🌱 Phoenix Homeowner Shoots Intruder + Dog Dies On Piestewa Peak Hike

Hello, neighbors. It's Friday in Phoenix and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community.

But first, today's weather:

Sunshine and very warm. High: 106 Low: 83.

Here are the top three stories in Phoenix today:

1. In north Phoenix early Thursday morning, an intruder was hospitalized with serious injuries after reportedly breaking into a residence near 43rd Avenue and Cactus Road and being shot by the homeowner. Phoenix police, arriving post-midnight following a burglary report, found the man with a gunshot wound and noted the homeowner's claims aligned with self-defense. While no arrests were made, the injured individual will face jail once recovered, with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office reviewing the ongoing investigation. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
2. A tragic incident unfolded at Phoenix's Piestewa Peak late Wednesday morning, as Daniel Milunovic was arrested following the death of one of his dogs during a hike, where temperatures soared above 100 degrees. In violation of a 2016 rule banning dogs on trails in such heat, Milunovic's other dog was treated for heat-related illness, and he was issued a citation for animal neglect, facing potential charges including a fine of up to $2,500 and six months in jail. Phoenix fire personnel were summoned to the scene by a hiker, managing to cool down the surviving dog, though its exact condition remains unknown. The city reminds residents that dogs are not allowed on the Piestewa Peak trail. (The Arizona Republic)
3. Amid an ongoing teacher shortage in the Phoenix area, school districts in Maricopa County are grappling with over 400 vacancies as the new academic year begins. To combat the deficit, many districts are employing individuals with college degrees but no formal educational training under emergency teaching certificates, a tactic seeing increased use this year. While some districts are in a better position than others, concerns loom about the sustainability of such measures, though it's highlighted that hiring students pursuing teaching careers can be more advantageous than emergency certifications. Click the link to view a list of all the current openings. (Arizona's Family)

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Today in Phoenix:

Friday, August 11

• Beck And Phoenix At Footprint Center (5:45 PM)
• Women4Women Packing Party At Private Home On Ahwatukee Drive — Address Provided Upon Registration (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Phoenix Police Department offered congratulations to Amanda Gallegos for being named Forensic Scientist of the Year by the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. Click the link to view a photo. (Phoenix Police Department via Facebook)
• Curious about sustainability? The Phoenix Convention Center explained how they're incorporating sustainable practices, such as composting food waste, here. (Phoenix Convention Center via Facebook)
• The City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture highlighted the public art piece, A Path for Water, which was completed in 2o19 by Barbara Grygutis and symbolizes a funnel for "gathering" water. At the link, view photos of the art piece and learn more about it here. (City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.