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

Only July 17, Congress voted to rescind federal funding for public broadcasting. The bill is now headed to the President’s desk and will be signed into law very soon.

from KCRW Features

In the conclusion of Kim Masters’ two-part conversation with Barry Diller, the veteran businessman reflects on his time helping build Rupert Murdoch’s Fox empire.

from The Business

As the Paramount-Skydance merger moves along, incoming execs Jeff Shell and David Ellison turn their attention to flagship property “South Park.”

from The Business

The Latest

Donald Trump’s newest beef is with the MAGA movement. Could the honeymoon be ending? Plus, is tourism to the United States in trouble?

Will Trump lose support from his base over handling of Epstein case?

Donald Trump’s newest beef is with the MAGA movement. Could the honeymoon be ending? Plus, is tourism to the United States in trouble?

from Left, Right & Center

Former and current ICE officials and agents told The Atlantic morale is low due, in part, to the relentless pressure from the Trump administration to arrest people.

Acting ICE director says morale among staff is high. True?

Former and current ICE officials and agents told The Atlantic morale is low due, in part, to the relentless pressure from the Trump administration to arrest people.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Former and current ICE officials and agents told The Atlantic morale is low due, in part, to the relentless pressure from the Trump administration to arrest people.

ICE’s deportation campaign leaves many agents morally conflicted

Former and current ICE officials and agents told The Atlantic morale is low due, in part, to the relentless pressure from the Trump administration to arrest people.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

After a judge blocked federal agents from carrying out “indiscriminate” raids and denying detainees access to lawyers, an attorney says compliance is “spotty.”

Meet the lawyer fighting racial profiling in LA immigration raids

After a judge blocked federal agents from carrying out “indiscriminate” raids and denying detainees access to lawyers, an attorney says compliance is “spotty.”

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

LA restaurants rely on immigrants. With ICE raids a constant threat, many are taking precautions to stay within the law, even if the raids are lawless.

Paper signs and I-9s: Restaurants prepare for ICE

LA restaurants rely on immigrants. With ICE raids a constant threat, many are taking precautions to stay within the law, even if the raids are lawless.

from KCRW Features

LA City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, who represents parts of the northeast and Downtown LA, weighs in on recent immigration raids in her district.

Eunisses Hernandez on city’s response to immigration raids, LAPD

LA City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, who represents parts of the northeast and Downtown LA, weighs in on recent immigration raids in her district.

from KCRW Features

Trump’s budget gives ICE $75 billion for recruitment and the construction of new jails. Historically, police expansions are rife with corruption.

With unprecedented funding, is ICE becoming a secret police force?

Trump’s budget gives ICE $75 billion for recruitment and the construction of new jails. Historically, police expansions are rife with corruption.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Senator Alex Padilla says the vast majority of people getting caught up in Trump’s immigration raids and detentions are those without serious criminal convictions.

Sen. Padilla on ICE raids: ‘No end to the cruelty of this administration’

Senator Alex Padilla says the vast majority of people getting caught up in Trump’s immigration raids and detentions are those without serious criminal convictions.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand