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East Darfur, Sudan — Hawa Adam did not expect a childhood illness to kill her son. Ali was two years old when he fell sick on February 25 in Labado, in Sudan’s East Darfur state. He died two days later.“I thought it was one of the ordinary childhood diseases,” the 37-year-old told Al Jazeera. “I never imagined I would lose my child to this epidemic.”Hawa attributes his death to the absence of basic medical care – no vaccination, no qualified doctors. “Most doctors”, she says, “left the area after the war broke out, forcing those with means to seek treatment abroad, in South Sudan or Uganda.”The Collapse of Routine Immunization in East DarfurA measles outbreak has struck several Labado districts since March, killing approximately 70 people and infecting about 1,000 others across 12 residential neighbourhoods, in a population of roughly 12,000, which includes displaced people who arrived during the war, according to Mohamed Abdel Aziz, 32, coordinator of the Labado crisis unit.Those numbers were disputed by East Darfur’s health director, Dr Jabir al-Nadeef, who confirmed to Al Jazeera that measles has struck four districts of the state, but only reported 300 cases and 26 deaths, figures that diverge substantially from those documented by the Labado emergency room.“Vaccines only arrived on April 11 from Chad via UNICEF [United Nations Children’s Fund ], after a prolonged period with no supply, and a vaccination campaign is scheduled to run from April 18 to 24 across the state,” he said.Measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases, spread by contact with infected nasal or throat secretions or breathing in air that was breathed out by someone with measles, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Outbreaks can result in severe complications and deaths, especially among young, malnourished children.Transmission: Contact with infected secretions or airborne particles.Current Coverage: Measles vaccination has fallen to 46 percent.Routine Immunization: First dose of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis dropped to 48 percent in 2024.Quantifying the Human Cost: Disputed Death Toll and Economic BarriersThe first measles cases in Darfur in the current outbreak were recorded in January, according to UNICEF. It is unfolding against the backdrop of a near-total collapse of public health infrastructure across Darfur, where war has gutted facilities, halted routine vaccination and driven out medical personnel.“We discovered the outbreak by accident,” Abdel Aziz, the coordinator, told Al Jazeera. The teams had been conducting home visits for a fire-prevention workshop when they saw the scale of the outbreak, with almost half of the homes visited having measles cases.In the al-Nil neighbourhood, Ismail Issa, 38, lost his two-year-old daughter Makarem on March 11. His brother Ahmed lost an 18-month-old son, Issa, on March 25. Then Hasan, the three-year-old son of Ismail’s sister Medeeha, died on March 23. All three families live in adjoining homes, and the infection passed between them.Abdel Aziz traced much of the death toll directly to a supply failure. Medicines ran out at the government health centre on February 23. Drugs remain available at private pharmacies, but most residents cannot afford them.Intravenous fluids: 8,000 Sudanese pounds ($20.50).Antibiotics: 10,000 to 15,000 pounds ($25.60 to 38.40).A Public Health Catastrophe UnfoldingAsmaa Jalaluddin, 28, lives in the Dar al-Naim West neighbourhood of Labado with her three children. Her three-year-old daughter, Mashaer Rajab al-Sheikh, fell ill on April 5 with fever, diarrhoea and persistent vomiting. She stopped eating and kept her eyes shut for four days.On April 8, Asmaa took her to the Labado health centre, where she was told her daughter had measles. With no medicines available, she was directed to travel to Shuairiya, 40 kilometres north. There, on April 10, Mashaer received fever reducers and vitamins and slowly began to open her eyes again. She was discharged two days later.Local doctors are now calling for intervention from international health organisations, noting that diseases that had been eliminated are returning.UNICEF spokesperson for Sudan, Eva Hinds, told Al Jazeera that “measles cases continue to be reported across Darfur, with insecurity, displacement, damaged health facilities, and prolonged disruption to routine immunisation all constraining the response.”UNICEF says that a measles-rubella vaccine catch-up campaign has been completed across all localities in Central Darfur and West Darfur, as well as parts of North and South Darfur, reaching approximately 2.1 million children aged nine to 14. Vaccination in remaining areas, including East Darfur, is scheduled for mid to end of April, aiming to reach close to 750,000 children across all nine of the state’s localities.The Long Road to RecoveryFor the families of Labado, the calendar offers little comfort. In the al-Nil neighbourhood, three siblings buried their children within days of one another over the Eid holiday. In Dar al-Naim West, a mother counts the days until her daughter’s 14-day isolation ends. In the Safaa neighbourhood, Hawa Adam has already buried hers.“They could have still been alive,” Hawa Adam said. “Those without money die in Darfur.”

Red Sox Announce Immediate Termination of Alex CoraAlex Cora was dismissed Saturday, ending a tumultuous tenure that included a franchise‑record 108‑win season in 2018 and a recent slide that left Boston 10‑17 and at the bottom of the AL East.Coaching Overhaul Follows a Last‑Place AL East FinishThe organization also released five members of the coaching staff: hitting coach Peter Fatse, third‑base coach Kyle Hudson, bench coach Ramón Vázquez, assistant hitting coach Dillon Lawson, and hitting‑strategy coach Joe Cronin. Veteran catcher Jason Varitek was reassigned.Interim manager: Chad Tracy, former Triple‑A Worcester manager.Additional interim staff: Chad Epperson (third‑base coach) and Collin Hetzler (hitting staff).Owner John Henry praised Cora’s past contributions despite the firing.Season Record, Payroll Cuts and Potential SavingsThe Red Sox’s current record of 10‑17 follows a series of salary‑dump moves that saw the departure of stars like Mookie Betts and David Price. Cora’s overall managerial record with Boston stands at 620‑541.Remaining payroll commitments: $313.5 million contract for Rafael Devers (now traded).Potential cost avoidance by not extending the contracts of the dismissed coaches.Historical note: Cora is the first manager fired after a 16‑run win since 1887.Implications for Boston’s Rebuilding TimelineThe firings underscore a shift toward a faster rebuild, prioritizing younger talent from the Triple‑A WooSox, which sit 14‑11 atop the International League East. By removing veteran coaches tied to the previous era, the front office signals openness to new analytics‑driven approaches.Accelerated evaluation of prospects at third base and the outfield.Potential trade leverage for remaining high‑value assets.Increased pressure on owner‑group to deliver a competitive roster by 2027.Interim Manager Chad Tracy’s Roadmap for 2026Tracy arrives with a 323‑295 record in Worcester and a reputation for player development. His immediate tasks include stabilizing the pitching staff, re‑energizing a lineup that is batting below .200, and setting a clear direction for the upcoming trade deadline.Maintain a “win‑now” mentality while scouting cost‑controlled talent.Leverage his minor‑league network to identify undervalued players.Assess whether a permanent managerial hire will be sought after the season.

The Surge in World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices Stirs Fan BacklashOn the 50‑day countdown to the tournament, FIFA announced a fifth, “last‑minute” ticket phase, adding a premium “front category” and releasing tickets for all 104 matches on a first‑come, first‑served basis. The move has intensified fan frustration as prices climb to unprecedented levels.FIFA Opens a Fifth Ticket Sale Phase Amid Unsold InventoryOfficially, the governing body claims a surplus of unsold tickets from four previous windows and aims to fill stadiums before match day. However, the unexpected release contradicts earlier statements that the April 1 phase would be the “fourth and final” window. A spokesperson told Al Jazeera that sales will continue “up until the final on Sunday, 19 July, subject to availability.”All 104 matches now available for purchase.Three existing categories plus a new “front category” introduced.First‑come, first‑served model replaces earlier lottery draws.Ticket Price Ranges Skyrocket to Nearly $11,000 for the FinalWhen tickets first launched in December, prices spanned $140 (Category 3) to $8,680 for the final. The April 1 reopening pushed the top tier to $10,990, and current listings show the most expensive final seat approaching $11,000—almost seven times the maximum price cited in the original North American bid.Cheapest tickets now start at $60, far above the promised $21.Average price increase: ~700% versus original bid ceiling of $1,550.Compared to Qatar 2022 final ($1,604) and Russia 2018 final ($1,100), the 2026 final is an order of magnitude higher.Dynamic Pricing and Market Maturity Fuel the Cost ExplosionExperts attribute the surge to three inter‑linked factors:U.S. market focus: 78 of 104 matches are slated for the United States, a “mature” sports market with high willingness to spend.Dynamic ticketing model: Prices fluctuate in real time based on demand, mirroring practices in American professional sports.Revenue‑maximisation strategy: Simon Chadwick of Emlyon Business School notes FIFA is treating the tournament as a primary income source, targeting corporate and premium segments.Critics, including U.S. lawmakers, argue the approach creates an “exclusionary enterprise” that prices out average fans.Will Dynamic Pricing Secure Full Sell‑Out or Alienate Fans?While dynamic pricing theoretically ensures no tickets remain unsold, Chadwick warns that market realities—price sensitivity and fan resentment—could leave seats empty. Gianni Infantino defends the model, emphasizing FIFA’s nonprofit status and the need to fund its 211 member associations.Future scenarios hinge on whether demand sustains at premium levels or if backlash forces FIFA to adjust pricing or introduce additional discount tiers before the July finale.

The Birth of an Anthem in a Time of ChangeThe Levellers' iconic track "What a Beautiful Day" was born out of a specific historical moment. Written in late 1996 by frontman Mark Chadwick, the song emerged during a period of palpable political optimism, just before the end of the Tory government and the rise of Tony Blair. Chadwick describes the era as a time when the cold war had ended and Apartheid was collapsing, creating a sense that the world was moving toward improvement.Despite its cheerful title, the song is rooted in subversive themes. Chadwick wrote it in just five minutes, intending it to be a double-layered composition—one surface layer about a "lovely day," and a deeper layer about revolution and bringing down the government. The lyrics were heavily influenced by Bonfire Night traditions in Lewes and Chadwick's love for old movies and a trip to Cuba, which introduced the Che Guevara reference. From Five-Minute Inspiration to Live EnergyThe recording process was designed to capture the raw energy of the band. Chadwick initially doubted the song, feeling it was "too easy" and "too obvious," but a colleague in the office immediately recognized its hit potential. The band decided to record it live in the studio to maintain the "one noise together" dynamic, resulting in a performance that is even faster live today. Writing Speed: Lyrics and music composed in approximately five minutes. Recording Style: Live in the room to capture band chemistry. Instrumentation: Features a 70s stomp-style beat and a walking bassline. Chart Trajectory and the Radio BanThe release of the song was initially well-timed, coinciding with the departure of the Tories. It climbed the charts, reaching No. 13, when a tragic event halted its momentum. Following the death of Princess Diana in August 1997, radio stations across the UK pulled "What a Beautiful Day" and other upbeat tracks, deeming them inappropriate for the national mood. This sudden removal from rotation illustrates the volatile nature of the music industry during times of national crisis. The song, which Chadwick jokingly wanted to title "The King of All Time," became a casualty of grief, though it remains a staple of the band's live set. Subversive Lyrics vs. National MourningThe irony of the song's reception highlights a shift in cultural interpretation. Originally written as a reaction against "horrible things" and a call to arms, the song was recontextualized by the public as a life-affirming anthem. Jeremy Cunningham, the band's bassist, noted that while many Levellers songs are angry reactions, this one was "full of positivity." The band members reflect on how their youthful "stoned paranoia" about the government has proven true in modern times, yet they maintain that the song's core message remains relevant. They argue that the true revolution today is simply "being a bit nicer to each other." Legacy and the Evolution of the RevolutionDespite the initial radio ban, "What a Beautiful Day" has endured as a defining track for the Levellers. The band has even named their annual festival after the song, a testament to its lasting impact. Looking forward, the band continues to celebrate 35 years of their career, proving that a song written in a moment of political hope can resonate even when the world feels dark.

Venezuela's main opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, has stated she has 'no regrets' about presenting her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump in January. The presentation took place at the White House, shortly after Trump ordered a military operation aimed at removing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power.Machado, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 for her efforts to restore democratic rights in Venezuela, expressed her admiration for Trump's actions, saying that he 'risked the lives of his country's citizens for Venezuela's freedom.' This move was seen as a 'wonderful gesture of mutual respect' by Trump, who has long coveted the Nobel Peace Prize.The Norwegian Nobel Committee clarified that the prize itself is nontransferable and cannot be revoked or shared. Machado's decision to give the medal to Trump was met with mixed reactions, with Trump questioning her standing in Venezuela and instead backing Maduro's former vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, as the country's interim leader.Machado, who has been coordinating her return to Venezuela with Washington, emphasized the importance of US support for a democratic transition in her country. She also noted that she is working with the US government 'with mutual respect and understanding.' However, her relationship with other international leaders is complex; she recently declined a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, citing his hosting of a progressive leaders' summit.

The highly anticipated Premier League match between Brentford and Fulham concluded with a 0-0 draw. The game, which took place on April 18, 2026, was marked by a lack of goals but plenty of entertainment. A highlight of the match was a remarkable save by Leno from Ouattara.Both teams had their moments, with Fulham showcasing better ball control and patience, while Brentford managed to create some scoring opportunities. However, neither team could capitalize on their chances, resulting in a goalless draw. Brentford had one shot on target out of five attempts, while Fulham had one shot on target out of six.The teams' lineups were as follows:Brentford (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Kayode, van den Berg, Collins, Lewis-Potter; Yarmoliuk, Jensen; Ouattara, Damsgaard, Schade; Thiago.Fulham (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon; Lukic, Cairney; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Muniz.

New Yorkers received an early Christmas present last week when Stefan Pildes, the organizer of SantaCon in New York City, was arrested on Wednesday morning and charged with wire fraud. Pildes allegedly used hundreds of thousands of dollars from event-based charitable donations on his personal expenses, such as luxe vacations and “extravagant meals”, according to Manhattan federal prosecutors. The news of Pildes' indictment sparked a humorous reaction on social media, with many New Yorkers expressing schadenfreude and relief. “LMAO” – internet slang for “laughing my ass off” – was one response, and “ahahahahahahahahahahaha” was another. The event, which has been associated with debauchery and chaos in the city, has long been a source of frustration for many residents. According to allegations in the indictment, Pildes sold tickets for $10 to $20 that granted access to SantaCon-sanctioned venues and received up to a 25% cut of participating bars’ sales. He repeatedly represented that these proceeds went to charity and claimed he didn’t receive any money from SantaCon or related entities. However, prosecutors allege that Pildes diverted more than half of the $2.7m in proceeds from 2019 to 2024 to an entity he controlled, using the funds freely to finance various personal ventures. The Manhattan borough president, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, told the Guardian: “I’m not surprised about the charges, but I am surprised that it took so long for someone, for a prosecutor, to look under the hood of this organization.” He also noted that he has been working to get SantaCon to follow community guidelines since 2013. Pildes appeared in federal court, where he entered a not guilty plea to one wire fraud count – which carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence. He was released on a $300,000 bond, with the condition that he have “no involvement … in the promotion or organizing of the event called SantaCon”. As he left court, Pildes was met by a throng of reporters eager for answers about the alleged SantaCon scam, but he did not respond to questions.

When fighting erupted in Sudan’s streets in April 2023, families fled their homes, cities and even the country itself. Three years on, the exodus continues, with millions still on the move.The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) surveyed 1,293 displaced households in Sudan, Chad and South Sudan, exposing a grim cycle of loss. Each forced relocation strips survivors of the last remnants of their former lives.According to the findings, about 90 % of respondents have lost their homes and nearly three‑quarters report having no income. Food scarcity has become critical: more than 80 % of households in Sudan and virtually all in South Sudan regularly skip meals.Within Sudan alone, over nine million people remain displaced, while an estimated 28.9 million face acute hunger. The cumulative trauma is evident—by the fourth displacement, almost two‑thirds of individuals feel completely exhausted and depleted of resources, and roughly 65 % have been separated from family members.Despite these hardships, a remarkable degree of solidarity persists. In Sudan and Chad, one in three aid recipients continue to share their limited supplies with neighbors, strangers and newly arrived families.“In Sudan now, you are always running,” says Amina, who escaped Khartoum with four children and only the clothes on her back after her husband vanished in the early days of the fighting. “Running from war. Running for food.”Education has collapsed: only 45 % of displaced children across the three nations attend school regularly, while 18 % of households have been forced to send children to work.The NRC’s conclusion is stark. While resilience and generosity have kept the humanitarian response afloat, communities are signaling that they can no longer bear the burden alone. The mutual support that has acted as an “invisible backbone” is now stretched to its breaking point.This photo essay is provided by the Norwegian Refugee Council.

President Donald Trump has signaled that the U.S. Navy will enforce a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, targeting any vessel that has paid a toll to Iran. The announcement sent oil futures soaring past $100 per barrel on Monday, reviving fears of a deeper global energy crisis. U.S. Central Command later clarified that the operation would focus on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, a narrower scope than the initial threat to shut the entire strait. Nonetheless, experts say the move would still choke a critical chokepoint in world oil supply. "Anything that removes oil from the market pushes prices higher, which in turn lifts gasoline costs," explained Trita Parsi, co‑founder of the Quincy Institute. He warned that if Iran’s allies, notably the Houthis in Yemen, retaliate by closing the Bab al‑Mandeb strait, oil could surge above $150 a barrel. Bab al‑Mandeb serves as an alternative route for Gulf oil to reach the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Its closure would compound the disruption already caused by the Hormuz threat. Since the start of the U.S.–Israeli conflict on February 28, Iran has limited traffic through Hormuz, allowing only a handful of vetted ships. Windward estimates that about 3,200 vessels were stranded west of the strait as of Saturday. Former chief economist Anas Alhajji of NGP Energy Capital Management expects non‑Iranian carriers to avoid the strait regardless of U.S. assurances, citing rising insurance premiums and the risk of Iranian retaliation. "The Trump blockade of Iranian ports is effectively a blockade of the Hormuz Strait," he told Al Jazeera. The ripple effects extend beyond fuel. Higher oil and gas prices will lift the cost of chemicals, fertilizers and plastics feedstocks, analysts say. Cameron Johnson, senior partner at Tidalwave Solutions, predicts a rapid increase in raw‑material prices if the blockade persists into late April or early May. "The wild card is the timeframe," Johnson noted. "If it’s a short‑term negotiating tactic, the market may absorb it, but a prolonged blockade will spike global commodity prices." Supply‑chain experts warn of broader repercussions. Deborah Elms of the Hinrich Foundation highlighted that rising fabric costs and packaging shortages could strain food production and consumer goods later in the year. Industry observer Chad Norville of Rigzone said the mere threat erodes confidence in the strait’s stability, likely driving up insurance costs and reducing daily trade volumes. In sum, a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports would mark a stark reversal of recent policy, which had briefly eased sanctions to alleviate the energy crunch. The potential escalation underscores how geopolitical moves can quickly translate into higher energy bills and broader economic strain worldwide.