (See Details)

➤ Holmes County: Deputies found a wanted man hiding in an air conditioning vent Saturday after a vehicle chase ended with a PIT maneuver on Highway 10-A, leading to three arrests, including two on outstanding warrants and drug charges. (See Details)

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If friends visit from out of state, where do you take them first?

1. 🏖️ The beach
2. 🍽️ A favorite local restaurant
3. 🎢 Theme parks
4. 🌿 A natural attraction
5. Other (reply and tell us)

Yesterday’s Results:

Would you ride an electric air taxi over Orlando?

1. No thanks: 47%
2. Once it’s proven safe: 38%
3. Sign me up: 12%
4. Other: 3%

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

➤ A banned Chinese underground church’s founder is suddenly free and on American soil, thanks in part to President Trump. (Hear Story)

➤ Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul, struck a parked car in California wine country and drove away, and now the 86-year-old could be facing charges. (Listen Now)

➤ A lavish party for a baby’s very first tooth has the internet asking whether modern parents have finally gone too far. (Podcast Available)

Who is Publix Supermarket’s mascot?

Show me the answer