Pfizer says that its experimental COVID-19 pill appears effective against the omicron variant.

The drug reduced combined hospitalizations and deaths by about 89% among high risk adults when taken shortly after initial COVID-19 symptoms.

The U.S. government has agreed to purchase enough of the Pfizer pill to treat 10 million people, pending FDA approval.

Minneapolis began a pilot program on Monday that would send unarmed mental health professionals to residents who call 911 about behavioral or mental-health related crises.

The behavioral crisis response teams aim to provide counseling, crisis intervention and connection to support services.

Authorities said the teams won’t respond to incidents concerning firearms or other violent behavior.

Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin appears to be on the verge of pleading guilty to violating George Floyd ‘s civil rights.

The move would remove him from a federal trial but could significantly increase the amount of time he’ll spend behind bars.

A notice sent out Monday by the court’s electronic filing system shows a hearing is scheduled for Wednesday for Chauvin to change his not guilty plea. Nothing will be official until it happens in court.

Claire Woodson can be reached at claire.woodson@stthomas.edu.