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Investigating money, power and society.

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They can also save money by using AI software to do what Kern says would otherwise require it to hire 40 full-time workers.

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An estimated 52% of residents there rely on the safety net program for health coverage, among the highest enrollment rates in the state.

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Kern Family and other similar health plans have an interest in keeping people enrolled, since they’re paid through managed care contracts with Medi-Cal.

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“Angelica” is the name assigned to a conversational AI program deployed last year by Kern Family Health Care, the largest provider of Medi-Cal services in Kern County.

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Vanessa Barahona received a call this past spring from Angelica at Kern Family Health Care in Bakersfield, California, telling her it was time to renew her coverage under Medi-Cal, the state’s version of Medicaid. https://t.co/A0Y9ZQoI5f

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Struggling with addiction, Felicity and her toddler have been living at Via Avanta, a residential rehabilitation program for women in Los Angeles that encourages mothers to bring their children with them to treatment. https://t.co/TUCEfUnAOn

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Most of the half-dozen people in attendance at the trustees meeting in early January were skeptical when Kang introduced the recently released young women.

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Pastor Kevin Kang had only been at Tujunga United Methodist Church for a couple of years when, in December of last year, he was asked if he could house formerly detained refugees on church grounds. https://t.co/DVNj4uL0Sf

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In 2024, only three Iranians were arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the seven counties policed by ICE’s Los Angeles field office. In 2025, that number jumped to 154.

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A California healthcare plan is using an AI program to help people set up appointments and nudge them to finish their paperwork. It’s part of an effort to keep people enrolled in Medicaid. Story by Capital & Main and @KFFHealthNews. https://t.co/A0Y9ZQoI5f

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Does your elected official have a side hustle? Here’s how to find out. #ethics #politicians #fracking #oil #gas #pennsylvania #governor #news

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Pastor Kevin Kang had only been at Tujunga United Methodist Church for a couple of years when, in December of last year, he was asked if he could house formerly detained refugees on church grounds. https://t.co/DVNj4uL0Sf

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As city officials grapple with where to place shelters, they face the threat of opposition in nearly every direction — except for industrial and manufacturing zones, which by definition do not usually allow housing or lighter commercial uses such as shopping centers.

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When the city of Buena Park held a town hall about a new shelter for unhoused people, discussions quickly became heated. https://t.co/HCiuYGj2c4

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The city was not alone in its decision. A review of government records shows that polluted, industrial areas are becoming go-to places for Southern California cities to locate shelters for unhoused people.