Photos: ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ photographer Mamta Popat's favorite photos from 2024
Look through some of Mamta Popat's favorite photos from 2024.Â
Ashes-to-Go
John Bartlett becomes emotional as he prays with Rev. Richard Jones during an Ashes-to-Go event at St. James United Methodist Church, 3255 N. Campbell Ave. in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on February 14, 2024. Ash Wednesday signifies the start of Lent. Bartlett said he’s been struggling with the death of his mother last year.
"Make a Wish" granted to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ soccer fan
Carter, 6, smiles as Kyle Cornell, far right, chief operating officer of FC ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, reveals Carter’s "Make a Wish.†Carter has cystic fibrosis and wants to be a pro soccer player. Make a Wish set it up so he gets to play "professionally" with Minnesota United FC this summer. His wish was revealed to him at the FC ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ locker room in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on January 26, 2024.
Funbox
Brycen Palmer, center, and his brother, Hayden, right, clean off areas of the 25,000 square foot bounce park on February 5, 2024. Funbox is set to open in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on February 9 in the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Mall parking lot and will remain open for nine weeks. This is the first time Funbox has come to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.
Good Friday Cross Procession, 2024
Jerry Carlyle, a Tohono Oʼodham tribal member, blesses a station of the cross during the 57th annual Good Friday Cross Procession led by Los Dorados Orphan League up Sentinel Peak on March 29, 2024.
TPD Officer killed
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Police Department Chief Chad Kasmar, center, is comforted by city manager Michael Ortega, left, and Mayor Regina Romero as he speaks during a press conference about the death of officer Adam Buckner at the TPD main station, 270 S. Stone Ave., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on April 1, 2024. Buckner was answering a call shortly before 10 p.m. Sunday night when he crashed at North Campbell Avenue and East Sixth Street, Kasmar said.
Partial Solar Eclipse
Hundreds of people gather on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ mall to watch the partial solar eclipse in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on April 8, 2024. Seventy-five percent of the Sun's diameter was covered by the Moon.
Prom: Do-over Disco
Sandra Sierra, far left, and Kaye Fielding, right, hav some fun with Tony Bush at the photo booth during the Prom: Do-over Disco for people 50 years and older event at the Donna R. Liggins Recreation Center, 2160 N 6th Ave in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on May 17, 2024. The prom was put on the city of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Parks and Recreation department and Oak Street Health. Seniors enjoyed the free event which included food, music, dancing a raffle.
Ironwood trees in bloom, 2024
Residents walk past one of the many blooming ironwood trees along N. Camino de Plaza in Oro Valley, Ariz. on May 23, 2024. Parts of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and Oro Valley are in the pink, as local ironwood trees experience what one expert describes as the best blooms in years.
Hot weather in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, 2024
Geanna Varela laughs as she gets hit by a water cannon by her brother at the splash pad at Catalina Park, 941 N 4th Ave in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on June 13, 2024. According to the National Weather Service in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ hit its first 110°F day this year.
Storm damage in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
The side of the building at AutoZone Auto Parts, 935 West Prince Road, blew over during a monsoon storm early Sunday night. A large complex of storms with high winds and many microbursts left extremely widespread damage in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Photo taken July 15, 2024.
Storm damage in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
A pool of water shows reflections along North Granada Ave. on Monday morning July 15, 2024, after a large complex of storms with high winds and many microbursts left extremely widespread damage in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ early Sunday evening.
Former President Donald Trump, 2024 election
A supporter sings along to the National Anthem before former President Donald Trump spoke during a rally at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on September 12, 2024. This was Trump’s first visit to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ since October 2020. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ is receiving attention as a battleground state in the November presidential election.
Former President Donald Trump, 2024 election
Former President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on September 12, 2024. This was Trump’s first visit to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ since October 2020. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ is receiving attention as a battleground state in the November presidential election.
Vice President Kamala Harris, 2024 election
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign event at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ College Douglas Campus in Douglas, Ariz. September 27, 2024. She held the rally after visiting the U.S.-Mexico border.
Hot weather in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Crystal Vaughn, left, and Henry Peralta lay down in the shade at Catalina Park, 941 N 4th Ave in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. October 7, 2024. Peralta says he bought the large umbrella from a dumpster diver who sold it to him last month. Vaughn says she has suffered heat stroke a few times over the past summer. Triple-digit heat is expected for the rest of the week.
Femme Photo Club
Julianna Lucero, center, checks the transparency of a flower petal during a monthly meetup of the Femme Photo Club in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on October 6, 2024. Participants learn photography skills, get hands-on experience and mingle with like-minded community members. The club is for women, trans and femme photographers. On this Sunday, they learned about lumen photography, an alternative process where a camera is not needed and photo paper is exposed by the sun with materials laid on the paper.
Former President Barack Obama in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Former President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign event for Vice-president Kamala Harris at the Cole and Jeannie Davis Sports Center on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on October 18, 2024.
Former President Barack Obama in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Supporters cheer as former President Barack Obama takes the stage during a campaign event for Vice-president Kamala Harris at the Cole and Jeannie Davis Sports Center on the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ campus in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on October 18, 2024.
All Souls Procession, 2024
Participants stand along the side of the urn at the start of the 35th Annual All Souls Procession in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on November 3, 2024.
Veterans Day Parade, 2024
Parker Fite, middle, waits for the start of the 105th annual ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Veterans Day Parade in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on November 11, 2024. The parade honors all veterans, but this year’s theme features Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Desert Calm.
"That's a Wrap,Ó grant-funded public art project
Ten utility boxes in downtown ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ recently received vinyl wraps featuring artwork from local artists. The project, called "That's a Wrap,†is a grant-funded public art project that hired five artists to each create two designs. Porter McDonald designed the utility box at 98 E Congress St. which pays tribute to the former Wig-O-Rama store. The public art project was made possible through the Public Art Panel, Rio Nuevo, the city of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and the Arts Foundation for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. November 19, 2024.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ vs. (6) Stanford, women’s basketball
Stanford Cardinal forward Cameron Brink (22), ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats forward Montaya Dew (3) and Stanford Cardinal guard Jzaniya Harriel (32) battle for the rebound in the first half during a game at McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on January 28, 2024.
No. 11 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs Stanford Cardinals
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Caleb Love (2) lets out a scream after Stanford is called for a foul in the second half during a game at McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on February 4, 2024. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ won 82-71.
No. 11 ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs Stanford Cardinals
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Caleb Love (2) is defended by Stanford Cardinal forward Spencer Jones (14) in the first half during a game at McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on February 4, 2024.
La Fiesta de los Vaqueros - ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Rodeo
Logan Kenline competes in the steer wrestling event during the 99th Annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros - ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Rodeo in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on February 22, 2024.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ women's basketball vs ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats forward Esmery Martinez (12) looks for an ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State’s contact lens on the floor in the first half during a game at McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on February 4, 2024.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ women's basketball vs ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats forward Esmery Martinez (12), ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State Sun Devils guard Isadora Sousa (44) and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State Sun Devils forward Journey Thompson (22) battle for a rebound in the second half during a game at McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on February 4, 2024. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ won 63-52.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs Washington Huskies, women’s basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats forward Isis Beh (33) defends Washington Huskies guard Jayda Noble (3) in the second half during a game at McKale Center on February 18, 2024.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats vs Washington Huskies, women’s basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Courtney Blakely (1) runs back to the bench after hitting a three-pointer at the buzzer to end the first quarter in the first half during a game at McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on February 18, 2024. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats forward Isis Beh (33), ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats forward Esmery Martinez (12) and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard Helena Pueyo (13) celebrate as well.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Women's Basketball vs. UT Arlington
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats forward Katarina Knezevic (34) and UT Arlington Mavericks guard Nya Threatt (5) look at the loose ball in the second half during a game at McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on November 4, 2024. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ won 73-54.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ (17) vs. Duke (12), Men's Basketball
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats forward Trey Townsend (4), ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wildcats guard KJ Lewis (5) and Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) dive onto the floor for a loose ball in the second half during a game at McKale Center in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on November 22, 2024. Duke won 69-55.
Mamta Popat
Photojournalist
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