Phoenix lawyer tapped by Biden would be second South Asian federal judge in Arizona – after older sister, an appeals court judge

WASHINGTON – Following in his sister’s footsteps: Phoenix lawyer Sharad Desai, tapped for a federal judgeship by President Joe Biden, has an older sister who serves on the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. She was the first South Asian federal judge in Arizona.

Phoenix lawyer Sharad Desai at the investiture ceremony in Phoenix of his sister, Judge Roopali Desai, to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, on Jan. 20, 2023. (Screen grab from 9th Circuit video)

Seismic shifts: New CFP director Richard Clark visits Fiesta Bowl, reflects on 12-team playoff

SCOTTSDALE – With conference realignment, NIL and a new 12-team CFP format, college football is due for a year unlike any other. Richard Clark, the new CFP executive director, can’t wait to watch the surprises unfold.

Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, the new College Football Playoff executive director made his first trip to Arizona in his new role to learn about the organization’s extensive community impact activities. (Photo by Spencer Barnes/Cronkite News)

After the Games: Paris Olympics shed light on government assistance for youth sports

PARIS – While the world was engrossed with the Paris Olympics this summer, impoverished children at a local Paris nonprofit were some of the Games’ happiest winners.

The newly constructed multi-sports court near the Féte le Mur building in the La Courneuve neighborhood near Paris benefits impoverished youth. When the court was first opened, it was visited by tennis legend Roger Federer. (Photo by Zach Bradshaw/Special for Cronkite News)

Arizona archer Eric Bennett prepares for fifth Paralympics, this time with family by his side

PARIS – Arizona native and Team USA archer Eric Bennett prepares for what might be his last Paralympic Games. Fueled by support from his family, he is ready to take on Paris with confidence.


After scathing GAO report, Border Patrol agents ordered to stop tossing out migrants’ belongings

WASHINGTON – Customs and Border Protection has issued a directive that deems migrants’ essential belongings off-limits after a scathing GAO report revealed abuses at holding facilities.

Migrants are placed in holding facilities before they are returned to Mexico. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

Minimum salaries, max effort: The unseen financial hardships of Phoenix Mercury and WNBA players

PHOENIX – Phoenix Mercury players Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, Liz Dixon and Natasha Mack shed light on the hardships of living on a WNBA minimum salary while financial expert Marcus Johnson provides insight on the contract’s value in Phoenix.

Former Phoenix Mercury guard Sug Sutton, known for her energy off the bench, uses her contract as motivation to improve and excel. (File photo by Joey Plishka/Cronkite News)

Photo essay: ASU senior builds community in the Valley through Phoenix Babes Who Walk club

TEMPE – ASU senior Grace Juliet is the brand manager of Phoenix Babes Who Walk, a club in the Valley that hosts walks meant to make friends and give people a sense of community.

Phoenix Babes Who Walk prioritizes the spirit of community and inclusivity that defines their growing walking club. (Photo by Grace Hand/Cronkite News)

Arizona Democrats excited as Kamala Harris accepts presidential nomination, vow to help her win battleground state

CHICAGO – Arizona delegates return from the Democratic National Convention determined to help Vice President Kamala Harris win the state and the White House.


Olympics bring vibrant sports courts to Paris’ often forgotten neighborhoods

PARIS – Freshly-painted, vibrant sports courts bring new life to Paris’ often forgotten neighborhoods, a project that was part of the Olympic Games.

A homage to Michael Jordan can be found at the Terrain des Haies park in Paris’ 20th arrondissement. The addition is an attempt by the city to revitalize local parks. (Photo by Zach Bradshaw/Cronkite News)

Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego, in tight Senate race with Kari Lake, showcased on final night of Democratic National Convention

CHICAGO – Arizona Senate candidate Ruben Gallego, along with Sen. Mark Kelly and his wife, gun control activist Gabby Giffords, spoke in prime time before Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic presidential nomination.

Rep. Ruben Gallego of Phoenix, the Democratic nominee for a U.S. Senate seat in Arizona, speaks to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 22, 2024. (Photo by Kelechukwu Iruoma/Cronkite News)

Behind the Gold: Medical staff plays key role in ensuring athlete success during Olympics, Paralympics

PARIS – Team USA athletes at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics rely on a dedicated support system, including medical staff and mental health professionals, to ensure peak performance. This team plays a crucial role in preparing athletes both physically and mentally as they navigate challenges on and off the field.

The Team USA track and field medical staff, including athletic trainers, physical therapists, and dietitians, work tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of athletes throughout the competition and beyond (Photo by Savannah Bowie/Special for Cronkite News)

Black Democrats see Kamala Harris driving up turnout in Arizona

CHICAGO – Black votes may not be a huge factor in Arizona, but for Black Democrats, Kamala Harris’ candidacy is a big deal.

John Legend, a singer and songwriter, third from left, with leaders of Democrats’ Black caucus at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 21, 2024. (Photo by Kelechukwu Iruoma/Cronkite News)