Gitanjali Poonia
University of Utah, BYU explore connections with centers of learning in India
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Dec. 8 - 3:00 p.m.
The University of Utah has a global presence, including a campus in South Korea. Creating joint programming with institutions in India, home to a population of 1.4 billion, also aligns with that vision.
Coal, manufacturing ... and theme parks? Where Utah can partner with India
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Dec. 8 - 8:04 a.m.
Utah state Senate President Stuart Adams said after his visit to India he sees an abundance of opportunities there for the Beehive State.
What does Trump's H-1B policy mean for India? Utahns there on trade mission react
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Nov. 17 - 7:05 a.m.
As President Donald Trump made comments about legal immigration, an overall consensus among Utah politicians, experts emerged that their federal governments will sort it out.
'Relationships are everything.' Utah delegation to India talks solutions for energy and pollution
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Nov. 15 - 7:04 p.m.
What are similarities? Utah and India share a very young population. Utah holds the title of the youngest state in the nation; meanwhile, more than a third of India's population is age 30 or under.
In the largest democracy in the world, a delegation from Utah sees possibility
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Nov. 8 - 9:46 p.m.
Utah state Rep. Jason Thompson is seeing possibilities during a trade mission to India, organized by World Trade Center Utah and led by Utah Senate President Stuart Adams.
Utah keeps up its push for foreign trade opportunities. Next up, India
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Nov. 4 - 6:49 a.m.
The World Trade Center Utah's two-week trade mission to India kicks off Monday.
Arizona's race for governor sparks major political shake-up
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Oct. 26 - 7:12 p.m.
The 2026 election is still a year away, but things are already getting interesting in Arizona as Republicans are lining up to challenge Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs and many others.
Moments of hope, faith and resilience outside Turning Point headquarters
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Sept. 15 - 10:30 p.m.
During peaceful moments, a Charlie Kirk memorial became a place where the message of unity shined despite the deep political divisions and tensions in the country right now.
'The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry,' Charlie Kirk's wife says
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Sept. 13 - 10:23 a.m.
Erika Kirk fought back tears Friday night in her first public address since her husband, Charlie Kirk, was shot in the neck and killed Wednesday while speaking to students at Utah Valley University.
Utahns skeptical of Trump's decision on National Guard deployment
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Aug. 5 - 12:05 p.m.
Was President Trump right to deploy National Guard troops to California? Half of Utah voters surveyed said they strongly or somewhat approve.
Could Utah lure productions from Hollywood?
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Aug. 4 - 10:01 a.m.
Gone are the days when all films were shot, directed, edited and produced in Los Angeles. The Beehive State's film tax credit isn't as sizable as that of California or even Texas, but the state has benefited from it.
Sen. Mike Lee proposes new protections for farmers
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted May 26 - 1:36 p.m.
Sen. Mike Lee introduced a bipartisan bill to protect farmers while cutting government spending.
Lori Vallow Daybell's trial in Arizona is over. What comes next for her?
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted April 26 - 10:39 a.m.
Lori Vallow Daybell was found guilty on Tuesday of conspiring to murder her estranged husband. What comes next?
New poll: What do Utahns think of Trump's plans on Greenland and Canada?
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted April 23 - 8:06 a.m.
A new poll finds most Utahns don't share President Donald Trump's vision of making Canada and Greenland part of the U.S.
Here's what Utah voters say about Trump's job performance
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted April 20 - 6:16 p.m.
Despite being a red state, Utah is divided on President Donald Trump's job performance, according to a new poll.
Utah lawmakers address 'turmoil' businesses feel related to Trump tariff plans
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Feb. 28 - 4:03 p.m.
Sen. John Curtis and Rep. Blake Moore met with Utah business leaders on Thursday to talk about how the confusion swirling around trade, with new expected tariffs, is affecting them.
Former Utah congressional candidate takes on new role at the Pentagon
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Feb. 19 - 8:21 a.m.
Utah's Colby Jenkins has landed a spot in the Trump administration, serving as the assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low intensity conflict.
Trump order temporarily protects small Idaho community from major wind energy project
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Jan. 28 - 5:48 p.m.
Among the dozens of executive orders President Donald Trump signed shortly after being sworn in office is one that temporarily pauses leasing and permitting land for wind energy. It's a step toward his campaign promise to "Drill, baby, drill" and to end government investments into green energy.
Utah congressional delegation share their plan to attend President-elect Trump's inauguration
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Jan. 19 - 1:59 p.m.
President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration is Monday. Utah's congressional delegation is enthusiastic about a smooth transition of power and the beginning of the America First agenda.
A Utah Republican wants to help Trump keep his promise to families
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Jan. 14 - 3:20 p.m.
President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office next week. Before he enters the White House, the Congressional Republican Conference is laying the groundwork to fulfill the promises his campaign made on the trail.
Sen. John Curtis celebrates final House wins
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Jan. 12 - 7:03 p.m.
In the final days before giving up his seat representing Utah's 3rd District, Utah Sen. John Curtis saw several bills signed into law by President Joe Biden.
Utah's newest congressman is sworn in
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Jan. 3 - 7:32 p.m.
Utah Rep. Mike Kennedy was sworn in on Friday afternoon, but not until he first engaged in an interesting vote for the House speaker.
Mike Johnson reelected as House speaker. All 4 Utah reps support him
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Jan. 3 - 3:39 p.m.
Republicans reelected House Speaker Mike Johnson Friday, as representatives and members-elect of the 119th Congress approved him on a narrow 218-215 vote.
5 political memes that went viral in 2024
Gitanjali Poonia, Deseret News | Posted Jan. 2 - 8:18 a.m.
In the midst of a heated presidential election, political memes provided moments of levity — and frustration — for voters. From Kamala Harris' 'BRAT' summer to Donald Trump's dance moves.
