We extend the idea of interval pattern avoidance defined by Yong and the author for $S_n$ to arbitrary Weyl groups using the definition of pattern avoidance due to Billey and Braden, and Billey and Postnikov. We show that, as previously shown by Yong and the author for $\operatorname{GL}_n$, interval pattern avoidance is a universal tool for characterizing which Schubert varieties have certain local properties, and where these local properties hold.

If $A$ is a subset of the set of reflections of a finite Coxeter group $W$, we define a sub-$\ZM$-module $\DC_A(W)$ of the group algebra $\ZM W$. We discuss cases where this submodule is a subalgebra. This family of subalgebras includes strictly the Solomon descent algebra, the group algebra and, if $W$ is of type $B$, the Mantaci--Reutenauer algebra.

No abstract.