Rithwik Kalale
Rithwik Kalale rith-wick kuh-lah-lay (he/him)
News Reporter, Phoenix

Rithwik Kalale expects to graduate in August 2023 with a master’s degree in mass communication. Kalale has reported in audio and digital formats for Real Vision, KJZZ, TARO Magazine and Arizona PBS.

Latest from Rithwik Kalale

As cartels turn to social media to push fentanyl, experts teach parents how to keep kids safe

GLENDALE – Opioid use, particularly the use of powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl, remains a pressing problem. As cartels do more to target young people on Snapchat and other social media, Arizona drug prevention groups are letting parents, kids and educators know what to look out for to stay safe.


First in the nation law requires tech companies to take steps to improve kids’ well-being

PHOENIX – Research shows that more young Americans are facing mental health struggles, and technology is partly to blame. A new California law requires tech companies to do more to protect the privacy and data of children online. The measure could pave the way for similar laws elsewhere.

Research shows that more young Americans are facing mental health struggles, and technology is partly to blame. A new California law requires tech companies to do more to protect the privacy and data of children online. The measure could pave the way for similar laws elsewhere. (Photo illustration by Alexia Faith/Cronkite News)

With abortion taking center stage, Mayes and Hamadeh run neck and neck in AG’s race

PHOENIX – Arizonans had the choice to vote between two polar opposites for attorney general. Democrat Kris Mayes faced off against Republican Abraham Hamadeh, with abortion at the forefront of the election.


‘Would he be forgotten?’ How a niece’s crusade and military scientists led to ID of Korean War vet

TUCSON – More than seven decades after his death in the Korean War, an Army private from Douglas has finally been identified and laid to rest. Military scientists and the niece of Felix Yanez worked for years to put a name to this unknown soldier and bring him home.


‘Momentous’: Sweeping federal law will lower prescription drug costs for Medicare recipients

PHOENIX — Hefty prices have made it hard for retirees like Brenda Dickason of Tucson to afford medications. Provisions included in the new Inflation Reduction Act should help by capping out-of-pocket spending for Medicare enrollees and restraining some drug costs.


Poll shows Arizonans aren’t concerned about COVID-19, despite rising cases

PHOENIX – A survey of 1,000 adults by OH Predictive Insights in early July found the percentage of Arizonans concerned about COVID-19 is less than those slightly or not at all concerned – even as the delta variant of the coronavirus spreads in the state.


Hiking trails on Piestewa, Camelback will close during extreme heat

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board approved a pilot program which restricts access to hiking trails from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days when an excessive heat watch is in place.


Arizona’s ban on mask mandates in schools criticized by health experts

PHOENIX – Health experts speaking on behalf of the Committee to Protect Health Care have expressed concern regarding Arizona’s decision to ban mandatory mask-wearing and COVID-19 testing in public schools.


First lady urges COVID vaccinations as delta variant surfaces in Arizona

PHOENIX – First Lady Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff stress the importance of community protection from COVID-19 as health officials express confidence that wider immunizations will keep the delta variant from running wild.


Arizona groups mobilize to help India through its COVID-19 crisis

PHOENIX – Indian Americans in Arizona are providing much needed resources to help India navigate a spike in COVID-19 cases. Organizations are sending food, money, oxygen tanks and mental health assistance to help Indians navigate the pandemic.


ASU students react to Ducey’s order blocking mask and vaccination policies

TEMPE – Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order banning Arizona universities and community colleges from requiring unvaccinated students to wear masks and to get tested regularly. Students weigh in on the order.


Airport, TSA officials say as passengers return, so do security delays

PHOENIX - Due to the low volume of air travelers at the height of the pandemic, getting through security was quick and easy. But passengers are coming back and travelers now should come prepared for a process that's a bit more difficult, officials say.


Arizona secretary of state, former TV anchor and others join 2022 governor race

TEMPE – As more prominent Democrat and Republican candidates announce their candidacy for governor of Arizona, here’s the breakdown of the major players.