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

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

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.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The Latest

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

Is the media’s coverage adding to the difficulties of Donald Trump’s criminal case? Where does protest cross the line into hate speech?

Trump tries to maintain party peace as trial begins

Is the media’s coverage adding to the difficulties of Donald Trump’s criminal case? Where does protest cross the line into hate speech?

from Left, Right & Center

The World Health Organization is warning of the dangers of bird flu, should it jump from animals to humans. Last month, a second person in the U.S. contracted the disease.

WHO warns of bird flu outbreak in mammals, CDC downplays it

The World Health Organization is warning of the dangers of bird flu, should it jump from animals to humans. Last month, a second person in the U.S. contracted the disease.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Charoset is a melange of dried and/or fresh fruits plus nuts — all chopped or ground to a paste. It’s typically prepared for seders or Passover ritual dinners.

For Passover dinner, consider charoset from 3 different traditions

Charoset is a melange of dried and/or fresh fruits plus nuts — all chopped or ground to a paste. It’s typically prepared for seders or Passover ritual dinners.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Two Boeing whistleblowers testified about their safety concerns in a Congressional hearing this week. KCRW looks at how the company became mired in scandal.

How Boeing's business decisions tarnished its reputation for safety

Two Boeing whistleblowers testified about their safety concerns in a Congressional hearing this week. KCRW looks at how the company became mired in scandal.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand