A bumpy road to the end of COVID

Pinpointing the “end” of the COVID-19 pandemic depends on the vantage point. Medical professionals wait for death rates to subside and immunity to build. Social scientists tend to focus on perceived risk. And, ahead of Easter, the Nicaraguan government has banned Holy Week processions. It’s part of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega’s ongoing tussle with the Catholic Church, which is part of the country’s political opposition. Also, recent Russian defector Gleb Karakulov is giving the world a behind-the-scenes look into Russia’s government and its president. Plus, a lone Nigerian rooster is ruled a nuisance.