C1 >>> MAJOR FUNDING FOR KPBS EVENING EDITION HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY ANDERSON PLUMBING, HEATING AND AIR.

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF KPBS AND PRIVILEGED TO SERVE SAN DIEGO CLIENTS.

>> AND BY THE CONRAD PREF VIS FOUNDATION.

DARLENE MARCO SHILEY AND BY THE FOLLOWING.

>>> AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

THANK YOU.

>>> GOOD EVENING.

IT IS FRIDAY, JANUARY 14TH, 2022.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

I'M MAYA TRABULSI.

THEY ARE LIKE GOLD THOSE AT- HOME COVID TESTS, HARD TO FIND ON STORE SHELVES.

TOMORROW YOU'LL BE ABLE TO GET THEM AT NO COST OR REIMBURSED THROUGH YOUR INSURANCE.

HERE IS HOW IT WORKS.

>> ALL AT HOME COVID TESTS OUT.

>> Reporter: SHE AND HER 5-YEAR-OLD SON ARE ON A MISSION, FIND AN AT-HOME COVID TEST.

IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING.

>> Reporter: SHE NEEDS A TEST FOR HER SON WHO WAS EXPOSED AT SCHOOL, BUT FINDING ONE IS NOT E SIMS MORE PEOPLE ARE EXPOSED TO CO SLID AND NEED PROOF OF A NEGATIVE TEST TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL, WORK OR TO HAVE PEACE OF MIND, AND THAT IS MAKING SUPPLIES LIMITED AND WAITING IN A LINE IS FRUSTRATING TOO AND RESULTS ARE TAKING LONGER.

>> I HEARD IT IS UP TO SEVEN DAYS TO RECEIVE RESULTS.

>> Reporter: FORTUNATELY, SHE WAS ABLE TO FIND A TEST BUT IT WAS PRY CITY.

>> I THOUGHT MAYBE LUCKY 14 DOLL LOOKS, $25.

ADID NOT EXPECT IT TO BE $44.

A SHE FELT LIKE SHE WON THE LOTTERY.

>> I'M EXCITED TO GET ONE.

>> Reporter: SHE NEEDS PROOF OF A NEGATIVE TEST TO START HER NEW JOB BUT SHE DIDN'T FEEL LUCKY WHEN SHE SAW THE PRICE.

>> AT $42, IT IS REALLY EXPENSIVE AND IT STINKS, TO NOT BE ABLE TO GO ANYWHERE ELSE AND SPEND MONEY JUST TO PROVE YOU DON'T HAVE IT, I FEEL IT IS NOT FAIR.

>> Reporter: STARTING TOMORROW, PEOPLE WITH HEALTH INSURANCE WILL BE REIN BURSTED FOR EIGHT AT-HOME TESTS A MONTH.

YOU MUST SAVE YOUR RECEIPT AND SUBMIT A CLAIM TO GET REIMBURSED AT A RACE OF $12 PER TEST OR MORE IF IT IS A MULTIPACK.

THE TESTS PUST BE FDA APPROVED AND BOUGHT ON OR AFTER JANUARY 15th TO QUALIFY.

>> THAT IS AWESOME.

THAT WOULD BE MORE HELP FUNNEL.

>> IT IS NICE, YES, IT IS NICE BECAUSE IT IS BECOMING AN EVERY DAY PART OF LIFE HAVING TO GET TESTED ON THIS, SO IT CAN GET PRICY.

>> Reporter: ALL OF THIS DEPENDS ON IF YOU CAN FIND A TEST AT ALL.

STARTING WEDNESDAY, THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION WILL ROLL OUT A WEBSITE WHERE YOU CAN ORDER AT-HOME TESTS DELIVERED TO YOU FOR FREE.

>>> AND AS AMERICANS DEMAND ANSWERS ON AT HOME TESTS AND MASKS, NEW DATA SHOWS THE U.S. IS SEEING MORE THAN TWICE AS MANY NEW COVID-19 CASES AS NEW VACCINATIONS EACH DAY.

REPORTER LOOKING AT FIGHTING BACK AGAINST THE OMICRON CIRC.

>> Reporter: AS IT SURGES ACROSS PARTS OF THE COUNTRY, MANY ARE STRUGGLING TO GET TESTED.

THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION NOW FACING INTENSE SCRUTINY ABOUT THE MAN RESPONSE.

>> OUR HOSPITALS ARE STILL UNDER GREAT PRESSURE RIGHT NOW.

>> Reporter: IN A LETTER TO THE WHITE HOUSE, A GROUP OF SENATE DEMOCRATS ARE ASKING WHY THEY DIDN'T TAKE SIGNIFICANT STEPS EARLY TORE GET ACCESS TO AT- HOME TESTS SAYING THEY HAVE BEEN REACTIVE RATHER THAN PROACTIVE.

SOME ECHO THOSE CONCERNS.

>> I DON'T THINK AT THE OUTSET THEY UNDERSTOOD HOW CAL SY TRANS THE POPULATION OF THIS COUNTRY WOULD BE TO GETTING VACCINATED.

>> Reporter: STARTING SATURDAY, MOST PEOPLE WITH PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE CAN BUY THEM ONLINE OR OVER THE COUNTER AND GET REIMBURSED FOR THE COST.

THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION SAYS THE UNINSURED WILL SOON BE ABLE TO ORDER FREE TEST ONS LINE.

THE U.S. IS AVERAGING MORE THAN 786,000 CASES EACH DAY ACCORDING TO DATA FROM JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY.

>> WHAT FOLKS DON'T REALIZE IS THE AMOUNT OF VIRUS THAT YOU'RE EXPOSED TO IS RELATED TO HOW SICK YOU GET.

>> Reporter: MORE DETAILS FOR HIGH QUALITY MASKS FOR AMERICANS ARE NEXT WEEK.

>> IT PREVENTS OMICRON.

NOW REPORTING MORE THAN TWICE AS MANY NEW CASES DAILY COMPARED TO NEW VACCINATIONS.

KPBS NEWS.

>>> THE CDC IS UPDATING ITS MASKING GUIDANCE ENCOURAGING MORE AMERICANS TO WEAR N95 OR KN95 MASKS.

THEY ARE IN SHORT SUPPLY AND PRIORITIZED FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS.

NOW THE CDC SAYS MORE PEOPLE SHOULD USE THEM.

>>> THERE ARE NEW PRESCRIPTION COVID TREATMENTS AT SAN DIEGO PHARMACIES BUT THEY ARE IN LIMITED SUPPLY.

DEMAND FOR THESE ANTIVIRAL TREATMENTS IS SKY HIGH AS OMICRON SURGES.

>> Reporter: NEWERLY TREATMENTS FOR CORONAVIRUS INFECTIONS ARE OFFICIALLY HERE.

TWO NEW ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS ARE FOR THOSE WHO TEST POSITIVE TO KEEP THEM OUT OF THE HOSPITAL BUT THEY ARE IN SHORT SUPPLY.

>> THE DEMAND IS THROUGH THE ROOF, MAYBE BECAUSE THE WORD IS OUT THAT THIS IS AN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT.

>> Reporter: HE IS AT FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS OF SAN DIEGO.

HE SAYS FEDERAL OFFICIALS ARE RECORD MENDING THE ANTIVIRAL PILL BECAUSE IT HAS 90% FROM HOSPITALIZATIONS.

>> THAT IS THE HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION OF WHAT WE SHOULD BE USING BECAUSE YOU TAKE IT HOME, YOU DON'T NEED AN IV.

>> Reporter: THERE IS ALSO AN ANTIBODY TREATMENT THAT MUST BE ADMINISTERED AS AN IV INFUSION BUT THAT SUPPLY IS VERY LIMITED.

FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS ARE GETTING HUNDREDS OF REQUEST R FOR IT DAILY.

>> WE HAVE 20 SLOTHS AND WHAT WE'RE TASKED TO DO IS ONLY PICK OUT THE HIGHEST RISK PACES THAT WILL BENEFIT MOST FROM IT.

IT IS LIKE BEING GRADED ON A CURVE AND BEING PUT UP AGAINST THE OTHER 14,000 PEOPLE THAT HAVE NEWLY DIAGNOSED COVID AND THOSE IMMUNO SUPRESSED, OVER 65, UNVACCINATED OR WITH UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITIONS GO TO THE TOP OF THAT LIST.

>> THE COUNTY IS HELPING TO GIVE THESE TREATMENTS.

>> WE'RE HEARING FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THAT THE ALLOCATIONS WILL INCREASE FOR THESE SCARS MEDICATIONS.

>> Reporter: SHE IS THE COUNTY'S DEPUTY CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER.

SHE SAID IF YOU TESTED POSITIVE, HAVE MILD TO MODERATE SYMPTOMS AND THINK YOU NEED THE TREATMENT TO CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR QUICKLY SO YOU CAN DETERMINE WHICH ONE MIGHT WORK FOR YOU.

>> THEY SHOULD NOT GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM.

THE EMERGENCY ROOMS ARE VERY BUSY TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE WITH EMERGENT CONDITIONS RIGHT NOW AND THE WHOLE POINT OF THESE MEDICATIONS IS TO HELP PEOPLE AVOID THE HOSPITALS.

>> Reporter: OFFICIALS SAY THEY ARE SEEING VERY FEW BOOSTED RESIDENTS NEEDING THE TREATMENTS IF YOUR HEALTH PROVIDER DOES NOT OFFER THEM, YOU CAN MAKE AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING (619)685-2500.

THE ANTIBODY INFUSIONS TAKE ABOUT 30 MINUTES.

MATT HOFFMAN, KPBS NEWS.

>>> MORE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS AND SUPPORT STAFF ARE LEAVING THEIR JOBS BECAUSE OF COVID AS THEY SEARCH FOR HIGHER PAY AND SAFER WORK CONDITIONS.

THE COUNTY IS NOW OFFERING FREE TUITION TO HELP RELIEF THE PRESCHOOL PROBLEM.

>> Reporter: FOR CHILDREN 3, 4 AND 5 YEARS OLD MAKING A MARSHMALLOW SNOWMAN AND DIGGING UP SAND ON THE PLAYGROUND PROVIDED VENTURES AND LEARNING.

HERE AT THE PRESCHOOL IN SARAH MESA, THERE IS ENROLLMENT OF MORE THAN 50 STUDENT AS YOUNG AS 2 1/2.

>> THEY ARE SO YOUNG AND HAVE SO MUCH ENERGY AND POSITIVITY.

THEY SEE ALL THE GOOD STUFF IN LIFE.

>> Reporter: SHE HAS WORKED AS A NANCY AND COMPLETING HER COLLEGE EDUCATION TOWARDS AN ASSOCIATES DEGREE AND OTHER POSSIBLE CERTIFICATIONS.

HER TUITION, BOOKS AND LAPTOP ARE BEING PAID FOR.

IT IS GREAT INCENTIVE.

THAT IS DEFINITELY WHAT GOT MY ATTENTION BECAUSE PRESCHOOL DOESN'T PAY BIG BUCKS SO HAVING THAT'S AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE MADE IT ICIER TO GO FOR IT.

>> SHE IS A PART-TIME STUDENT WHICH PARTNERED WITH THE OFFICE OF EDUCATION FOR A PILOT PROGRAM FUNDING CLASSES IN INFANT TODDLER DEVELOPMENT AND REQUIREMENTS FOR TEACHING PERMITS.

IT WILL BE OFFERED AT THE COL, TOO, STARTING THIS SPRING.

>> TEACHER SHORTAGES ARE EVERYWHERE AFFECTING STUDENTS ACROSS THE COUNTY BUT THIS PROGRAM IS COMMITTED TO GETK THEM WHILE THEY ARE YOUNG.

STUDENTS ZERO TO FIVE AND THE TEACHERS WHO WILL SUPPORT THEM.

>>> SHE IS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SAN DIEGO QUALMTY PRESCHOOL INITIATIVE WHICH PROVIDES EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING RESOURCES TO FAMILIES IN THE CRITICAL FIRST FIVE YEARS OF THEIR CHILD'S LIFE.

NOW, IT IS TIME TO GIVE THE HELPING HAND TO ESSENTIAL WORKERS ON THESE FROM THE LINES.

>> WE'RE MAKING IT MUCH MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR THEM TO CONSIDER THEIR CAREER PATHWAYS AND TO REALLY CONSIDER THAT EARLY LEARNING AND CARE IS A CAREER.

IT IS NOT A DEFAULT.

AND WE NEED TO GIVE THAT IMPORTANCE.

>> Reporter: PRESCHOOL CHILDREN ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR COVID VACCINATIONS YET SO SHE AND HER STAFF CONTINUE TO DO THEIR BEST TO STOP THE SPREAD OF THE CORONAVIRUS, PROTECT THEIR STUDENTS AND PROVIDE THEM A LITTLE MORE HOPE WHICH THIGH NOW HAVE THEMSELVES.

>>> ONE MONTH INTO THE REPUBLIC SERVICES WORKERS STRIKE, PRESSURE ON THE COMPANY IS MOUNTING.

ALONG WITH THE GARBAGE.

HIS OFFICE IS GIVING THE COMPANY UNTIL MONDAY BEFORE COMPELLING THE TRASH HAULER TO MEET THEIR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT.

IN A STATEMENT, HE CALLED THE SITUATION A PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY THREAT.

HE SAYS THE NEXT STEPS ARE FINDING THE COMPANY AND ASKING THE CITY COUNCIL FOR AUTHORIZATION TO SEEK AN INJUNCTION BECAUSE OF TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT.

SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION ARE FURTHER OPTIONS OF THE FRANCHISE.

>>> THE CHULA VISTA POLICE DEPARTMENT IS USING CHINESE MADE SURVEILLANCE DRONES, THE PENTAGON SAYS MIGHT POSE A NACH TAL SECURITY RISK.

THEY TALKED TO EXPERTS ABOUT WHAT THAT MIGHT MEAN FROM THE CITY FROM THE U.S./MEXICO BORDER.

>> THEY SAID DRONES PRODUCED BY CHINESE MANUFACTURER D.J.

I POSE POTENTIAL THREATS TO NATIONAL SECURITY.

EIGHT OF THE TEN CHULA VISTA POLICE DEPARTMENT DRONES ARE MADE BY D.J.

I ACCORDING TO THE CITY'S WEBSITE.

THAT IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM SAYS ALBERT FOX CON WHO IS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

>> WHEN A PRODUCT IS SO BAD FOR PRIVACY, THAT EVEN THE PENTAGON IS REFUSING TO USE IT, I THINK THAT SHOULD BE RAISING ALARM BELLS.

>> Reporter: THE DRONES ARE CENTRAL TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT'S PUBLIC SAFETY STRATEGY AND IT IS RUN THROUGH THE KNEW REALTIME OPERATIONS CENTER.

THE CHICAGO BASED TECH CONGLOMERATE PROVIDES KEY SOFTWARE FOR THE CENTER.

IN ITS CONTRACT WITH CHULA VISTA MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS DISCLAIMS ANY LIE BUILT FOR D.J.

I'S USE OF THE DATA IT COLLECTS FROM THE DRONES.

THEY REACHED OUT TO THE CHULA VISTA CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR WHO APPROVED THE CONTRACT BUT THEY REFUSED TO COMMENT.

ALSO REFUSING TO COMMENT WERE CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY, BOTH OF WHOM SIGNED THE CONTRACT WITH MOTOROLA.

SAN FRANCISCO LAWYER SPECIALIZES IN CONTRACT CRULL DISPUTES AND WHY THEY WOULD WANT THAT ON LIABILITY.

>> THE MORRIS KY IT IS, THE MORE SENSITIVE IT IS, THE MORE LIKELY THE PARTIES TO THAT AGREEMENT WANT TO GET THE MOST PROTECTION THEY CAN.

>> THEY ARE ONE OF THE LEADING DRONE MANUFACTURERS WITH HALF OF THE GLOBAL MARKET BUT IN RECENT YEARS THEY THEY HAVE BEEN FLAGGED BY SEVERAL AGENCIES.

THE U.S. HOME LOOKED SECURITY DEPARTMENT STATED THAT D.J.

I'S SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IS PROVIDING U.S. CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND MALL ENFORCEMENT DATA TO THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.

CHULA VISTA BEGAN ITS DRONE PROGRAM IN 2018 AND PURCHASED THOSE DRONES AS RECENTLY AS 2020.

>> PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE THE DEPTHS AND THE FACT THEY USE ANY OPPORTUNITY.

>> Reporter: HE IS A RESEARCHER.

HE SAYS THE U.S. IS ENGAGED IN THE BIGGEST ESPIONAGE BATTLE WITH CHINA THEY HAVE EVER HAD.

>> THE WAY THEY HAVE ENGAGED HAS CHANGED LARGELY TO TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL DEVICES.

>> SO HOW COULD THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT GET DATA FROM A DRONE IN CHULA VISTA?

IT STARTS WITH THE FACT THAT D.J.

I CAN ACCESS A DRONE'S SOFTWARE EVEN AFTER IT HAS BEEN SOLD.

LUBE WIS SAYS LIKE YOUR CELL PHONE CARRIER HAS ACCESS TO YOUR DATA, D.J.

I AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT COULD VIEW DRONE FOOTAGE BY TAPPING INTO THE SOFT WHERE WHEN IT IS BEING UPDATED.

THEY SAID THE POLICE DEPARTMENT REQUESTED THE D.J.

I SOFTWARE.

D.J.

I DECLINED AN INTERVIEW REQUEST BUT REFERRED TO A STATEMENT IT MADE LAST YEAR.

THE COMPANY SAID IT HAD DONE NOTHING TO WARRANT THE SUSPICION.

LEWIS SAID THE COMPANY REPRESENTATIVES HAVE TOLD HIM IT DOES NOT TURN OVER DATA TO THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.

>> IT DOESN'T MATTER, BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY NO IN CHINA UNDER CHINESE LAW.

>>> KPBS NEWS.

>>> THE MONTHLY SAN DIEGO GAS AND ELECTRIC BILL MAY COME WITH A BIT OF STICKER SHOT.

THEY RAISED RATS IN JANUARY WITH THE AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC RIGHT UP 7% TO 8%.

GAS HIKES ARE EVEN STEEPER.

THEY ARE PAYING 24.6% MORE THAN A YEAR AGO.

HIGHER NATURAL GAS PRICES HAVE ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO RISING ELECTRIC RATES SINCE THEY USE GAS TO RUN SOME OF THE POWER PLANTS.

>>> MILL KS, BREAD, MEAT, PRODUCE AND OTHER BASIC GOODS WIPED CHENE FROM GROCERY STORE SHELF AS CROSS AMERICA.

SEVERE WEATHER IN THE FORECAST THREATENS TO MAKE THE PROBLEM EVEN WORSE.

>> Reporter: SLEET, ICE, AND HEAVY SNOW, ANOTHER MAJOR WINTER STORM SETTING TO SLAM INTO THE U.S. RAISING ALARMS AND MAY PILE ON MORE SETBACKS FOR GROCER.

IN THE PRODUCE BUSINESS FOR 25 YEARS, HE CAN'T FIND PRODUCE.

IT IS HARD RIGHT NOW.

I'VE NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN.

THIS IS NEW TO US.

>> Reporter: IT IS HIS BUSINESS KEEPING GROCERY STORES AND RESTAURANTS STOCK THE.

>> WE FEEL TERRIBLE BECAUSE WE DON'T KNOW WHAT THE FUTURE IS GOING TO HAPPEN.

>> Reporter: HE IS A SUPPLY CHAIN EXPERT.

WHILE THERE IS ENOUGH FOOD, IT IS NOT ALL GETTING TO STORES.

THE OMICRON VARIANT DELIVERING A DEVASTATING BLOW TO AN ALREADY STRETCHED THIN WORKFORCE.

>> PEOPLE ARE EITHER QUARANTINING OR THEY ARE BASICALLY TESTING POSITIVE FOR THIS.

>> Reporter: AMERICANS ARE CHANGING UP HOW THEY EAT.

>> SOME ARE DECIDING TO EAT MORE AT HOME.

>> Reporter: AND DANGEROUS WEATHER IS CRIP BLING MAJOR TRAVEL ROUTES.

A BACKUP LEFT TRUCKDRIVERS STRANDED FOR ALMOST A WHOLE DAY.

>> I-95 BEING SHUT DOWN FOR 20 HOURS IS PRETTY BAD.

>> Reporter: HE HAS BEEN TRUCKING GOODS FOR A DECADE.

>> I STILL NOT FINISHED MY ROUTE.

>> Reporter: HE SEES THE SHORTAGE OF DRIVERS LIKE HIM AS DIRE.

>> THAT IS ONE THING THAT WAY NEED PEOPLE TO WORK, BUT THEY DON'T WANT TO WORK.

>> Reporter: IT IS NOT JUST GROCERY STORES STRUGGLING.

IT IS THE JUICE BUSINESS WHICH IS BOOMING FOR NOW.

>> IT IS A NEW YEAR, KNEW ME.

>> Reporter: BUT WITH PRODUCE HARDER TO COME BY.

>> THEY ARE NOT BRINGING THE PRODUCTS QUICK ENOUGH.

>> Reporter: HER COSTS ARE GOING UP.

>> I USED TO GET A BOX OF GRAPEFRUIT TO $13 AND NOW, IT IS $25 OR $35 SOMETIMES.

>> Reporter: SOME DISRUPTIONS ARE FROM THE SEVERE WEATHER.

>> BE A LITTLE MORE PATIENT.

>> Reporter: THE FORECAST SHOPPERS WILL SEE RELIEF IN THE SPRING.

>>> WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THAT FORECAST HERE ACROSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA INTO SAN DIEGO.

WE'RE STILL WATCHING THIS UPPER LEVEL LOW THAT IS PARKED OFFSHORE.

IT HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR A LOT OF CLOUDS AROUND AND MORE CLOUDS THAN SUN.

SPOTTY SPRINKLES AND A POSSIBLE SHOWER HERE AS WE ROLL INTO YOUR SATURDAY.

MAY SEE A BREAK ON SUNDAY.

MORE OF THAT ACTIVITY INTO MONDAY.

NOT ONLY ARE WE LOOKING AT THE CLOUDS, BUT BECAUSE OF THAT UPPER LEVEL LOW OFFSHORE, WE HAVE SOME SURF ALERTS FOR YOU.

SURF ADVISORIES, HIGH SURF ADVISORIES ALONG THE COAST.

IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO SURF, THIS MIGHT BE THE TIME FOR SOME WHO ARE.

WELL THAT UPPER LEVEL LOW CONTINUES TO BRING IN UNSETTLED WEATHER OFFSHORE.

OVERNIGHT LOWS IN THE 50s HERE.

Y'ALL BE IN THE 4OS BUT NOTE THE SHOWER CHANCES ALONG THE IMMEDIATE COAST.

MOST OF THE TIME SPRINKLES BUT MAYBE A LIGHT SHOWER, BUT IT WILL KEEP IT MORE ON THE DREARY SIDE.

AS WE LOOK, MORE OF THE SAME HERE OVERNIGHT AND INTO YOUR SATURDAY, A LOT OF CLOUDS AND, OF COURSE WITH THAT COUNTERCLOCKWISE FLOW, A FEW BLIPS OF GREEN AT TIMES STREAMING IN THE SPRINKLES AND SHOWERS POPPING UP, BUT THEN SOME BREAKS IN THE CLOUDS POSSIBLE LATER INTO THE DAY SATURDAY AND THEN MAYBE A BREAK ON SUNDAY BEFORE MORE CLOUDS ROLL IN WITH A POSSIBLE SHOWER ALONG THE COAST AS WE HEAD INTO YOUR MONDAY.

THEN INLAND LOCATIONS, LESS OF A CHANCE OF RAIN, BUT MORE CLOUDS FOR SHAT.

SUNDAY LOOKS A BIT NICER AND INTO THE MIDDLE 70s.

THE MOUNTAINOUS REGIONS, TEMPERATURES INTO THE 40s OVERNIGHT AND 30s.

STRAY SHOWERS POSSIBLE INTO MONDAY.

AGAIN, CONDITIONS TO REMAIN ON THE DRY SIDE INTO THE DESERT.

MID-70S RIGHT INTO YOUR MONDAY.

REPORTING FOR KPBS, I'M METEOROLOGIST.

>> LOAN SERVICING COMPANY NAVIENT WILL DO SO AS PART OF A $1.85 MILLION SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT.

UNFAIR PRACTICES AND PREDATOR LOANS TO STUDENTS WHO WERE UNLIKELY TO BE ABLE TO PAY THEM BACK.

>>> NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS IN RECENT YEARS HAVE BEEN CALLED TO SERVE IN MANY WAYS THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO IN THE PAST.

KPBS MILITARY REPORTER STEVE WALSH SAID THE U.S. HOUSE PASS ADD BILL TO HELP THEM QUALIFY FOR BETTER BENEFITS.

>> Reporter: IT PARTLY CLOUDY 18 MONTHS, THE CALIFORNIA NATIONAL GUARDS HAVE GOT TROOPS TO FIGHT WILDFIRES.

STAFF FOOD BANKS AND STARTING THIS WEEK HELP RUN COVID TEST SITES BUT THEY DON'T ALWAYS QUALIFY FOR THE SAME BENEFITS AS ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS.

A BILL WOULD MAKE IT EASIER FOR THEM TO QUALIFY FOR THE GI BILL WHICH HELPS PAY FOR COLLEGE.

>> THE REALITY IS, WE'RE EXPECTING A LOT MORE THAT THE DATA IS OVERWHELMING TO THAT AFFECT.

WE JUST WANT SOME BASIC FAIRNESS ABOUT THOSE EDUCATIONAL BENEFIT AS CREW.

>> Reporter: DATING BACK TO THE WARS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN, GUARD TROOPS HAVE DONE MANY OF THE SAME RISKS AS THEIR COUNTERPARTS BUT PAY AND OTHER BENEFITS COULD BE VERY DIFFERENT.

>> EVERY DAY THAT YOU'RE ENGAGED IN READINESS TRAINING, EVERY DAY THAT YOU'RE SERVING WOULD COUNT TOWARDS GI BENEFITS.

NOW THEY ONLY HAVE IT WHEN THEY ARE CALLED UP BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR ACTIVE DUTY.

>> THEIR TWO YEARS OF TRAINING HAVEN'T COUNTED AT ALL.

>> Reporter: THE BILL PASSED IN A BIPARTISAN VOTE 287-135.

WITH ALL DEMOCRATS AND 68 REPUBLICANS SIPING ON.

IT NOW MOVES ONTO THE SENATE.

KPBS NEWS.

>>> WITH A FEDERAL MANDATE FOR LARGE BUSINESSES STRUCK DOWN, WHAT IS THE PATH FORWARD FOR COMPANIES IN GETTING THEIR WORKERS TRACKS NATED?

>> THE FRIDAY BUSINESS REPORT.

>> Reporter: THE ADMINISTRATION THROUGH OH SHOO WAS LOOKING TO ESTABLISH A VACCINE MANDATE FOR THE 80 MILLION EMPLOYEES THAT WORK FOR BUSINESSES WITH OVER 100 EMPLOYEES, LARGE EMPLOYERS.

IT HAS LED TO MANY MILLIONS OF EMPLOYEES GETTING VACCINES SO WE MOVED THE DALE WHERE 63% OF AMERICANS ARE NOW VACCINATED AGAINST COVID.

THE SUPREME COURT SAID, NO, THAT OH SHOO HAD OVERSTEPPED ITS BOUNDS, BUT THE BUSINESS GROUPS WERE CONCERNED AFTER TWO YEARS OF PANDEMIC ADDING THAT LAYER IN A CHALLENGING JOB MARKET WAS REALLY GOING TO HURT EMPLOYERS EVEN FURTHER SO IT BECOMES A REAL CHALLENGE.

WITHOUT THE VACCINE MANDATE WHAT WHAT IT DOES IS SLOWS AND HAMPERS THE ADMINISTRATION'S EFFORT TO GET MORE AMERICANS VACCINATED SINCE 37% OF US ARE NOT VACCINATED SO THAT BECOMES A CHALLENGE OF HOW DO YOU DO THAT?

WE CAN KIND OF OVERCOME THIS OMICRON VARIANT AND HOPEFULLY EXIT THE PANDEMIC IN THE NEXT THREE TO FOUR MONTHS.

>>> DESPITE THE COVID SURGE, THE NFL SAYS THE SUPER BOWL WILL GO ON AS PLANNED IN LOS ANGELES.

IT WILL BE HELD IN FEBRUARY ON THE 13th AT SOFI STADIUM, HOME FIELD TO THE L.A. RAMS AND CHARM GERS.

MORE THAN 70,000 FANS ARE EXPECTED.

THEY WILL NEED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF VACCINATION OR A NEGATIVE COVID TEST AND WEAR MASKS UNLESS THEY ARE'SING.

THEY HAVEN'T HOST ADD SUPER BOWL IN 29 YEARS WHEN IT WAS HELD AT THE ROSE BOWL.

>>> THIS WEEKEND YOU CAN CHOOSE BETWEEN THE FILM OR ANOTHER ENTRY IN THE SCREEN FRANCHISE.

KPBS CINEMAION KY KNOWS EXACTLY WHICH FILM SHE REFERS.

>>> ANNA AND JANICE MEET IN THE MATERNITY WARD.

>> [ SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE ] [ SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE ] >> THEIR TANGLED RELATIONSHIP IS ONLY ONE LAYER IN THE RICHLY REWARDING NEW FILM, PARALLEL MOTHERS.

HIS FILMS OFTEN ARE IN WOMEN'S PICTURES, BUT THIS TIME THE PERSONAL TALE OF THE TWO WOMEN PLAYS OUT AGAINST A HISTORICAL BACKDROP THAT ADDS AN UNDER CURRENT OF EMOTIONAL COMMUNE MEAN TERRY.

WHAT LINKS THEM IS A QUESTION OF DNA OF FAMILIAR TIES.

SO FAMILIES CAN FIND CLOSURE ABOUT MISSING RELATIVES.

UNCOVERING THE TRUTH AND DETAILING FAMILY HISTORY ARE AT THE CORE OF THE FILM.

AS USUAL EXPECT WONDERFUL PERFORMANCES AND DELICIOUS TWISTS AND TURNS TO THE PLOT.

>> BUT THERE IS NOTHING DELICIOUS ABOUT THE NEW SCREEN MOVIE AND IT LABELS IT SELL A REQUOTE, A REMAKE AND SEQUEL ALL ROLLED INTO ONE.

>> IT IS HAPPENING.

>> THREE ATTACKS SO FAR.

>> DO YOU HAVE A GUN?

>> OF COURSE I HAVE A GUN.

>> SOMETHING ABOUT THIS ONE JUST FEELS DIFFERENT.

>> NO.

IT FEELS UNREMARKABLY THE SAME.

THIS REQUELL IS JUST A REMAKE WITH A RUNNING COMMENTARY AND NONE OF IT'S VERY CLEVER AND IT IS A SHAME BECAUSE THE FILMMAKERS MADE THE FUN READY OR NOT.

THIS SCREAM IS AS CONFUSED AS A SERIAL KILLER WITH MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES AND DOESN'T KNOW IF IT WANTS TO MAKE FAN SERVICE OR IF IT THINKS IT CAN DO BOTH.

THIS FILM THINKS IT IS BEING BOLD BUT IT IS NOT SO IT HINDS BEHIND THE FACT THE KILLERS THINK THEY ARE BEING BOLD BUT THEY ARE NOT.

GET IT?

IT IS A JOKE.

IT WOULD BREAK ITS RULES AND DEFY THEM TO COME UP WITH SOMETHING ORIGINAL TO EITHER TERRIFY OR ENTERTAIN US.

AS IT STANDS, IT DID NEITHER FOR ME.

>> YOU CAN FIND TONIGHT'S STORIES ON KPBS.ORG.

THANKS SO MUCH FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.

I'M MAYA TRABULSI.

I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT EVENING.