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

LA County has seen record amounts of rain and snow this season, which means waterfalls are flowing. Here are some of the best hikes to see them.

from Greater LA

The Federal Reserve is not working for the people but for wealthy individuals and corporations that can afford to have a say in the rules.

from Scheer Intelligence

Will Donald Trump be indicted over hush money payments to Stormy Daniels? Are liberals and conservatives far apart on climate? Should age matter for presidents?

from Left, Right & Center

The Latest

Two years after police cleared a large homeless camp and the city fenced Echo Park Lake amid massive protests, a new City Council member wants to bring down the chain link barrier.

Fence at Echo Park Lake coming down? Locals have mixed feelings

Two years after police cleared a large homeless camp and the city fenced Echo Park Lake amid massive protests, a new City Council member wants to bring down the chain link barrier.

from Greater LA

Two years after police cleared a large homeless camp and the city fenced Echo Park Lake amid massive protests, a new council member wants to bring down the chain link barrier.

No more fence around Echo Park? Residents have divided opinions

Two years after police cleared a large homeless camp and the city fenced Echo Park Lake amid massive protests, a new council member wants to bring down the chain link barrier.

from Greater LA

TikTok CEO Shou Chew testified before a House Committee looking at the social media platform’s data security and relationship with the Chinese government.

TikTok CEO’s testimony, William Kentridge’s unique animation

TikTok CEO Shou Chew testified before a House Committee looking at the social media platform’s data security and relationship with the Chinese government.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

TikTok CEO Shou Chew testified before a House Committee looking at the social media platform’s data security and relationship with the Chinese government.

Why US tech deserves TikTok-level scrutiny as lawmakers grill CEO

TikTok CEO Shou Chew testified before a House Committee looking at the social media platform’s data security and relationship with the Chinese government.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

SoCal’s drought restrictions are over for now, but this winter’s rainwater won’t last long. LA County captured lots of stormwater, but not enough to provide lasting relief.

LA reuses lots of stormwater, but wants to save more

SoCal’s drought restrictions are over for now, but this winter’s rainwater won’t last long. LA County captured lots of stormwater, but not enough to provide lasting relief.

from Greater LA

SoCal’s drought restrictions are over for now, but this winter’s rainwater won’t last long. LA County captured lots of stormwater, but not enough to provide lasting relief.

Can LA capture enough stormwater to meet residents’ needs?

SoCal’s drought restrictions are over for now, but this winter’s rainwater won’t last long. LA County captured lots of stormwater, but not enough to provide lasting relief.

from Greater LA

The Sklar Brothers talk about Japan topping the U.S. in Tuesday night's World Baseball Classic, and March Madness.

Angels pair Ohtani, Trout shines in epic World Baseball Classic final

The Sklar Brothers talk about Japan topping the U.S. in Tuesday night's World Baseball Classic, and March Madness.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates, while juggling dueling issues of banking turmoil and ongoing inflation. What does this say about the health of the U.S. economy?

Interest rate hike signals Fed’s confidence in jittery US banks

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates, while juggling dueling issues of banking turmoil and ongoing inflation. What does this say about the health of the U.S. economy?

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand