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

Construction has begun in Agoura Hills on the world’s largest wildlife road crossing. How do you get animals to cross over the busy 101 freeway?

from KCRW Features

LACMA has signed on as a partner in the development of Las Vegas’ only standalone art museum. Pieces from LACMA will be on rotating loan in Vegas once the museum is complete.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Protests over the war in Gaza have engulfed college campuses across the country. Faith leaders offer guidance in these contentious times.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The Latest

Tesla sales are slumping. Its trucks have been recalled to fix a safety issue. And Elon Musk seems to be alienating potential buyers with his remarks on social media.

Cybertruck recall, dip in sales, layoffs: Can Tesla recover?

Tesla sales are slumping. Its trucks have been recalled to fix a safety issue. And Elon Musk seems to be alienating potential buyers with his remarks on social media.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

A Ninth Circuit case has limited how LA responds to homelessness. If the Supreme Court tosses out that decision, the city could ban camping in more places.

SCOTUS homelessness ruling could shift LA policy

A Ninth Circuit case has limited how LA responds to homelessness. If the Supreme Court tosses out that decision, the city could ban camping in more places.

from KCRW Features

Erick Elliott ’s (a.k.a. Erick the Architect) first solo album, “I’ve Never Been Here Before,” features big-name collaborators like James Blake and George Clinton.

LA brings a different energy to Erick the Architect’s music

Erick Elliott ’s (a.k.a. Erick the Architect) first solo album, “I’ve Never Been Here Before,” features big-name collaborators like James Blake and George Clinton.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

In Las Vegas today, construction began on a train that would get travelers from Rancho Cucamonga in San Bernardino County to the Las Vegas strip in about two hours.

Rancho Cucamonga to Vegas: Will high-speed rail be done in 4 years?

In Las Vegas today, construction began on a train that would get travelers from Rancho Cucamonga in San Bernardino County to the Las Vegas strip in about two hours.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Private companies are buying farmland in rural Arizona. The goal isn’t to farm crops but to access water from the Colorado River.

Who are the private companies selling Arizona water rights?

Private companies are buying farmland in rural Arizona. The goal isn’t to farm crops but to access water from the Colorado River.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The Supreme Court appeared divided after oral arguments over a Grants Pass, an Oregon law that bans camping in public areas.

Oregon homelessness law seems to divide Supreme Court

The Supreme Court appeared divided after oral arguments over a Grants Pass, an Oregon law that bans camping in public areas.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

California has filed a lawsuit against Huntington Beach over its recently passed voter ID law.

Voter ID law sparks legal battle in OC

California has filed a lawsuit against Huntington Beach over its recently passed voter ID law.

from KCRW Features

A look at Jeff Skoll’s decision to close Participant Media after 20 years and why Congress is going after Disney-Fox-Warner’s joint sports streamer.

Participant Media shuts down after two decades; Congressmembers probe development of ‘Spulu’

A look at Jeff Skoll’s decision to close Participant Media after 20 years and why Congress is going after Disney-Fox-Warner’s joint sports streamer.

from The Business