| Guest opinion: ICE, the Constitution, and the unalienable rights of man by Kimball Dean Parker I first met Agustin Castro-Honorato in the spring of 2019. We wanted to build a brick patio on the side of our Salt Lake City home. I reached out to my network for recommendations and a friend eagerly suggested Agustin. He bid the project and completed it within a few weeks. This started a years-long friendship with Agustin. He was congenial and lovable. Last week, a friend mentioned that he needed landscaping help. So I called Augstin. But an unfamiliar voice answered the phone. She said that Agustin was unavailable. But when I pressed, she broke down in tears and let me know that Agustin had been picked up by ICE and was in a Las Vegas detention center. I spent the next several days trying to understand what happened and where he was. From what I could gather, there was an incident at a party and he was apprehended by the police. What occurred that day or how he was involved is a mystery because, as far as I can tell, he was never formally charged with anything. Instead, he was turned over to ICE and shipped off to a detention facility... Make no mistake. Agustin has been deprived of his life and liberty without due process. If I were picked up for a similar issue, I would be charged and tried in front of a jury. I would hire an attorney and prepare a defense. But Agustin will not be granted any of those protections. There will be no trial, no jury, and no opportunity for representation. There is neither due process nor equal protection. (Read More) News Releases Utah Hospital Association statement on One Big Beautiful Bill Throughout this year, the Utah Hospital Association has worked closely with Utahâs federal delegation to communicate our membersâ concerns. While we support efforts to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicaid system, we are deeply concerned about the magnitude of the Medicaid cuts included in this legislation. These cuts will significantly impact the ability of Utah hospitals to deliver high-quality care in our communities and to keep healthcare costs down for patients. We are disappointed that the Senateâs proposed reductions were ultimately signed into law. The result will likely be reduced access to care, higher insurance costs, and increased pressure on Utahâs state budget. 89th annual Salt Lake City Buddhist Templeâs Obon Festival On Saturday, July 12, 2025, the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple will be hosting its annual Obon festival, which is meant to create a space to honor and remember oneâs ancestors. Trey Imamura, a board member of the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple and chair of the festival, said the Obon festival originates from Japan, where itâs typically a week-long celebration in August. He said the Buddhist tradition is to commemorate those who have passed, as in the original belief, their spirits are thought to visit during the week of Obon. (Read More) Former Gov. Gary Herbert endorses Cyndi Sharkey for Sandy mayor Former Utah Governor Gary Herbert has ocially endorsed Cyndi Sharkey in her campaign for Sandy City Mayor, calling her the experienced and trusted leader the city needs. âI am proud to endorse Cyndi Sharkey for Sandy Mayor,â said Governor Herbert. âHer experience on the Planning Commission and City Council have given her the expertise to lead Sandy City during these challenging times. I am impressed by her command of local issues and the deep relationships she has formed with community and state leaders. A vote for Cyndi is a vote for success!â (Read More) SL County Council Democratic Caucus on Texas flooding Salt Lake County Councilmembers Suzanne Harrison, Natalie Pinkney, Ross Romero, and Jiro Johnson issued the following statement regarding the Central Texas flood disaster: âWeâre heartbroken over the loss of life in Central Texas after this weekendâs horrific flash floods. Weâre also inspired by the stories of survival, neighbors helping neighbors, and first responders who are risking their lives in search and recovery operations. No community, including ours, is immune from the potential for devastating natural disasters. We encourage all Salt Lake County residents to visit the countyâs emergency preparedness website at https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/emergency-services/ for information on how to be prepared before, during, and after a natural disaster.â Weber State gradâs victory over domestic violence inspires business idea to help victims, families Lori Brinkerhoff was working three jobs, living in a womenâs shelter, and recovering from domestic violence when she launched her business. Ten years later, Brinkerhoff is helping other women find their strength through inspirational apparel that affirms their worth. (Read More) Utah ranked as the 9th most expensive housing market in the country in 2024 The 2024-2025 edition of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Instituteâs State of the Stateâs Housing Market report provides a detailed analysis of current housing market conditions in Utah. The report indicates that high but stable housing prices characterized the stateâs housing market in 2024, with Utah ranking as the countryâs 9th most expensive housing market that same year. Stable prices, however, offered little relief to potential homebuyers as high interest rates and housing prices excluded many households from homeownership. (Read More) | 