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

A new LA City controller audit has found that less than $600 million was spent to fight homelessness in the last fiscal year.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

President-elect Donald Trump says he’ll declare a national emergency on immigration and use the military to carry out mass deportations.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Having eaten his way around China, Michael Zee recreates breakfast favorites at home.

from Good Food

The Latest

For nearly a decade, President-elect Trump has praised a 1954 program known as “Operation Wetback.” Now he’s proposing using the U.S. military to carry out larger mass deportations.

‘Operation Wetback’ inspires Trump’s plan for mass deportations

For nearly a decade, President-elect Trump has praised a 1954 program known as “Operation Wetback.” Now he’s proposing using the U.S. military to carry out larger mass deportations.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

For nearly a decade, President-elect Trump has praised a 1954 program known as “Operation Wetback.” Now he’s proposing using the U.S. military to carry out larger mass deportations.

Mass deportations, LA’s homelessness spendings, Hannah Gadsby

For nearly a decade, President-elect Trump has praised a 1954 program known as “Operation Wetback.” Now he’s proposing using the U.S. military to carry out larger mass deportations.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Ukraine fired its first U.S.-supplied long-range missiles at Russia, which has threatened a potential nuclear response. The dynamics of the war will likely change under Trump.

What’s Ukraine’s endgame under second Trump presidency?

Ukraine fired its first U.S.-supplied long-range missiles at Russia, which has threatened a potential nuclear response. The dynamics of the war will likely change under Trump.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Spatulas and other utensils made from black plastic are potentially toxic to human health, even more so than regular plastic items, researchers say.

Black plastic is particularly bad for you — throw out those spatulas

Spatulas and other utensils made from black plastic are potentially toxic to human health, even more so than regular plastic items, researchers say.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Ukraine fired the first U.S.-supplied long-range missiles at Russia, which has threatened a potential nuclear response. The dynamics of the war will likely change under Trump.

Under Trump, what could the war in Ukraine and mass deportations look like?

Ukraine fired the first U.S.-supplied long-range missiles at Russia, which has threatened a potential nuclear response. The dynamics of the war will likely change under Trump.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Post-election claims of voter fraud, amplified by Republican leaders, continues on the right. Some on the left are also making claims online.

The left is now spreading conspiracy theories about 2024 election

Post-election claims of voter fraud, amplified by Republican leaders, continues on the right. Some on the left are also making claims online.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

President-elect Trump has suggested bypassing the Senate’s constitutional role providing “Advice and Consent” — to quickly install his Cabinet secretaries.

Trump floats ‘recess appointments’ to install Cabinet secretaries

President-elect Trump has suggested bypassing the Senate’s constitutional role providing “Advice and Consent” — to quickly install his Cabinet secretaries.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The number 47 is sacrosanct for Pomona alumni, who revere it as part of campus tradition. But what are the political implications of wearing 47 during Trump’s second presidency?

Pomona College’s sacred ‘47’ brings new meaning amid Trump victory

The number 47 is sacrosanct for Pomona alumni, who revere it as part of campus tradition. But what are the political implications of wearing 47 during Trump’s second presidency?

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand