🌱 Shots Fired At Westgate + Free Back-To-School Supplies In Phoenix

Good morning, neighbors. It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Phoenix Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in the community.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and very hot. High: 116 Low: 90.

Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. A man, identified as 21-year-old Elisha Jackson, was arrested for allegedly shooting into a crowd during a fight at the Westgate Entertainment area in nearby Glendale on Saturday morning. The incident occurred after an argument between two groups, where Jackson reportedly made a sexually inappropriate remark to a woman, leading to a physical altercation. After a security guard intervened, Jackson allegedly fired five shots into the crowd, injuring four people with non-life-threatening injuries. He was apprehended, along with two women he fled with in a traffic stop, and they admitted to being involved in the fight but claimed ignorance of the shooting. Jackson now faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm in city limits. (Arizona's Family)
2. Banner University Medical Center-Phoenix is witnessing a high influx of patients with heat-related illnesses during Arizona's record-breaking heatwave. Dr. Aneesh Narang, an emergency physician, emphasizes the importance of quickly cooling patients within 30 minutes of heatstroke onset to ensure their chances of recovery and neurological well-being. The hospital is using immersive ice therapy, including cooling blankets and evaporative cooling, to efficiently lower patients' body temperatures and treat severe heat-related conditions. (12news.com KPNX)
3. Families in the Valley preparing for the 2023-24 school year can find free back-to-school supplies through various organizations. The Back to School Resource Fair, sponsored by Father Matters, is offering free backpacks and school supplies, along with household items, clothing, and food on Jul. 29 at 10:00 a.m. On the same day, K-12 students can receive free backpacks with supplies at the Phoenix Backpack Giveaway hosted by the law firm Lerner & Rowe, while the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway at TCC wireless stores provides backpacks with supplies on Jul. 30. Click the link to view all the participating organizations, as well as places where you can donate. (The Arizona Republic)

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Today in and around Phoenix:

Wednesday, July 26

• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night At Simple Machine Brewing (6:30 PM)
• Westgate Wednesdays At Westgate Entertainment District, Glendale (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Phoenix is asking for your input regarding the once-in-a-decade Phoenix City Council redistricting process. Submit your own boundary map by Aug. 1. (City of Phoenix, AZ USA via Facebook)
• Due to Valley Metro light rail transit extending the line from downtown Phoenix, the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture is seeking experienced public artists to apply for six station platform public art projects ($300,000) and emerging public artists to apply for two traction power substation public art projects ($50,000). The deadline to apply is Aug. 23. (City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture via Facebook)
• The Palo Verde Library at 4402 N. 51st Ave. is closed until further notice due to air conditioning issues. (Phoenix Public Library via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— 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.