Hey Maureen News Today

Los Angeles has discovered its first case of the new omicron COVID-19 variant in a fully-vaccinated person who recently traveled to South Africa. Health officials say the person is recovering and quarantining at home. Plus, KQED investigates the state’s failure to enforce regulations meant to protect farm workers and others exposed to wildfire smoke. Then, this weekend in the arts features an ephemeral art exhibition, Latinx poetry, a return to the stage for Voices of our City Choir and outdoo...

Thousands of unionized Kaiser nurses and other health care workers are preparing to go on strike. Plus, after 19 months of a non-essential travel ban, the U.S.-Mexico border will finally reopen Monday, but the reopening will come with expected long waits and bureaucratic hassles. And, this weekend arts preview goes from a puppetry elephant heist, to hip hop sugar plum fairies, and some interesting places in between.

The work stoppage will affect 366 Kaiser Permanente facilities in Southern California.