KCRW Investigates

KCRW Investigates

7 min

KCRW Investigates is an ongoing series focusing on some of the most vulnerable workers and the industries that employ them. 

All Episodes

RoundUp is the most popular weed killer in the world, and lately the most controversial. Millions of gallons of it are sprayed on playgrounds, farms and backyards all over California.

Immigrant communities across California have been rattled by news of increased raids and detainments by the Trump administration.

Get hurt at work? File for workers comp. That's the fund that takes care of you if you have a job-related injury.

More and more workers are employed in the so-called "gig economy" - as temp workers, part timers or independent contractors.

The nature of work is changing with serious long lasting consequences for both employers and workers.

Imagine losing a limb, going blind or almost dying on the job. And then imagine not being able to hold those responsible accountable.

Seafarers move millions of people and billions of goods around the world every year.

At only nine years old, "Diana" struggled under the weight of heavy food trays at a local pupusería in Pacoima.

More from KCRW

A media frenzy ensued following last week’s special counsel report questioning Biden’s mental faculties. Critics argue the coverage goes too far.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

San Francisco made history when it began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples 20 years ago. KCRW hears from one of the first 10 couples to get married that day.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

State supreme court rulings on gun control and abortion rights rebuke recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The Latest

The ACLU is hosting a forum with 12 candidates running for LA County District Attorney tonight. Much of the attention will be on controversial incumbent George Gascon.

LA DA debate: What to know about contenders vying to unseat Gascon

The ACLU is hosting a forum with 12 candidates running for LA County District Attorney tonight. Much of the attention will be on controversial incumbent George Gascon.

from KCRW Features

Will failing to pass a border security bill backfire on Republicans? Can Joe Biden reconnect with Arab and Muslim communities? Plus, a moving Grammys duet provides a lesson.

Do legislative failures this week signal trouble in the GOP?

Will failing to pass a border security bill backfire on Republicans? Can Joe Biden reconnect with Arab and Muslim communities? Plus, a moving Grammys duet provides a lesson.

from Left, Right & Center

SCOTUS justices seem skeptical of Colorado’s decision to disqualify former President Donald Trump from the primary ballot. Their decision is crucial for the 2024 election.

SCOTUS hears arguments on disqualifying Trump from 2024 election

SCOTUS justices seem skeptical of Colorado’s decision to disqualify former President Donald Trump from the primary ballot. Their decision is crucial for the 2024 election.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Designed to quickly channel water out to sea, the concrete waterway protects lives and property but limits how much rain percolates into groundwater reservoirs.

Much maligned LA River kept flooding catastrophe at bay

Designed to quickly channel water out to sea, the concrete waterway protects lives and property but limits how much rain percolates into groundwater reservoirs.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Join KCRW and NPR as the Supreme Courts hears arguments over the Colorado State Supreme Court's decision to disqualify former President Donald Trump from the state's primary ballot.

NPR Special Coverage: Trump ballot eligibility Supreme Court arguments

Join KCRW and NPR as the Supreme Courts hears arguments over the Colorado State Supreme Court's decision to disqualify former President Donald Trump from the state's primary ballot.

For decades, the promise of higher education was the recipe for success. But many people today are now searching for an alternative to traditional college.

Why Americans lost faith in college education

For decades, the promise of higher education was the recipe for success. But many people today are now searching for an alternative to traditional college.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory plans to lay off 500 employees and dozens of contractors. How will that affect space exploration?

NASA's JPL braces for layoffs, Mars missions at risk amid budget cuts

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory plans to lay off 500 employees and dozens of contractors. How will that affect space exploration?

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Congress is stalling on more funding for Israel, which has been the largest recipient of U.S. aid of any country since its founding in 1948.

What does dwindling US aid mean for Israel’s war in Gaza?

Congress is stalling on more funding for Israel, which has been the largest recipient of U.S. aid of any country since its founding in 1948.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand