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 few swing states have decided recent elections. Third-party or independent candidates could impact Biden and Trump’s path to victory.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

KCRW looks at the latest developments in Trump’s multiple legal challenges, including the fate of the Georgia trial where he’s been accused of election interference.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The CA governor has made the mental health and housing bill his signature piece of legislation in 2024.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The Latest

The world of 1970s Laurel Canyon is on full display in Ginny Winn’s book, “Grievous Angels, Trout Masks, and American Beauties: 1970s Rock & Roll Photography of Ginny Winn.”

What it was like photographing the 1970s LA rock and roll scene

The world of 1970s Laurel Canyon is on full display in Ginny Winn’s book, “Grievous Angels, Trout Masks, and American Beauties: 1970s Rock & Roll Photography of Ginny Winn.”

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

How should the media cover a Biden/Trump rematch? What mistakes did we see in coverage of the special counsel testimony? Should perception influence policy?

Can the media get election coverage right this time around?

How should the media cover a Biden/Trump rematch? What mistakes did we see in coverage of the special counsel testimony? Should perception influence policy?

from Left, Right & Center

A classic fruit pie is vegan except for that buttery crust, which is the easiest part of the pastry to tweak. Several great plant butters are available.

Pies often rely on butter. Why not choose a plant-based one?

A classic fruit pie is vegan except for that buttery crust, which is the easiest part of the pastry to tweak. Several great plant butters are available.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

If you’re driving a new car, data like how fast you accelerate and how hard you brake might be influencing your insurance premiums. How can you find out if it is?

Your car may be sharing your driving data with insurance companies

If you’re driving a new car, data like how fast you accelerate and how hard you brake might be influencing your insurance premiums. How can you find out if it is?

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Some members of Congress view TikTok as a national security threat since it collects data on U.S. users, and the Chinese government could control the software.

Many Americans are hooked on TikTok. What happens if it’s banned?

Some members of Congress view TikTok as a national security threat since it collects data on U.S. users, and the Chinese government could control the software.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

A committee wants to invest in the happiness of Californias with data-proven ideas. But a multi-billion dollar state budget deficit looms over their efforts.

Prioritizing happiness in state laws is focus of new committee

A committee wants to invest in the happiness of Californias with data-proven ideas. But a multi-billion dollar state budget deficit looms over their efforts.

from KCRW Features

Gemini, ChatGPT, and Grok — more Americans are concerned than excited about artificial intelligence. But how can these products make our lives easier and better?

AI is scary but here to stay. How to use it in our daily lives?

Gemini, ChatGPT, and Grok — more Americans are concerned than excited about artificial intelligence. But how can these products make our lives easier and better?

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

An Atlanta judge has dismissed six charges against former president Trump and his co-defendants, but left most of the racketeering case intact. Will it delay his prosecution?

Will dismissed charges in GA affect Trump’s interference case?

An Atlanta judge has dismissed six charges against former president Trump and his co-defendants, but left most of the racketeering case intact. Will it delay his prosecution?

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand