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

Massive rain storms across the nation are causing devastating floods and community damage, including in California’s deserts, the American South, and South Korea.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

People are illegally mining the Amazon rainforest for gold and tin ore. Some of those elements are going to Google and Apple. The mines are threatening Indigenous communities.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

LAUSD begins its new term on August 15.

from Greater LA

The Latest

Microforests can be as small as 10 by 10 feet, but they go a long way in enhancing biodiversity, reducing carbon in the atmosphere, and infusing soil with nutrients.

How microforests can make the air cleaner and LA greener

Microforests can be as small as 10 by 10 feet, but they go a long way in enhancing biodiversity, reducing carbon in the atmosphere, and infusing soil with nutrients.

from Greater LA

A new form of physical therapy for long COVID patients involves singing lullabies, pop songs, and spirituals, while using opera techniques to rebuild their breath capacity and vocal…

Opera to treat long COVID: Mindfulness, breath exercises help heal trauma

A new form of physical therapy for long COVID patients involves singing lullabies, pop songs, and spirituals, while using opera techniques to rebuild their breath capacity and vocal…

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The new LAUSD term begins on August 15 — with eased COVID rules. Wearing masks is now optional, and weekly universal testing will no longer happen.

LAUSD enters year 3 of COVID. Masks are optional, mental health struggles remain

The new LAUSD term begins on August 15 — with eased COVID rules. Wearing masks is now optional, and weekly universal testing will no longer happen.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Disney+ raises subscribers to 152 million, beating expectations, but they will charge $3 more per month for ad-free content.

Disney+ gains subscribers, consumers will pay for ad-free content

Disney+ raises subscribers to 152 million, beating expectations, but they will charge $3 more per month for ad-free content.

from Hollywood Breakdown

Panelists discuss the FBI search of Trump’s home, how Democrats secured Sen. Manchin’s vote for the Inflation Reduction Act, and whether that legislation will relieve economic pains.

Did Trump win 2024 GOP nomination after probes from FBI, NY AG?

Panelists discuss the FBI search of Trump’s home, how Democrats secured Sen. Manchin’s vote for the Inflation Reduction Act, and whether that legislation will relieve economic pains.

from Left, Right & Center

Guelaguetza means offering or gift in Zapotec, an indigenous language of Mexico. It’s also the name of the biggest celebration for Oaxacans in LA, which is set for August 14.

Guelaguetza: Gift of Oaxacan culture gets a grand party in LA

Guelaguetza means offering or gift in Zapotec, an indigenous language of Mexico. It’s also the name of the biggest celebration for Oaxacans in LA, which is set for August 14.

from Greater LA

NY Attorney General Letitia James is leading a probe into Trump’s business practices.

Untangling the many lawsuits and investigations Trump is facing

NY Attorney General Letitia James is leading a probe into Trump’s business practices.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

People are illegally mining the Amazon rainforest for gold and tin ore. Some of those elements are going to Google and Apple. The mines are threatening Indigenous communities.

Illegal mining in Brazil: Danger for locals, resources for tech companies

People are illegally mining the Amazon rainforest for gold and tin ore. Some of those elements are going to Google and Apple. The mines are threatening Indigenous communities.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand