Photos: Arizona Daily Star 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 Tucson, 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 Tucson soccer fan
Carter, 6, smiles as Kyle Cornell, far right, chief operating officer of FC Tucson, 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 Tucson locker room in Tucson, 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 Tucson, Ariz. on February 9 in the Tucson Mall parking lot and will remain open for nine weeks. This is the first time Funbox has come to Tucson.
Good Friday Cross Procession, 2024
Jerry Carlyle, a Tohono OĘĽodham 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
Tucson 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 Tucson, 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 Arizona mall to watch the partial solar eclipse in Tucson, 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 Tucson, Ariz. on May 17, 2024. The prom was put on the city of Tucson 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 Tucson 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 Tucson, 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 Tucson, Ariz. on June 13, 2024. According to the National Weather Service in Tucson, Tucson hit its first 110°F day this year.
Storm damage in Tucson
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 Tucson. Photo taken July 15, 2024.
Storm damage in Tucson
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 Tucson 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 Tucson, Ariz. on September 12, 2024. This was Trump’s first visit to Tucson since October 2020. Arizona 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 Tucson, Ariz. on September 12, 2024. This was Trump’s first visit to Tucson since October 2020. Arizona 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 Cochise College Douglas Campus in Douglas, Ariz. September 27, 2024. She held the rally after visiting the U.S.-Mexico border.
Hot weather in Tucson
Crystal Vaughn, left, and Henry Peralta lay down in the shade at Catalina Park, 941 N 4th Ave in Tucson, 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 Tucson, 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 Tucson
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 Arizona campus in Tucson, Ariz. on October 18, 2024.
Former President Barack Obama in Tucson
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 Arizona campus in Tucson, 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 Tucson, Ariz. on November 3, 2024.
Veterans Day Parade, 2024
Parker Fite, middle, waits for the start of the 105th annual Tucson Veterans Day Parade in Tucson, 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,Ă“ grant-funded public art project
Ten utility boxes in downtown Tucson 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 Tucson and the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona. November 19, 2024.
Arizona vs. (6) Stanford, women’s basketball
Stanford Cardinal forward Cameron Brink (22), Arizona Wildcats forward Isis Beh (33) and Stanford Cardinal guard Jzaniya Harriel (32) battle for the rebound in the first half during a game at McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. on January 28, 2024.
No. 11 Arizona Wildcats vs Stanford Cardinals
Arizona 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 Tucson, Ariz. on February 4, 2024. Arizona won 82-71.
No. 11 Arizona Wildcats vs Stanford Cardinals
Arizona 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 Tucson, Ariz. on February 4, 2024.
La Fiesta de los Vaqueros - Tucson Rodeo
Logan Kenline competes in the steer wrestling event during the 99th Annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros - Tucson Rodeo in Tucson, Ariz. on February 22, 2024.
Arizona women's basketball vs Arizona State
Arizona Wildcats forward Esmery Martinez (12) looks for an Arizona State’s contact lens on the floor in the first half during a game at McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. on February 4, 2024.
Arizona women's basketball vs Arizona State
Arizona forward Esmery Martinez (12), Arizona State guard Isadora Sousa (44) and Arizona State forward Journey Thompson (22) battle for a rebound in the second half at McKale Center on Feb. 4, 2024. Arizona won 63-52.
Arizona Wildcats vs Washington Huskies, women’s basketball
Arizona 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.
Arizona Wildcats vs Washington Huskies, women’s basketball
Arizona 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 Tucson, Ariz. on February 18, 2024. Arizona Wildcats forward Isis Beh (33), Arizona Wildcats forward Esmery Martinez (12) and Arizona Wildcats guard Helena Pueyo (13) celebrate as well.
Arizona Women's Basketball vs. UT Arlington
Arizona 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 Tucson, Ariz. on November 4, 2024. Arizona won 73-54.
Arizona (17) vs. Duke (12), Men's Basketball
Arizona Wildcats forward Trey Townsend (4), Arizona 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 Tucson, Ariz. on November 22, 2024. Duke won 69-55.
Mamta Popat
Photojournalist
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