Good morning, Langley!
It's going to be a very warm day with a high reaching up to 30°. No rain is expected during the day, but expect some increased cloudiness tonight with showers after midnight. While today is going to be a real scorcher, the temperatures are expected to return to the low 2o's starting tomorrow.
Here's a quick look at today's top stories from around the region, with everything from political developments to sports highlights.
Local Langley News
Langley MLA Will Lose Township Council Seat Under New Law
Langley MLA Misty VanPopta will be required to vacate her Township council position due to newly implemented legislation.
The law, which prevents politicians from simultaneously holding provincial and municipal offices, will trigger a byelection to fill the vacant council seat.
This represents a significant shift in local governance structure and will bring a new voice to the Township council chamber in the coming months.
Bellingham Extends Olive Branch to Langley and Other Border Communities
In a warm gesture of cross-border friendship, Bellingham officials have sent a supportive letter to Langley and eight other B.C. border communities.
The message emphatically states "We still value you, we still want to work with you" - a welcome reassurance during a time of changing international dynamics.
This diplomatic outreach underscores the importance of maintaining strong connections between neighboring communities regardless of national boundaries.
Fraser Valley Cider Co. Launches All-Day Summer Festival in Langley with Daniel Wesley Headlining
The Fraser Valley Cider Co. is bringing music and community together with their Summer Kickoff Festival on June 14, featuring headliner Daniel Wesley against the stunning backdrop of Mount Baker.
The all-day celebration promises live music, local craft beverages, farm-to-table food, and family-friendly activities from 2 PM until late evening.
This expanded festival experience represents a significant upgrade from last year's event, offering families an affordable way to enjoy quality entertainment while supporting local businesses and artisans in the community.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Go by Bike Week Returns May 31-June 6 with Freebies and Prizes for Metro Vancouver Cyclists
Metro Vancouver's annual Go by Bike Week runs next week from May 31 to June 6, offering cyclists chances to win prizes including a cycling adventure to Vietnam, plus daily freebies like free macarons, fitness classes, and bike maintenance at celebration stations.
Langley residents can take advantage of a free high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class at the Orangetheory Fitness location here in town, while cyclists throughout the region can enjoy discounts at local businesses just by showing their Compass Card.
The week encourages both new and experienced cyclists to explore bike commuting, join group rides, and discover how cycling can be an affordable, healthy way to get around while supporting local businesses in our community.
Salmon Sessions Music Festival Returns August 23 with Local Artists and Conservation Focus
The third annual Salmon Sessions Music Festival is set for August 23 at Semiahmoo Fish & Game Club, featuring local performers Karen Lee Batten, The Promised, Antonio Larosa, Richard Tichelman, and Angie Faith & Good Company.
Organized by the Penmar Community Arts Society, the event combines live music with food trucks, craft beverages, an artisan market, and guided tours of the Little Campbell Hatchery to support salmon conservation efforts.
Festival-goers can enjoy an evening of community celebration from 4 PM to 11 PM while contributing to important environmental stewardship work in the Fraser Valley.
15-Year-Old Billy Ledoux Killed in Abbotsford Park Stabbing as Police Search for Real Suspects
Homicide investigators have identified Billy Ledoux as the 15-year-old victim of a fatal stabbing at Larch Park in Abbotsford on Sunday evening, with police now acknowledging they initially arrested the wrong suspects in this tragic case.
The teen died despite immediate efforts from bystanders and first responders after suffering critical injuries during an altercation with a group of youth around 7:30 PM.
The APD's Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is now appealing to witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage from the area to come forward, as Billy's family grieves the loss of a young man described by his sister as having a "big heart" who leaves behind parents and seven siblings.
Surrey Council Rejects Proposal to Expand Council Size
Surrey's governance structure will remain unchanged after council voted down a motion to increase its size.
The proposal, put forward by Councillor Elford, was defeated with Mayor Locke and Councillors Stutt, Kooner, Bains, and Hepner forming the majority opposition.
The decision comes amid ongoing debates about representation and workload in one of B.C.'s fastest-growing municipalities. Critics of the current structure argue that population growth has stretched council's capacity to effectively represent residents.
Mystery Fence Erected Around Harrison Hot Spring Source Baffles Officials
Harrison Hot Springs residents and officials are perplexed after an unexplained fence suddenly appeared around the community's famous hot spring source.
Village officials have expressed disappointment over the unauthorized construction, describing the situation as "very disappointing."
The fence restricts access to a natural resource that has long been central to the community's identity and tourism economy. Local authorities are investigating who installed the barrier and under what authority.
Opinion: B.C.'s Bill 15 Threatens Environmental Protections Under Guise of Infrastructure Development
Environmental lawyers Andhra Azevedo and Deborah Curran warn that the NDP's Bill 15, marketed as legislation to fast-track schools and hospitals, actually gives cabinet sweeping powers to bypass crucial environmental safeguards for any project they choose to prioritize.
The bill allows government to replace rigorous permit processes with industry-issued certifications and exempt projects from mandatory public consultation, treating vital environmental laws as disposable "red tape" rather than essential public infrastructure.
With B.C. already facing $400 million in unfunded environmental liabilities from poorly regulated mines, this legislation threatens to repeat costly mistakes of the past while undermining the democratic processes that protect communities from environmental destruction.
National Canadian News
Canada Post Workers Continue Overtime Ban as Contract Talks Resume This Week
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers representing 55,000 Canada Post employees will return to bargaining Wednesday as their overtime ban continues to pressure the Crown corporation into fair contract negotiations.
Despite being in a legal strike position since Friday, the union chose the strategic action of refusing overtime work rather than a full walkout that would have disrupted mail service for working families across the country.
Canada Post has agreed to respond to union proposals submitted Sunday, signaling both sides remain committed to reaching a deal that respects postal workers' contributions to essential public services.
4,000 Evacuated as Historic Saskatchewan Wildfire Season Forces Mass Displacement
At least 4,000 people have been forced from their homes across northern Saskatchewan as aggressive wildfires threaten over a dozen communities, with the largest evacuation occurring in Pelican Narrows where 2,000 residents fled and another 2,000 were ordered to leave immediately.
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency calls this the most impactful fire season in decades, with 205 fires recorded so far this year compared to 165 during the same period in 2024, and officials noting that nearly every blaze was human-caused.
Evacuation centers have been established in Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and Flin Flon, with the Cosmo Civic Centre now serving as a designated shelter site as communities wait anxiously to return home.
Migrant Workers Build Canada's Homes While Politicians Blame Them for Housing Crisis
Despite making up nearly 20% of Canada's construction workforce and being essential to meeting government homebuilding targets, migrant workers face scapegoating from politicians who blame immigration for the housing crisis while simultaneously recruiting these same workers to build the homes that are supposed to solve it.
Many migrant construction workers experience wage theft, workplace abuse, and housing insecurity themselves, often priced out of the very homes they're building due to precarious immigration status and exclusion from housing programs.
This contradiction exposes how Canada's market-driven housing strategy relies on exploiting working-class migrants to maintain profits for developers and investors, while offering no pathways to permanent status or protection from the systemic abuse that keeps these essential workers vulnerable.
Trump Demands $61 Billion for Canada to Join 'Golden Dome' Defense System
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Canada would need to pay $61 billion to participate in his proposed missile defense system, which he has dubbed the "Golden Dome."
This statement came alongside renewed rhetoric describing Canada as potentially becoming "the 51st state," language that has raised diplomatic eyebrows.
The steep price tag and accompanying characterization have prompted questions about the future of U.S.-Canada defense cooperation under the current administration. Canadian officials have yet to respond formally to Trump's statements about the missile defense proposal.
Sports News
🏊♀️ B.C. Water Polo Players Capture Gold and Silver at PanAm Games
British Columbia's water polo talent shone brightly on the international stage as provincial athletes brought home both gold and silver medals from the PanAm Games in Colombia. Water Polo Canada has confirmed this represents their best-ever overall finish at this competition for the U17 age group.
The impressive medal haul highlights the strength of B.C.'s development programs and positions these young athletes for potential future success at senior international competitions. Coaches praised the team's tactical discipline and competitive spirit throughout the tournament.
🥍Langley Thunder Secures Important Win Against Nanaimo
The Langley Thunder boosted their season standings with a decisive victory over Nanaimo in recent lacrosse action.
The win provides crucial momentum as the team prepares for their next challenge against New Westminster.
The Thunder's improving form suggests they could be hitting their stride at just the right time in the season, giving fans reason for optimism.
🏀 Groundbreaking WNBA Game Coming to Vancouver This August
Vancouver is preparing to host a historic sports event as tickets have gone on sale for the first-ever WNBA regular-season game to be played outside of the United States.
The August matchup will feature the Atlanta Dream taking on the Seattle Storm in what organizers are calling a precedent-setting moment for women's professional sports in the city.
This landmark game builds on growing momentum for women's sports in Vancouver and could potentially open the door for more international WNBA contests in the future. Local basketball enthusiasts are already showing strong interest in what promises to be a sellout event.
⚽ Vancouver Whitecaps Prepare for Emotionally Charged Rematch with Minnesota
The Vancouver Whitecaps are gearing up for an emotionally charged rematch against Minnesota United following their controversial previous encounter.
Tensions remain high after Minnesota's Joseph Rosales allegedly directed racially insensitive remarks at Vancouver's Emmanuel Sabbi during their last match, an incident that required officials to separate several players.
The Whitecaps enter the contest in good form, looking to maintain their momentum while navigating the added emotional element of this particular matchup. Coaching staff have emphasized maintaining composure while not backing down from the competitive challenge.
🏒 Chilliwack Chiefs Fall to Brooks Bandits in BCHL Championship
The Chilliwack Chiefs' championship dreams were dashed as they lost the BCHL final to Alberta's Brooks Bandits. The decisive championship series concluded with a 6-2 victory for the Bandits at the Coliseum, giving the league newcomers their first Fred Page Cup.
Despite the disappointing outcome, the Chiefs' playoff run represented a strong showing for the franchise and provided valuable experience for the team's developing players. Local fans showed tremendous support throughout the playoff journey, filling the arena for each home contest.
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