Ford Focus power steering heavy to turn, small bubbles in reservoir, and recent dead battery?

02 Ford Focus recently had a dead battery replaced, 2 days later the steering became difficult to turn. Also, noticed small bubbles in the power steering fluid reservoir. Sometimes in the morning squealing is heard while turning. The smooth side of the serpentine belt seems worn, I believe I'm seeing the metal chords in the belt.

I imagine the belt is slipping, causing the squealing, lack of power steering and dead battery, though the AC blows cold.

Is it the belt? Is it the steering rack since the AC still blows? Does anyone have any insight on the issue? What could be causing these issues? I have many concerns because the serpentine is also tied into the water pump.

I recently had this problem on my 88 Cherokee. Some parts the power steering would go away and then come back and there were air bubbles. Now I pretty much just replaced the fluids and it's fine now. But with your belt question, you can examine it just by looking at it. You can first loosen and then tighten it and check then. If I were you, examine your belt first.