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

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from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

President Biden races to cement his stamp on the federal judiciary, while President-elect Trump may remain dogged by his hush-money convictions.

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The Latest

President Biden races to cement his stamp on the federal judiciary, while President-elect Trump may remain dogged by his hush-money convictions.

Biden’s judicial legacy, Trump’s lingering legal headaches

President Biden races to cement his stamp on the federal judiciary, while President-elect Trump may remain dogged by his hush-money convictions.

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What can we expect if RFK Jr. becomes health secretary? Will Trump take action on Dreamers? Plus, KCRW analyzes how progressives influenced the Democratic mandate.

Why are public health experts wary of RFK Jr. as HHS head?

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The assassination of Brian Thompson, the former CEO of UnitedHealthcare insurance company, has prompted a national reckoning of how corporate entities commit crimes on a daily basis…

UnitedHealthcare CEO assassination exposes divergence of America's justice system

The assassination of Brian Thompson, the former CEO of UnitedHealthcare insurance company, has prompted a national reckoning of how corporate entities commit crimes on a daily basis…

from Scheer Intelligence

The diversity of UCLA’s student body is growing after the U.S. Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling.

UCLA enrolls record number of students of color, other colleges fall short

The diversity of UCLA’s student body is growing after the U.S. Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling.

from KCRW Features

On X, Elon Musk tried to kill a short-term budget agreement between Democrats and Republicans. Congress has until midnight Friday to strike a deal to avert a shutdown.

Potential government shutdown, bar cookies, ‘What Water Wants’

On X, Elon Musk tried to kill a short-term budget agreement between Democrats and Republicans. Congress has until midnight Friday to strike a deal to avert a shutdown.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

On X, Elon Musk tried to kill a short-term budget agreement between Democrats and Republicans. Congress has until midnight Friday to strike a deal to avert a shutdown.

Government shutdown looms after Musk, Trump scuttle budget deal

On X, Elon Musk tried to kill a short-term budget agreement between Democrats and Republicans. Congress has until midnight Friday to strike a deal to avert a shutdown.

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California Sen. Adam Schiff officially took office this month.

Sen. Schiff, alternative media, ‘Didion and Babitz’

California Sen. Adam Schiff officially took office this month.

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Once “alternative” media figures like Joe Rogan, Steve Bannon, and Charlie Kirk are winning bigger audiences than legacy media and becoming the new mainstream.

The new mainstream media: Internet personalities

Once “alternative” media figures like Joe Rogan, Steve Bannon, and Charlie Kirk are winning bigger audiences than legacy media and becoming the new mainstream.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand