Gitanjali Poonia

Salt Lake City

National Politics Reporter at Deseret News

Freelance Writer at Freelance

National Politics Reporter @Deseret; sometimes I write about movies | retweets ≠ endorsements

Featured in: Favicon

deseret.com Favicon

msn.com

yahoo.com (+4) Favicon

flipboard.com Favicon

ksl.com

newsbreak.com Favicon

brooklyneagle.com Favicon

poetsandquants.com Favicon

tucsonsentinel.com Favicon

currentargus.com + 7 more

Articles

California fires aftermath: Finding a place for faith when the buildings are gone

6 days ago | yahoo.com | Gitanjali Poonia

PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIF. — The Rev. Matthew Hardin had been to the site of his burned-down Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles at least a dozen times before, but in late May, he had the chance to step into what was previously his office. This time, Hardin walked a familiar path, no longer needing to sift through the debris or potentially toxic substances.
ICE agents denied entry into Dodger Stadium

1 week ago | deseret.com | Gitanjali Poonia

The standoff between the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials and Los Angeles-area residents crossed into the world of sports on Thursday. Speculation bubbled up online about ICE conducting a raid at Dodger Stadium Thursday evening after federal immigration agents were spotted in unmarked white vans in close proximity to the stadium. In a statement posted on X, the L.A. baseball team said it denied entry to the federal agents.
Why were there ‘peacekeepers’ at the ‘No Kings’ Salt Lake City protest - and other protests across the country?

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Gitanjali Poonia

An innocent bystander was shot and killed at a “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City on Saturday night. According to the Salt Lake City police, the bystander was mistakenly shot by a self-identified “peacekeeper” at the protest who was associated with the event organizers. Two men who were “peacekeepers” at the event who had handguns, according to the police, confronted Arturo Gamboa, 24, who was allegedly waving around an AR-15 style rifle.
Here's what we know about the Trump smartphone

1 week ago | deseret.com | Gitanjali Poonia

The Trump Organization's latest business venture is about a golden phone and a wireless plan. This mobile venture will operate on three American wireless carriers; AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, according to the Trump Organization, now led by President Donald Trump's children while he is in office. In the ad, an image of the 6.8-inch phone screen is displayed above Trump's slogan, "Make America Great Again" and a cropped image of the American flag.
In latest family venture, Trump Organization launches smartphone

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Gitanjali Poonia

Eric Trump, Don Hendrickson, Eric Thomas, Patrick O'Brien and Donald Trump Jr., left to right, participate in the announcement of Trump Mobile, in New York's Trump Tower, Monday, June 16, 2025. | Richard DrewThe Trump Organization’s latest business venture is about a golden phone and a wireless plan.
'No Kings' protests nationwide marked by some instances of violence

1 week ago | deseret.com | Gitanjali Poonia

After a weekend of anti-Trump "No Kings" protests held across the country, several cities - including Salt Lake City - are dealing with the aftermath of instances of violence. The protests were held in more than 2,000 cities across the country, and while most people gathered peacefully, the protests on Saturday were marred by violent outbursts.
Trump says he isn't a king in response to No Kings protests

2 weeks ago | deseret.com | Gitanjali Poonia

Protesters in hundreds of big cities and small towns in the U.S. - except for Washington, D.C. - will take part in the No Kings rallies on Saturday. On the same day, the U.S. capital is hosting a military parade to mark the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary. This event coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday. But the protesters want to take away focus from the military parade and instead try to put the focus on an anti-Trump narrative.
House Republicans launch an investigation into LA riots ahead of No Kings protests across US

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Gitanjali Poonia

Protesters in hundreds of big cities and small towns in the U.S. — except for Washington, D.C. — will take part in the No Kings rallies on Saturday. On the same day, the U.S. capital is hosting a military parade to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. This event coincides with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. But the protesters want to take away focus from the military parade and instead try to put the focus on an anti-Trump narrative.
'Doomsday Mom' Lori Vallow's third trial verdict

2 weeks ago | deseret.com | Gitanjali Poonia

Lori Vallow Daybell was found guilty on Thursday in her second murder conspiracy trial in Arizona. The jury concluded Vallow Daybell conspired to kill Brandon Boudreaux, her niece's ex-husband. Vallow Daybell, who represented herself, pleaded not guilty. This marks her third trial in recent years. Earlier in spring, she was found guilty of conspiring to murder her estranged husband, Charles Vallow, in Arizona. She awaits sentencing for this trial.
LA on curfew while anti-ICE protests spread across U.S.

2 weeks ago | deseret.com | Gitanjali Poonia

Los Angeles imposed a curfew Tuesday evening until Wednesday morning to clamp down on instances of lawlessness, including looting and vandalism. Protesters still gathered but dispersed two hours after the curfew began. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass called the measure "effective" in an interview with MSNBC. "I think that the idea that what is going on here is chaos and we need federal intervention is just not accurate. It doesn't paint an accurate picture of what's going on here at all," she said.