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 measure to create harsher penalties for some drug and theft crimes has qualified for the November ballot. It comes as California lawmakers debate rising crime.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Great white sharks call Southern California shores their home. Carlos Gauna, a photographer and drone pilot, documents the hot spots and shares safety tips.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Apple is the latest tech company to unveil AI tools for its most popular products. Will this be truly helpful, or is it another ploy to sell more iPhones?

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The Latest

The panel was concerned about the strength of the evidence, allegations of participant abuse, and ill-defined therapeutic protocols. It’s a step backwards for the psychedelic movement.

MDMA therapy for PTSD treatment? FDA panel says no

The panel was concerned about the strength of the evidence, allegations of participant abuse, and ill-defined therapeutic protocols. It’s a step backwards for the psychedelic movement.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Apple is the latest tech company to unveil AI tools for its most popular products. Will this be truly helpful, or is it another ploy to sell more iPhones?

Can Apple deliver on an AI promise to change our lives?

Apple is the latest tech company to unveil AI tools for its most popular products. Will this be truly helpful, or is it another ploy to sell more iPhones?

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Last year’s Hollywood strikes did not result in more reality TV production, as expected. Rather, the green lit unscripted shows are shifting to franchises and sports.

TV not spared from Hollywood production downturn

Last year’s Hollywood strikes did not result in more reality TV production, as expected. Rather, the green lit unscripted shows are shifting to franchises and sports.

from KCRW Features

The U.S.

Terrorism and military coups spread through West Africa

The U.S.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for snap elections after far-right victories over the weekend. What's behind his risky strategy?

France’s far-right stuns with victories in European elections

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for snap elections after far-right victories over the weekend. What's behind his risky strategy?

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Mdocu Moctar’s “Funeral for Justice” is a blend of desert blues and sociopolitical commentary about his West African home country of Niger.

Mdou Moctar’s new album targets scars of French colonialism

Mdocu Moctar’s “Funeral for Justice” is a blend of desert blues and sociopolitical commentary about his West African home country of Niger.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

An Orange County judge temporarily halted University of California academic workers’ strike.

OC judge halts UC academic workers strike

An Orange County judge temporarily halted University of California academic workers’ strike.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The voice of OC has spent over a decade delivering news in Orange County – even as half of the U.S. faces a rise in “news deserts .”

Orange County’s only nonprofit newsroom celebrates 15 years

The voice of OC has spent over a decade delivering news in Orange County – even as half of the U.S. faces a rise in “news deserts .”

from KCRW Features