United News of Bangladesh

As the Obama Presidential Center opening prepares to open its doors on June 19 in Chicago, historians are once again reflecting on how US presidential libraries preserve both history and personality. For historian Geoffrey Ward, visiting the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum feels like stepping directly into the world of former US president Franklin D. Roosevelt. He describes the site as full of personal artefacts that reveal Roosevelt’s wide-ranging interests, from childhood belongings to books and collections that shaped his public life. Since Roosevelt helped establish the modern concept of presidential libraries in the late 1930s, the system has expanded across the United States. These institutions, now overseen in part by the US National Archives and Records Administration, range from large modern complexes to small-town museums, including the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. Historian Douglas Brinkley, who has visited most of these libraries, said each site carries a distinct atmosphere reflecting the president it represents. He noted that Roosevelt’s decision to donate his home and papers to the public set a lasting model for preserving presidential history close to where leaders lived and worked. However, experts say presidential libraries often present a carefully shaped version of history. While official archives are managed by federal professionals, museum exhibits are frequently supported by private funding, which can influence how presidents are portrayed. Some critics argue this can lead to a focus on achievements while downplaying controversies. In some cases, disputes have emerged over how sensitive events are presented, including the Watergate scandal at the Richard Nixon library and debates over policy legacies at other sites. Historian Max Boot said archival records are generally handled in a neutral and professional way, but museum displays often highlight positive aspects of a presidency more strongly than failures. Others, like historian Ted Widmer, say there has been gradual improvement in transparency. He pointed to the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library for its willingness to confront controversial issues such as the Vietnam War and historical election disputes linked to former president Lyndon B. Johnson. Widmer said it remains uncertain whether future presidential libraries will continue moving toward greater openness, especially as political divisions deepen, but stressed the importance of presenting history accurately rather than in a simplified or polished form. The new Obama Presidential Center opening has also drawn attention for its design and scale. Located on Chicago’s South Side, the project has faced both praise and criticism, including debate over its architecture and decision not to include a National Archives-managed facility on site. The centre is expected to attract up to one million visitors annually and will include a public library branch, sports facilities, gardens and community spaces. Former US president Barack Obama has been closely involved in shaping its design and features, including recreational areas and reading spaces intended for public use. Supporters say the centre reflects a modern, community-focused approach to presidential legacy, combining historical preservation with public engagement in a more interactive environment.

A striking cave-like installation has opened on Paris’ oldest bridge, temporarily turning the historic structure over the River Seine into a dark, immersive art space filled with sound, scent and light. For weeks, a black, mountain-like structure had covered the Pont Neuf, raising curiosity among passers-by. It finally opened on Monday evening, allowing the public to step inside the artwork. Once inside, visitors are met with a dramatic shift in atmosphere. The air carries the smell of damp earth, stone and smoke, while the sounds of low electronic pulses echo through the structure. Beneath it, the bridge’s old cobblestones remain visible underfoot, reinforcing the sense of walking through another world. The installation, called the Pont Neuf Cavern, has been created by French street artist JR (artist), often described as the “French Banksy.” It is open free of charge and will remain accessible 24 hours a day until June 28. Built mainly from printed fabric and air, the work rises about 18 metres above the Seine, transforming the centuries-old bridge into a temporary artificial cave. Visitors described the experience as disorienting yet captivating. “It feels like the city has disappeared,” said one visitor, noting that although the river remains just outside, the interior feels like stepping into an ancient landscape. A key feature of the installation is its carefully designed scent environment. Olfactory artist Sarah Bouasse created shifting smells inspired by compounds found in rain-soaked soil. The scent changes as visitors move through the space, from wet earth to warmer, smokier tones. Many visitors said the experience changed the way they moved across the bridge. “Today I felt the stones under my feet. And smelled them too,” said one retiree, adding that it made him feel like a child again. The sound design was created by Thomas Bangalter, known from the electronic duo Daft Punk. His audio installation adds deep rumbles, echoes and rhythmic pulses that intensify the cave-like effect. Completed in 1607, the Pont Neuf — ironically meaning “New Bridge” — is the oldest standing bridge in Paris. The installation encourages visitors to experience the landmark not just visually, but through smell, sound and touch. The project also pays tribute to artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude, who famously wrapped the bridge in fabric in 1985, attracting millions of visitors. Unlike that earlier bright installation, JR’s version explores darkness, guiding visitors through a shadowed passage before they re-emerge into daylight on the other side. The experience can also be enhanced through a smartphone-based augmented reality feature developed with tech company Snap, which adds digital bats, visual traces and a virtual dancer to the space. JR has linked the concept to Plato’s allegory of the cave, suggesting modern people are similarly influenced by digital screens and algorithms shaping perception. Visitors said the installation offers a rare pause in daily urban life. “Paris needs things that make people stop,” said one visitor. When the exhibition ends, the structure will be dismantled and its materials reused or recycled, returning the bridge to its normal state as traffic flows again over the historic Seine crossing.

While Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez found the back of the net in Mexico’s World Cup-opening win over South Africa on Thursday, it was a duck named Merlin who unexpectedly became the star of the celebrations. The two-year-old duck, often seen wearing Mexico’s national team jersey and socks, emerged as the tournament’s first unofficial mascot after images of him walking through Mexico City during jubilant celebrations went viral, drawing millions of views across social media platforms. Fans quickly dubbed him a national treasure and an early highlight of the World Cup, with many calling for Merlin to appear inside stadiums. Already well known in Mexico City’s historic center, Merlin regularly accompanies his owner, Carla Gómez, who sells water and soft drinks from a small cart on weekends. The duck has become a familiar and beloved presence at public events and tourist spots, often attracting crowds eager to take photos. Gómez said Merlin is considered part of the family and is rarely left alone at home, describing him as a “baby” and even the sole heir to her possessions. She said the duck was originally a gift for her son Cristian, with whom Merlin shares a close bond and accompanies across landmarks such as Alameda Central, the Palace of Fine Arts and the Zócalo. Following his unexpected rise to fame, Merlin and Gómez recently met FIFA representatives for photos and a promotional shoot. The family now hopes the duck will continue to bring good fortune as Mexico co-hosts the World Cup with Canada and the United States, marking the country’s third time hosting the tournament after 1970 and 1986. “Mexico, we are with you,” Gómez said, adding that Merlin is the nation’s “number one fan.”

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds across North America, several smaller American cities are enjoying a rare moment on the global stage after being selected as training bases for some of the tournament’s biggest teams. In Chattanooga, Tennessee, eight-year-old Beckham McClure waited for hours with a handwritten note hoping to catch a glimpse of Spain’s star players. When he finally saw them take the field, he turned to his father and whispered: “They’re real.” The moment reflected the excitement spreading through communities that are hosting national teams between World Cup matches. Defending European champion Spain has set up its training camp at Baylor School in Chattanooga, while Iraq is based at the historic Greenbrier resort in West Virginia. Germany has chosen Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as its World Cup headquarters. The arrival of these teams has transformed local communities, bringing international attention and creating a festive atmosphere for football fans. In Chattanooga, Spanish flags decorate hotels and public spaces, while banners welcoming the team have appeared across the city. Thousands of fans applied for a limited number of tickets to watch Spain’s training sessions at Baylor School. Local resident Skip Schwartz said Spanish jerseys have become a common sight around the city. “You can’t always tell whether the person wearing one is from Spain or a local supporter,” he said. In Winston-Salem, tickets to watch Germany train sold out within minutes. Local businesses have embraced the opportunity, with restaurants and sports bars organizing viewing parties and offering German-themed menus. Savannah Lahey, manager of a local football bar, said the event has encouraged many people to take an interest in the sport. “It’s exciting to see people getting involved in something they may not have followed before,” she said. Teams selected their training bases from a list of FIFA-approved facilities across North America. Higher-ranked teams received priority in choosing locations. Despite having the option of larger cities such as Chicago and Los Angeles, Spain chose Chattanooga because of Baylor School’s facilities, convenient location and easy access to match venues. The school upgraded and maintained its football pitches to meet FIFA standards, including strict requirements for field quality, drainage and irrigation systems. Two grass training fields now serve as the centre of Spain’s daily preparations, while players are staying at a nearby downtown hotel. For Baylor School officials and former students, Spain’s decision to use the campus is a source of pride. “It’s hard to imagine that one of the world’s biggest football nations would choose this campus as its World Cup base,” said Schwartz, a member of the school’s board. The presence of Spain has also created new supporters among local fans. Tina Ankar, who attended one of the team’s open training sessions, said the experience made her eager to follow Spain throughout the tournament. “Now we have another team to support besides the United States,” she said. Students at Baylor School have also enjoyed unprecedented access to world-class football stars. Many were excited to see locker rooms temporarily assigned to players such as Pedri, Gavi and Lamine Yamal. For 17-year-old student Heath Techasiriwan, the experience has changed his World Cup loyalties. “Without a doubt, I’m supporting Spain,” he said. Young goalkeeper Mathew Ramirez was thrilled when Yamal signed his Barcelona jersey after training. Back in Chattanooga, Beckham McClure returned home with player autographs and selfies, still amazed that the football stars he usually watched on television were standing just a few feet away. His father, Jaxon McClure, who now coaches hundreds of local children, said the city’s football culture has grown dramatically over the years. “They could have chosen anywhere in the country,” he said. “And they chose us.”

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali believes that while young people today can form relationships more easily than previous generations, many are struggling with a growing sense of loneliness and a search for deeper emotional connections. Speaking to NDTV India during promotions for his upcoming romantic drama Main Vaapas Aaunga, Ali said modern relationships often begin quickly but become difficult to sustain. "The tragedy with this generation is that they reach their destination very quickly," he said, explaining that many young people expect relationships to be effortless once they find a partner. However, he noted that challenges often emerge after that point. According to Ali, today's youth are lonelier than earlier generations and are increasingly looking for meaning and stronger emotional bonds in their lives. He said his new film explores this longing for lasting love and stability, adding that many young people admire the kind of romance associated with earlier generations. Actor Vedang Raina, who stars in the film, agreed with the filmmaker's observations. He said he personally desires the type of love portrayed in the movie and believes many people of his generation feel the same way. Raina noted that social media and dating apps have changed the way relationships develop, but many young people still dream of old-fashioned romance, including handwritten love letters and subtle expressions of affection. He said there is a growing nostalgia among young people for deeper, more meaningful relationships, despite living in a highly connected digital world. Directed by Ali, ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ also stars Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari and Naseeruddin Shah. The romantic drama is scheduled to be released in cinemas on June 12, 2026.

The enormous earnings of football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo continue to highlight the vast financial gap between elite athletes and ordinary professionals. According to estimates, the 41-year-old Portuguese forward earns around $200 million a year from his club contract in Saudi Arabia alone. In Bangladeshi currency, that amounts to roughly Tk 2,400 crore annually, or about Rs 1,600-1,700 crore in Indian currency. Based on a season of around 55 matches for club and country, Ronaldo earns nearly Rs 30 crore every time he steps onto the field. That means a single 90-minute match brings in more money than many companies spend on salaries in an entire year. The comparison becomes even more striking when measured against the income of an average professional. Someone earning Rs 12 lakh a year would need around 2,500 years of work to make what Ronaldo earns from just one match. Ronaldo's wealth extends far beyond his football salary. His estimated net worth is believed to exceed $1 billion, with some estimates placing it at around $1.2 billion, or roughly Rs 10,000 crore. The fortune has been built through more than two decades of top-level football, including club salaries, bonuses, sponsorship agreements, image rights, business investments and income from his massive social media presence. Using the same comparison, a professional earning Rs 12 lakh annually would need more than 83,000 years of income to accumulate wealth equal to Ronaldo's current net worth. Even over a 40-year career, such an employee would earn only a tiny fraction of Ronaldo's fortune. Matching his wealth would require more than 2,000 full working lifetimes. The figures underline the extraordinary financial rewards available at the highest level of global sport, where a single match can generate earnings that would take ordinary workers thousands of years to achieve. Source: NDTV

Colombian superstar Shakira once again stole the spotlight at a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, but her latest anthem ‘Dai Dai’ has already drawn inevitable comparisons with her legendary 2010 hit ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’. The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City with thousands of fans gathering to witness the grand opening show. Shakira headlined the ceremony alongside Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy, delivering the first live performance of ‘Dai Dai’, the tournament’s official song. The performance featured high-energy choreography, vibrant visuals, colourful dancers and a giant World Cup trophy prop, with Shakira showcasing her trademark stage presence and dance moves. While the show received strong praise from fans, it quickly sparked debate online over whether ‘Dai Dai’ could ever match the cultural legacy of ‘Waka Waka’, which became one of the most iconic World Cup songs in history. Social media users were quick to draw comparisons. Many argued that ‘Waka Waka’ had already cemented itself as the “ultimate World Cup anthem,” with one user writing that although ‘Dai Dai’ is “beautiful,” it can never replace the 2010 hit’s global impact. Others, however, noted that the comparisons themselves highlight Shakira’s rare dominance in World Cup music, pointing out that she also delivered another global hit with ‘La La La (Brazil 2014)’. They said few artists have managed to produce multiple iconic tournament anthems. While ‘Dai Dai’ continues to gain traction across streaming platforms, ‘Waka Waka’ remains a global cultural phenomenon more than a decade after its release. The song’s official music video has crossed 4.5 billion views on YouTube, compared to 126 million views for ‘Dai Dai’, underscoring the enduring legacy of Shakira’s 2010 anthem. With inputs from NDTV

What turns a song into a memorable FIFA World Cup anthem? Is it cultural representation, a catchy global hook, or a chant-friendly chorus that unites millions of fans? Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, artists who have contributed to past and present tournament songs shared their insights with The Associated Press. Among them is Colombian superstar Shakira, who is performing the official 2026 World Cup anthem “Dai Dai” alongside Afrobeats artist Burna Boy. Shakira, who previously delivered the iconic 2010 World Cup anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”, said a World Cup song must reflect global emotions and connect cultures through music. She emphasized that such songs need rhythm, energy and a strong sing-along quality. According to her, a successful anthem should make people want to dance, sing together and feel emotionally united, as football itself brings together people from different backgrounds. Colombian singer J Balvin, who is part of Coca-Cola’s official World Cup 2026 track — a reworked version of Van Halen’s “Jump” featuring Travis Barker, Amber Mark and Steve Vai — said modern music demands immediate impact. He noted that listeners’ attention spans are short, making a strong opening and memorable hook essential. He added that a World Cup anthem should reflect the emotional highs and lows of football matches and match the sport’s intensity. Canadian-Moroccan artist Nora Fatehi, featured on the official World Cup album with the track “Siir, Siir” alongside Vegedream and DJ Sanjoy, said a good anthem should feel empowering. She said it should evoke a sense of victory, motivation and aspiration the moment it is heard. Meanwhile, Wyclef Jean, who co-created the 2014 World Cup song “Dar um Jeito (We Will Find a Way)”, said a successful anthem must energize stadiums and carry strong rhythm and melody. He stressed that while global collaboration can help, the key element is cultural energy rather than the number of featured artists. Jean added that World Cup music should transcend language barriers and focus on unity, resilience and hope, delivering an uplifting message for young people worldwide. With each edition of the tournament, World Cup anthems continue to evolve, but the common thread remains the same — music that unites fans across nations through rhythm, emotion and celebration.

Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday paid tribute to two of Barcelona’s most iconic religious sites, offering prayers at a hilltop monastery in the morning and leading an evening Mass at the world-famous Sagrada Familia Basilica on the 100th anniversary of architect Antoni Gaudí’s death. The Pope began his day by visiting inmates at a Barcelona prison, continuing a tradition established by Pope Francis of meeting prisoners during overseas trips. He told the inmates that past mistakes do not define a person’s future, saying that people always have the chance to change their lives. Pope Leo is currently on a weeklong visit to Spain, where large crowds of Catholic faithful have welcomed him, reflecting the country’s enduring religious devotion despite a long period of secularisation after the end of its 20th-century dictatorship. Later in the day, the Pope was set to visit the Montserrat monastery outside Barcelona, a major spiritual site for Catalonia’s Catholics. The complex includes an 11th-century Benedictine abbey, a 16th-century basilica, and the famous Black Madonna statue. It is also home to one of Europe’s oldest boys’ choirs, dating back to the 13th century. The highlight of the visit is an evening Mass at the Sagrada Familia, held to mark 100 years since the death of its creator Antoni Gaudí, who died in 1926 after being struck by a tram. Construction of the basilica began during the papacy of Pope Leo XIII and has continued for more than a century. Today, it stands as one of the most visited but still unfinished monuments in the world, attracting millions of tourists each year. Gaudí, whose work is being considered for sainthood, dedicated much of his life to designing the basilica as a “stone expression” of Christian faith. The building’s façades depict major events from the life of Jesus Christ, including his birth and crucifixion, while a third façade representing his glory is still under construction. The structure features 18 towering spires symbolising Christ’s apostles, the four evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ himself. Last year, the central tower dedicated to Christ was completed at a height of 172.5 metres, making Sagrada Familia the tallest church in the world. The Pope is expected to formally consecrate the tower during Wednesday’s Mass. Inside, the basilica is designed to resemble a forest, with tree-like columns rising toward the ceiling and coloured light streaming through stained glass windows, creating a shifting play of light throughout the day. Gaudí once said nature was his greatest teacher, a philosophy reflected in the building’s design, which blends Christian symbolism with natural forms. Historians say the Sagrada Familia combines biblical themes with elements of nature to create a spiritual experience where architecture, light and symbolism come together to express faith in a unique visual form.

Sonam Kapoor’s signature sense of style is not limited to the red carpet — it also defines the elegant London home she shares with her husband, businessman Anand Ahuja. Celebrated as one of Bollywood’s most fashionable stars, Sonam has built a strong design identity over the years, and that aesthetic is clearly reflected in their thoughtfully curated residence in London. As she turned 41, a closer look at her home reveals a warm, art-filled space shaped with personal touches and global influences. Located in Notting Hill, West London, the home opens into a cosy living room designed for comfort and gatherings. The space features deep forest-green wall panelling paired with cream wallpaper decorated with subtle nature-inspired patterns. Velvet sofas add a soft, luxurious feel, while a chandelier casts a warm glow, making the room suitable for both relaxed reading afternoons and evening get-togethers. The décor carries a classic charm, with ornate silver frames placed across side tables and rich wooden flooring layered with a Persian rug. Colourful seating, including red and yellow sofas, along with a decorative fireplace, adds character and frames family moments in the space. The couple’s bedroom continues the home’s nature-inspired theme, with softer tones and organic textures. A wooden and rattan headboard sits against wallpaper featuring leafy patterns, creating a calm and restful atmosphere. Fresh flowers, framed photographs and carefully placed artwork add a personal touch, while a large art piece near the bed completes the design. The dressing room stands out with hand-carved doors made by Mumbai artisans, adorned with antique floral panels sourced from Paris, according to *Architectural Digest*. In the dining area, a sunflower-yellow accent wall sets a bright tone, complemented by curated artworks and a large window that fills the space with natural light. A rectangular dining table sits at the centre, paired with a sideboard for silverware, while the table décor echoes the artistic elements of the room. With inputs from NDTV