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Good morning, Langley!
It's shaping up to be another busy day in the Fraser Valley, with everything from glittery dance parties to serious cycling safety discussions making headlines.
The Aldergrove Fair is pulling out all the stops this year, bringing Taylor Swift fever to the traditional summer celebration while trying to bridge the gap between longtime residents and newcomers.
Meanwhile, First West Credit Union is making waves with both a prestigious King's Medal recognition for food security work and a substantial donation to Food Banks BC.
On the sports front, the Vancouver Bandits are riding high after securing their playoff spot with a record-breaking performance from Zach Copeland, while the Canucks made a practical but modest trade sending Arturs Silovs to Pittsburgh.
But it's not all celebration today—a tragic cycling accident at the Okanagan Granfondo has sparked important conversations about road safety and infrastructure that affects cyclists throughout BC.
Plus, if you're looking for something to do this afternoon, there's a summer cooking camp happening at Parkside Elementary that might be perfect for young aspiring chefs.
Whether you're interested in local politics, sports scores, or just want to know what's happening in your neighborhood, we've got you covered with today's mix of news that matters to people living and working in Langley.
Local Langley News
Taylor Swift Fever Hits Aldergrove Fair with Sparkling Dance Party
Aldergrove Fair organizers are embracing the Swiftie phenomenon with a dedicated Taylor Swift dance party scheduled for Thursday, July 17, 2025.
The all-ages event promises to be a glittery celebration of pop culture that bridges generational gaps. It's a clever way to draw younger crowds to a traditional community fair.
Aldergrove Fair Balances Tradition with Modern Appeal
The 2025 Aldergrove Fair is making a conscious effort to merge old-fashioned community traditions with contemporary attractions.
Organizers are particularly hoping to attract newer residents to help them connect with the community's roots. Because nothing says "welcome to the neighborhood" quite like a good old-fashioned fair with a side of modern flair.
First West Credit Union Employee Honored with King's Medal for Food Security Work
A First West Credit Union staff member has received the prestigious King's Medal for decades of dedicated work on food security initiatives.
The recognition comes as First West announced a significant $100,000 donation to Food Banks BC. It's refreshing to see financial institutions putting their money where their values are, especially when it comes to fighting hunger in our communities.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
Chilliwack Cyclists Raise Over $115,000 for Multiple Sclerosis Research
Chilliwack hosted its first-ever MS Bike fundraiser, with cyclists rolling through the community to raise funds for multiple sclerosis research and support.
The inaugural event has already raised more than $115,000, demonstrating the Fraser Valley's commitment to supporting those living with MS.
It's proof that when communities come together for a good cause, the results can be pretty spectacular.
Highway 17 Reopens After Major Crash Near Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
A significant crash near the Tsawwassen ferry terminal closed Highway 17 for several hours on Saturday, causing major delays for ferry passengers.
DriveBC reports the highway has now reopened between Salish Sea Drive and Tsawwassen Drive. Nothing ruins a weekend ferry trip quite like being stuck in traffic because of someone else's bad driving.
National Canadian News
Foreign Minister Anand Shifts Indo-Pacific Strategy Toward Economic Focus
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced that Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy will increasingly prioritize economic relationships while maintaining Canadian values.
This shift appears to be linked to Canada's recent efforts to overcome its security dispute with India. It's a diplomatic balancing act that tries to preserve trade opportunities while not completely abandoning principles - a tightrope walk that defines much of modern international relations.
Economists Predict June Inflation Uptick Following Surprise Job Gains
Economic analysts expect Statistics Canada to report higher inflation rates for June when consumer price index data is released Tuesday.
The Bank of Canada continues searching for tariff impacts in price data while CIBC predicts inflation rose by a tenth of a percentage point. Because nothing says "economic stability" quite like playing tariff whack-a-mole with price increases.
Deadly Collision Highlights Road Safety Crisis at Cycling Event
One cyclist was killed and two others seriously injured when a motor vehicle struck multiple riders during the popular Okanagan Granfondo near Penticton on Sunday.
The tragedy occurred on White Lake Road, forcing an eight-hour closure while investigators examined the scene and underlining the persistent dangers cyclists face when sharing roads with cars.
This devastating incident raises urgent questions about whether our car-centric infrastructure adequately protects vulnerable road users during mass cycling events.
The cycling community and broader public must now grapple with how to prevent such preventable tragedies while preserving the joy and community spirit that events like the Granfondo represent.
Sports News
🏀 Copeland's Record Night Sends Bandits to CEBL Playoffs
Zach Copeland set a franchise record with eight three-pointers, scoring 36 points to lead the Vancouver Bandits to a 94-87 victory over Montreal Alliance and secure their playoff spot.
The Langley-based team overcame a late rally from the Alliance, with Copeland's record-breaking eighth three-pointer helping seal the win during Target Time.
The victory improves the Bandits to 13-4 on the season, extending their lead atop the CEBL standings as they become the first team to punch their ticket to the 2025 playoffs.
🏒 Canucks Trade Silovs to Pittsburgh for Modest Return
The Vancouver Canucks traded goaltender Arturs Silovs to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for forward Chase Stillman and a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Entry Draft.
The 24-year-old Latvian netminder had an inconsistent NHL showing but was named Calder Cup Playoff MVP after helping the Abbotsford Canucks win the AHL championship with a .931 save percentage in 24 games. With Thatcher Demko re-signed to a three-year deal and Silovs facing waiver eligibility, the Canucks opted to get some value rather than risk losing him for nothing.
The trade reflects the current soft market for goaltenders, though Pittsburgh may have found a steal if Silovs can translate his AHL success to the NHL level.
⚽ Colorado Rapids Dominate Vancouver Whitecaps 3-0 in MLS Action
Calvin Harris had a stellar performance with both a goal and an assist as the Colorado Rapids defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-0 in Major League Soccer.
The loss continues a disappointing stretch for the Whitecaps, who struggled to generate offense throughout the match. It's the kind of performance that makes you wonder if Vancouver's front office is paying attention to what's happening on the pitch.
Events Happening Today
Summer Cooking Camp at Parkside Elementary
- Time: 12:15 - 2:15 pm
- Location: Parkside Centennial Elementary School
- Description: A weeklong camp of creations for students 6-12yrs. Learn a variety of recipes and tasty treats.
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