Monday, June 2, 2025

Viv Albertine's Memoirs to Be Adapted for Television



Punk Icon's Life Story Set to Hit the Small Screen

Viv Albertine, renowned guitarist of the pioneering punk band The Slits, is bringing her compelling life story to television. Her critically acclaimed memoirs, Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys. (2014) and To Throw Away Unopened (2018), have been optioned for a TV adaptation by producers Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley of Number 9 Films, alongside Rachael Horovitz of West Fourth Films. The Guardian+3TTS Press+3TTS Press+3The Guardian+11Stereogum+11Clash Music+11

Albertine expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, "I'm so happy that Rachael, Elizabeth and Stephen are bringing my books to the screen. Right from the start, they were sensitive to the extremely personal nature of the work, and I knew the books were in the hands of producers with integrity." The Guardian+10RCW Literary Agency+10Dazed Digital+10

The first memoir chronicles Albertine's journey through the 1970s London punk scene, highlighting her experiences as a member of The Slits and her interactions with fellow punk icons. The second delves into her personal life, exploring complex family relationships and her path to self-discovery. Pitchfork

Producers Karlsen, Woolley, and Horovitz shared their excitement: "What an exciting and exhilarating ... , and sexuality were turned on their ... ." Screen Daily+11Pitchfork+11TTS Press+11

While details about casting and release dates are yet to be announced, the adaptation promises to bring Albertine's raw and honest storytelling to a new audience, capturing the spirit of rebellion and authenticity that defined her career.

Stay tuned for updates on this forthcoming television series that aims to encapsulate the essence of a punk legend's journey.

Whispers of the Catacombs



A Romantic Horror Story Set in Paris

The streets of Montmartre were washed in amber light as autumn leaves spiraled through the cool evening air. Paris had begun to slow for the night, but the city’s heart still beat under the streetlights, and Éloïse wandered alone, notebook in hand, sketching the corners of old buildings and forgotten statues. She was an art history student at the Sorbonne, drawn to the darker, quieter parts of the city—its Gothic churches, its weathered cemeteries, and the hushed secrets that slept beneath the cobblestones.

Lately, her dreams had turned strange. A man with silver eyes called to her each night from underground chambers, always whispering her name in a voice that was not entirely human. At first, she told herself it was stress. But the more the dreams came, the more real they felt—too vivid, too personal. It was as if someone, or something, was waiting for her.



One foggy evening, as she wandered near the edge of the Latin Quarter, she took a wrong turn and ended up in a dead-end alley where a rusted gate stood half-buried in ivy. Behind it, stairs disappeared into darkness. She should have walked away. But instead, she stopped—because someone was already standing there.

He looked out of place. His coat was black velvet, frayed at the cuffs. His boots were covered in the fine grey dust of the Paris underground. His face was pale and angular, and his eyes—those silver eyes—made her breath catch.

“You shouldn’t be here,” he said, and his voice sounded like wind slipping through the rafters of an old cathedral.

Éloïse, despite the cold crawling down her spine, said, “Neither should you.”

The stranger smiled, sad and distant. “Do you believe in fate, mademoiselle?”

She didn’t answer. The streetlamp above them flickered and died, and in the momentary dark, she felt a chill like lips brushing her neck.



He introduced himself as Alaric and claimed to be a historian of Paris's “other half”—the forgotten depths below. She didn’t know why she agreed to meet him again, but something inside her leaned toward him like a flower to moonlight. He took her to places tourists never saw—sealed catacomb passages, rooms filled with bones arranged like cathedrals, cryptic symbols etched into stone walls older than the Revolution.

With every encounter, her fascination grew. He spoke of old Paris, of betrayal and curses, of people who had been buried alive or lost their minds among the dead. But he also spoke of beauty: of eternal devotion, of souls that reached across centuries for love that defied decay.

One night, under the flickering light of her candle, she kissed him. His lips were colder than she expected, but when he held her, her heart felt warmer than it ever had. She should have run then. But she didn’t. She stayed.


Later, beneath the city, surrounded by rows of silent skulls, Alaric told her the truth.

He had died in 1789.

He had been a nobleman who betrayed the revolutionaries—condemned not by guillotine, but by a curse. They had sealed him underground, and he had walked these tunnels alone ever since. He had loved once, long ago. But love had abandoned him, and now the curse could only be broken if someone loved him truly—and was willing to give their breath for his.



He told her he didn’t expect her to believe. But she did.

“I never meant for you to love me,” he said, his voice breaking. “You deserve life, not this damnation.”

“But I chose this,” Éloïse whispered. “I chose you.”

They found the altar buried deep beneath the bones of saints and martyrs, a stone slab surrounded by skulls in perfect rings. The chamber pulsed with a presence that watched. Judged.

“This is the place,” Alaric said. “If you lie on it and give yourself willingly, the curse will shatter.”

Éloïse looked at him. His eyes were no longer haunting—they were pleading.

“I love you,” she said. Then, with steady steps, she lay down.

Alaric kissed her one last time as the chamber began to glow. The skulls shook. Dust fell from the ceiling like old ash. Her breath slowed. Her heartbeat faded.

And then—light exploded.

When the glow died, Alaric gasped and collapsed beside her. He was no longer cold. His face was flushed with color, and his heart beat fast and wild in his chest. He was mortal again.

And Éloïse—her eyes fluttered open. She breathed.

“You’re alive,” he said in disbelief.

“I gave you my life,” she said gently, “but love gave me yours.”

They left the catacombs together, arm in arm, hearts alive and unburdened.

Years passed.

People spoke of them in whispers—two lovers who appeared only on misty nights near the catacomb entrances. Some said they were ghosts, others said they were legend. But beneath the earth, in that secret chamber, a new carving was etched into the stone:

Éloïse et Alaric – là où l’amour a enterré la mort.
Éloïse and Alaric – where love buried death.

Bangladesh Unveils Tk 7.90 Trillion National Budget for FY2025–26


June 3, 2025

The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, presented the national budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 on June 2, 2025. Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed delivered the Tk 7.90 trillion (Tk 7,90,000 crore) budget through a televised address, emphasizing fiscal discipline, inflation control, and social equity. WikipediaUnited News Bangladesh+3Dhaka Tribune+3Dhaka Tribune+3


Key Budget Figures


Economic Goals and Reforms

The budget aims to reduce inflation to 6.5% in FY2025–26, down from over 9% in the previous fiscal year. This target is to be achieved through a combination of tight monetary policies and cautious fiscal measures. New Age

Significant reforms include the dissolution of the NBR and the establishment of two new divisions under the Ministry of Finance: the Revenue Policy Division (RPD) and the Revenue Management Division (RMD). This restructuring aims to modernize tax collection and policy implementation. Wikipedia


Sectoral Allocations


Taxation and Revenue Measures

The budget introduces several tax reforms:

  • Online Shopping: Increased costs due to higher VAT and duties

  • Essential Commodities: Source tax halved to reduce prices

  • Industrial Raw Materials: Advance tax reduced to support manufacturing

  • Agricultural Income: Income up to Tk 500,000 remains tax-exempt

  • Electric Vehicles: No surcharge imposed

  • Land Transfers: Tax reduced to encourage real estate transactions Dhaka TribuneMinistry of Finance+7The Daily Star+7Dhaka Tribune+7


Social Safety and Welfare

The budget allocates Tk 405.20 crore to support families of individuals affected during the July 2024 uprising. Additionally, Tk 200 crore is proposed for research in the blue economy sector. The Finance Today


Public Engagement and Transparency

To enhance transparency and public participation, the government has made all budget documents available online. Citizens can access these documents and provide feedback through official websites and designated email addresses. Dhaka Tribune

Paris Celebrations Turn Chaotic After PSG's Historic Champions League Victory

 



June 3, 2025

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their first-ever UEFA Champions League title with a commanding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Munich on May 31, 2025. While the win sparked jubilant celebrations across France, particularly in Paris, the festivities quickly escalated into violent riots, resulting in fatalities, injuries, and widespread property damage.Bavarian Football Works+6Wikipedia+6The Scottish Sun+6


Celebrations Descend into Violence

In the aftermath of PSG's triumph, thousands of fans flooded the streets of Paris, especially along the Champs-Élysées and near the Parc des Princes stadium. The initial euphoria gave way to chaos as clashes erupted between revelers and law enforcement. Authorities reported two fatalities: a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed in Dax, and a 23-year-old man died in a scooter accident in central Paris. Additionally, a police officer was placed in a coma after sustaining severe injuries during the unrest .ReutersThe Sun+2Wikipedia+2BBC+2Goal+1AP News+1

The French Interior Ministry confirmed that 559 individuals were arrested nationwide, with 491 arrests occurring in Paris alone. The violence led to 192 reported injuries, including 22 police officers and seven firefighters. Rioting fans set 264 vehicles ablaze, looted shops, and vandalized public property, prompting police to deploy tear gas and flash ball guns in an attempt to restore order .People.com+4Wikipedia+4BBC+4The Sun




Official Responses and Condemnations

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence as "unacceptable" and emphasized that such actions tarnish the spirit of the sport. He assured the public that those responsible would be identified and held accountable .

PSG issued a statement distancing the club from the violent incidents, asserting that these "isolated acts are contrary to the club's values and in no way represent the vast majority of our supporters" .The Sun+2BBC+2Wikipedia+2


Victory Parade Amid Heightened Security

Despite the previous night's turmoil, PSG proceeded with their victory parade on June 1, 2025. The team showcased the Champions League trophy along the Champs-Élysées before heading to the Parc des Princes stadium, where thousands of fans gathered to celebrate. The event was marked by a significant security presence, including police and military personnel, to prevent further disturbances .The Sun+2Reuters+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia

President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron hosted the team at the Élysée Palace, praising their "sublime" performance and highlighting the national pride in their achievement .Reuters




Calls for Reflection and Reform

The violent turn of events has sparked a national conversation about public safety, crowd control, and the responsibilities of both fans and authorities during large-scale celebrations. Critics have called for a thorough investigation into the causes of the unrest and the implementation of measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As France reflects on the duality of triumph and tragedy, the hope remains that future victories can be celebrated in a manner that honors the spirit of the sport and ensures the safety of all citizens.

Israeli Forces Open Fire Near Gaza Aid Site, Killing 3 and Wounding Dozens



June 3, 2025

In the early hours of Monday, June 2, Israeli forces opened fire near an aid distribution site in southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least three Palestinians and injuries to dozens more, according to local health officials and eyewitnesses. The incident occurred approximately one kilometer from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid hub in Rafah, a location that had witnessed a similar deadly episode just a day prior. Democracy Now!+4AP News+4AP News+4Haaretz+10Reuters+10Al Jazeera+10

Details of the Incident

Witnesses reported that around 5:30 a.m., a large crowd was moving toward the GHF aid distribution center when Israeli troops opened fire. The Israeli military stated that it had fired warning shots at individuals who approached its forces and posed a perceived threat. The army emphasized that the aid site was closed at the time and denied intentionally targeting civilians. Democracy Now!+8BBC+8AP News+8AP News+3The Guardian+3Star Tribune+3AP News

Moataz al-Feirani, a 21-year-old survivor receiving treatment at Nasser Hospital, recounted being shot in the leg as he walked with others toward the aid center. He noted that drones were overhead, filming the crowd. AP News

Previous Day's Tragedy

This incident follows a deadly event on Sunday, June 1, where at least 31 Palestinians were killed and over 170 injured near the same aid distribution site. Witnesses and health officials claimed that Israeli forces fired on crowds gathering for food aid. The Israeli military denied responsibility, suggesting that Hamas operatives may have been involved. France 24+15Reuters+15AP News+15CBS News

The International Committee of the Red Cross reported receiving 179 casualties from the Sunday incident, many with gunshot or shrapnel wounds. The organization expressed concern over the safety of civilians seeking humanitarian aid. AP News+2Reuters+2BBC+2BBC

Humanitarian Concerns

The GHF, an aid distribution initiative backed by Israel and the United States, has faced criticism from the United Nations and major aid organizations. Critics argue that the GHF's operations bypass established humanitarian channels and fail to meet the urgent needs of Gaza's population, which is experiencing severe food insecurity and famine conditions due to a prolonged blockade. YouTube+6Reuters+6Reuters+6AP News+3AP News+3Reuters+3

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the violence and called for an independent investigation into the incidents. He emphasized the need for accountability and the protection of civilians in conflict zones. AP News+1Reuters+1

Ongoing Conflict

The recent shootings near aid distribution sites underscore the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since the conflict began in October 2023, over 54,000 Palestinians have been reported killed, including a significant number of women and children. Israel maintains that its military operations target Hamas militants, who it claims are embedded within civilian areas. CBS News+8AP News+8The Times+8Reuters+3AP News+3The Times+3Courthouse News+1AP News+1

As international pressure mounts, ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue, with mediators from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar involved. However, mutual distrust and differing demands have stalled progress, leaving the humanitarian situation in Gaza increasingly dire. Reuters+1Reuters+1

For further updates and detailed coverage, refer to the following sources:

Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks in Istanbul Yield No Ceasefire Agreement



June 3, 2025

In the latest attempt to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian and Russian delegations met in Istanbul on June 2, 2025. While the talks resulted in agreements on humanitarian measures, including the exchange of prisoners of war and the repatriation of fallen soldiers, no progress was made toward establishing a ceasefire.The Guardian+1ABC News+1POLITICO+5The Guardian+5Al Jazeera+5

Key Outcomes of the Istanbul Talks

  • Prisoner and Remains Exchange: Both sides agreed to exchange seriously wounded prisoners of war and young soldiers aged 18–25. Additionally, each country will repatriate the remains of 6,000 fallen soldiers. AP News+5POLITICO+5The Washington Post+5

  • Abducted Children: Ukraine presented a list of 400 children it claims were abducted and relocated by Russia. Russia has committed to discussing the return of only 10 of these children, leading to increased tensions between the parties. The Guardian+1Fox News+1

Stalled Ceasefire Negotiations

Despite these humanitarian agreements, Russia rejected Ukraine's demand for an unconditional ceasefire. Instead, Moscow proposed a limited, 2–3 day ceasefire along certain frontlines to facilitate the retrieval of soldiers' bodies. Russia's broader conditions for a ceasefire include Ukraine's withdrawal from annexed territories, halting military mobilization, stopping Western arms deliveries, and renouncing aspirations to join NATO—all of which Kyiv and its allies have previously rejected. Fox News+3The Guardian+3The Washington Post+3AP News

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the proposed short-term ceasefire as inadequate and symbolic. He emphasized that any agreement must not reward aggression, stating, "The key to lasting peace is clear – the aggressor must not receive any reward for war." The Washington PostFox News

Escalating Military Actions

The talks occurred shortly after Ukraine launched a significant drone offensive, dubbed "Operation Spiderweb," targeting Russian military bases and reportedly damaging over 40 aircraft. This operation highlighted Ukraine's continued resilience and strategic capabilities more than three years into the conflict. Fox News+2The Washington Post+2AP News+2New York Post+1Reuters+1

In response, Russia conducted its largest drone assault to date, further straining relations and complicating diplomatic efforts. AP News+2The Guardian+2The Washington Post+2

International Reactions and Future Prospects

Turkey hosted the meeting, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressing hope for future progress. However, no American representatives attended the talks. Western allies, including the United States, have expressed growing concern over Russia's actions. U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for a renewed military offensive in Ukraine, advocating for stringent sanctions to deter further aggression. Fox News+2The Washington Post+2Al Jazeera+2Politico

Ukraine has proposed another round of talks by late June and continues to call for stronger international support to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.The Washington Post+1The Guardian+1

As the conflict persists, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could lead to a lasting peace.