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Good morning, Langley!
Today brings a mix of local achievements and ongoing labor struggles as our community continues to navigate the challenges of rising costs and worker rights.
While air quality remains acceptable today, those sensitive to pollution should take extra precautions during outdoor activities.
From a Murrayville chef making waves in Vancouver's dining scene to the expanding wave of strikes across BC's public sector, today's stories reflect both the talent emerging from our community and the broader fight for fair wages that's defining this summer of labor action.
Local Langley News
Murrayville Chef Brings Simple Philosophy to Vancouver's Beloved Northern Cafe
A Murrayville chef has taken the reins of Vancouver's iconic Northern Cafe, bringing a refreshingly straightforward approach to the beloved eatery.
The chef's mantra of "we keep it simple" seems to be resonating with both longtime patrons and newcomers to the historic establishment. This local connection between Langley and Vancouver's dining scene highlights how Fraser Valley talent continues to make its mark in the big city's competitive restaurant landscape.
Langley City Honors Lives Lost on International Overdose Awareness Day
Langley City held a moving ceremony to mark International Overdose Awareness Day, with officials emphasizing that victims of toxic drugs "did not mean to die, did not deserve to die."
The event served as both a memorial for those lost to the ongoing overdose crisis and a call to action for continued support and policy changes.
Community members gathered to remember loved ones while advocating for better mental health resources and harm reduction services in the region.
Chess Masters and Novices Battle It Out at Langley Open Tournament
More than 100 players gathered for the 18th edition of the Langley Open 2025 Chess Tournament, proving that the ancient game of strategy remains alive and thriving.
The tournament brought together seasoned grandmasters and eager newcomers, creating an atmosphere of intense concentration punctuated by the gentle click of chess pieces. From rapid-fire blitz games to longer classical matches, participants tested their tactical skills while building friendships across the checkered battlefield.
Regional Vancouver / Fraser Valley News
White Rock Firefighters Battle Double Blaze Sunday
Firefighters in the seaside city faced a challenging day with two separate blazes requiring their immediate attention.
The first fire was significant enough to warrant calling in the B.C. Wildfire Service, who provided helicopter support to help contain the flames. The double emergency tested the department's resources and coordination skills, but crews managed to respond effectively to both incidents without any reported injuries.
BCGEU Strike Begins with Workers Taking a Stand on Wages
BCGEU workers launched their strike with picket lines at the Jack Davis building in Victoria, a Service BC building in Surrey, a Child and Family Services Centre in Prince George, and a surprise location at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria.
Union president Paul Finch emphasized that the government's wage offer remains unacceptable not just to union members, but to all British Columbians who depend on quality public services.
While Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside calls for bargaining table solutions, the strike represents workers' determination to secure the wages they deserve after years of inadequate compensation in the midst of an ever-worsening cost of living crisis.
If you encounter any legal picket line - whether at Service BC locations, BC liquor stores, or other government facilities - do not cross it.
BC Nurses Consider Strike as Government Targets Essential Benefits
With the Air Canada strike behind us, the ongoing BCGEU action, and looming Canada Post troubles, this could be shaping up as the summer of strikes.
BC Nurses face a potential strike vote as the provincial government pushes to gut their massage and physiotherapy benefits worth up to $10,000 per worker annually.
These benefits are crucial for nurses performing physically demanding 12-hour shifts that leave many with chronic back injuries and rotator cuff tears from helping immobile patients and assisting in medical procedures.
While the province claims these $98.4 million in annual benefits are too expensive, they've simultaneously spent over $500 million in two years hiring private agency nurses to fill staffing gaps caused by their own austerity policies.
The government wants to force nurses into problematic "joint benefits trusts" that have already left 21,000 other health workers without coverage due to unpaid employer contributions, all while BC faces desperate nursing shortages with ratios still running dangerously high at five or six patients per nurse despite promised reforms.
National Canadian News
Canadian Actor Graham Greene, Oscar Nominee for 'Dances With Wolves,' Dies at 73
Prolific Canadian actor Graham Greene, who earlier this year received a Governor General's award for lifetime artistic achievement, has died of natural causes in Stratford, Ontario.
Greene received an Oscar nomination for his memorable role in the 1990 film "Dances With Wolves," where he played the Lakota warrior Kicking Bird alongside Kevin Costner.
Throughout his career, he became one of Canada's most recognizable Indigenous actors, appearing in numerous films and television shows that helped bring authentic Indigenous voices to mainstream media. His passing marks the end of an era for Canadian cinema and Indigenous representation in Hollywood.
Historic Nisga'a Totem Pole Returns Home After Nearly 80 Years
The Sim'oogit Laay' totem pole is making its journey back to Nisga'a territory in northwestern B.C. after spending decades at UBC's Museum of Anthropology.
House Chief Bruce Haldane is completing the work that his late brother Chief Hubert Haldane started two and a half years ago to bring this important cultural artifact home.
The totem pole from the house of Laay' has been housed at the university since 1947, making this repatriation a significant moment for cultural reconciliation and Indigenous sovereignty over their sacred objects.
Video: The Liberal government is arming Israel—and they can’t stop lying about it.
Breach Media breaks down the Liberal government's 4-step playbook for deceiving the public about how Canada continues to send Israel weapons.
Sports News
🏈 Langley Rams Suffer Crushing Defeat to Westshore Rebels
The visiting Westshore Rebels absolutely dominated the Langley Rams in what can only be described as a lopsided affair.
The Rams struggled on both sides of the ball, unable to establish any rhythm against a Rebels team that seemed to have an answer for everything Langley tried.
Despite the enthusiastic support from cheerleaders and fans in attendance, the home team couldn't find their footing in this disappointing loss.
The defeat will send the coaching staff back to the drawing board as they look to regroup and bounce back from this humbling experience.
🏒 Vancouver Giants Wrap Training Camp with Legends Cup Competition
Seven different players scored for Team Quinn in their 7-5 victory over Team Howe in the 2025 Legends Cup finale at the Giants' training camp.
The Vancouver Giants concluded their Preston GM Training Camp with the annual Quinn vs. Howe showdown, featuring the top two teams from the round-robin format. Team Quinn's balanced attack saw goals from Cole Brown, Richard Wonyeneh, Cade Bolding, Cameron Schmidt, Tafari Chingwaru, Brett Olson, and Cole Bieksa, while Austin Mori-Goodman led Team Howe with two goals. The Giants now turn their attention to preseason play, with games scheduled against Victoria, Kamloops, and Penticton before the regular season begins.
Events Happening Today
Close Knit
- Time: 2:00 to 5:00pm
- Location: City of Langley Library
- Description: Join knitters, crocheters, and yarn enthusiasts of all ages and abilities for our warm, welcoming drop-in group. Children and beginners are welcome. Yarn crafts are fun, relaxing, and a great way to connect across the generations.
The group offers opportunities to donate completed projects to local organizations in need.
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