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

Tanya Reyes is an LAUSD teacher who's earning more money than her family did when she was growing up. But still finds herself struggling financially.

from KCRW Features

Private developers are using LA’s affordable housing policy to build no-frills micro-units for LA workers earning about $75,000 a year.

from KCRW Features

Dan Hong considers the role food has played in diplomacy and politics.

from Good Food

The Latest

HBO will revive the hit Zendaya drama in 2025, but will the audience also return after such a long hiatus?

Peacock goes for Olympic gold + HBO’s dramatic return of ‘Euphoria’

HBO will revive the hit Zendaya drama in 2025, but will the audience also return after such a long hiatus?

from The Business

Joe Biden is out, Kamala Harris is in. What is next for Harris as she contends for the White House? Plus, how might age verification laws change online privacy?

Will the excitement about Kamala Harris be enough against Trump?

Joe Biden is out, Kamala Harris is in. What is next for Harris as she contends for the White House? Plus, how might age verification laws change online privacy?

from Left, Right & Center

Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress proved to be a testimony of the U.S. government and its politicians’ stance on the genocide in Gaza.

Netanyahu’s speech betrays historic Jewish values

Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress proved to be a testimony of the U.S. government and its politicians’ stance on the genocide in Gaza.

from Scheer Intelligence

Want to grab food in Santa Ana before heading to KCRW’s Summer Nights at the Bowers Museum on Aug. 10? Consider Chapter One, Alebrijes, Heritage BBQ, and more.

Dining in Santa Ana? Here are picks from Gustavo Arellano, Delilah Snell

Want to grab food in Santa Ana before heading to KCRW’s Summer Nights at the Bowers Museum on Aug. 10? Consider Chapter One, Alebrijes, Heritage BBQ, and more.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The governor announced new efforts to clear encampments on state land, and issued guidelines to California cities to do the same. Critics say the policy is unlikely to fix the problem.

Newsom orders new homeless sweeps across California

The governor announced new efforts to clear encampments on state land, and issued guidelines to California cities to do the same. Critics say the policy is unlikely to fix the problem.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Vice President Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, is searching for her running mate. At the top of the list: Josh Shapiro, Mark Kelly, and Andy Beshear.

Who’s in the running to be Kamala Harris’ VP?

Vice President Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, is searching for her running mate. At the top of the list: Josh Shapiro, Mark Kelly, and Andy Beshear.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Vice President Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, is searching for her running mate. At the top of the list: Josh Shapiro, Mark Kelly, and Andy Beshear.

The VP is looking for a VP. Who might Harris pick?

Vice President Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, is searching for her running mate. At the top of the list: Josh Shapiro, Mark Kelly, and Andy Beshear.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Kamala Harris is framing her presidential race against Donald Trump as prosecutor versus felon. What kind of a prosecutor was she in California?

How could Harris’ prosecutorial background play out in Nov. election?

Kamala Harris is framing her presidential race against Donald Trump as prosecutor versus felon. What kind of a prosecutor was she in California?

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand