Weekend wrap-up: The biggest Arizona-related stories
May 20, 2018, 8:36 PM | Updated: 8:37 pm
A bridge structure will require a westbound I-10 closure to pour concrete on this future flyover bridge that will eventually connect motorists to the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway. (Photo: Arizona Department of Transportation)
(Photo: Arizona Department of Transportation)
PHOENIX — Events near and far have took over the news cycle this weekend.
From an Arizona high school prank to a Royal Wedding in England, there was a lot of ground to cover.
Here’s a road map for the stories you may have missed.
Shooter kills 10 people at Texas high school; suspect in custody
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said 10 people, mostly students, were killed and 14 were wounded by a teen shooter at a Houston-area high school Friday morning.
A suspect identified as 17-year-old Dimitrios Pagourtzis, a student at Santa Fe High School, was taken into custody and charged with capital murder.
He had two weapons, a shotgun and .38 revolver, that were owned by his father, Abbott said.
No motive for the attack was given, but Abbott said there was evidence on the suspect’s computer and cellphone that “not only did he want to commit the shooting but he wanted to commit suicide after the shooting.”
After giving up, however, Pagourtzis told police that he did not have the courage to take his own life.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the shooter told investigators that when he opened fire at Santa Fe High School on Friday morning, “he did not shoot students he did like so he could have his story told.”
Among the deceased were a foreign exchange student from Pakistan and a substitute teacher.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle wed in Windsor at Royal Wedding
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gazed into each other’s eyes and pledged their lifelong love Saturday as they married in front of hundreds of royals, celebrities and friends at St. George’s Chapel and millions of TV viewers around the world.
The American actress embraced her new British role in a sleek white silk boat-necked dress designed by British designer Clare Waight Keller. Her sheer veil — down to her waist in front and billowing for what seemed like miles behind her — carried floral references to all 53 countries in the Commonwealth, the group of countries that roughly corresponds to the former British Empire and is headed by Markle’s new grandmother-in-law, the queen.
Harry and best man Prince William wore white gloves and the frock coat uniforms of the Blues and Royals military regiment. Harry kept his full red beard intact — a style decision that had sparked British bets before the wedding.
Markle walked down the aisle alone at first, then was accompanied by Prince Charles and 10 young page boys and bridesmaids. As his father and his bride drew close to the altar, Harry said: “Thank you, Pa.”
To Markle, Harry said: “You look amazing.”
Arizona agencies will prep state for post-quake exodus from California
Government agencies, businesses and other organizations in Arizona planned to participate in an exercise to practice how the state would respond to a migration of 400,000 people after a catastrophic earthquake in Southern California.
The Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs said participants in the National Mass Care Exercise in the coming week will tackle how to organize operations such as providing food, shelter and medical services.
The department said planning for the exercise had been underway for nearly a year.
The State Emergency Operations Center in Phoenix along with many county, tribal and municipal emergency operations centers will activate during the exercise to test activation procedures and staff training.
Valley street to close for 6 months for South Mountain Freeway construction
The Arizona Department of Transportation said Estrella Drive west of 51st Avenue in Laveen will close on Monday and will remain closed until November.
The closure will accelerate the construction of one of 13 interchanges planned for the South Mountain Freeway, the department said.
During the closure, crews will:
• Build 100-foot-long freeway bridge over Estrella Drive
• Construct two roundabouts to improve access to the freeway
• Install underground utilities and drainage structures
• Place foundations for traffic signals and lighting
Traffic during the closure will be detoured to Elliot Road between 51st and 67th avenues.
Students use Craigslist to put Scottsdale high school up for sale
Students at a Scottsdale high school either pulled off an amusing prank or sent a message to their administrators by posting an ad on Craigslist selling their school.
The ad listing Chaparral High School “for sale by owner” was placed on the online classifieds on Wednesday.
We, the senior class of 2018 have decided to sell our high school. The money from the purchase will be used to better fund the rest of the SUSD education system (you’re welcome Desert Mountain).
Any extra money will be used for driving lessons to teach Seniors at Desert Mountain High School how to park properly.
Condition is used and abused.
Bad administration included.
Includes all physical buildings, and operations staff.
Good Teachers are also included.
Freshman, Sophomore & Junior classes included for use by buyer.
Looking to place an “offer?”
The students listed the school’s number, as well as the principal’s extension, as the contact number.
