In pandemic news, U.S. health officials say they are cautiously optimistic the Omicron-fueled surge would soon pass its peak, though many hospitals continue to be overwhelmed with patients and the country is still averaging over 2,000 deaths per day.

In legal news, a federal judge on Friday blocked the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate for federal workers and contractors. The Justice Department has appealed the ruling, which could end up at the Supreme Court. The White House says about 98% of government workers have already been vaccinated.