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The view from a Shanghai taxi

A veteran NPR correspondent’s drive for the story. A tale of two counties. Forced conservatorship in San Francisco. And some of what we don’t know we don’t know about Kim Jong Un.

Listen to the full show by clicking the play button above, or check out one of the show’s segments below. You can also subscribe to The Record on your favorite podcast app.

Frank Langfitt, The Shanghai Free Taxi

NPR correspondent Frank Langfitt began his career out of college driving taxis in Philly. Years later in Shanghai, he did it again – this time for free. The true cost of the fare was in the conversations. His new book is The Shanghai Free Taxi: Journeys with the Hustlers and Rebels of the New China.

Low level drug prosecutions

King and Snohomish Counties both decided to walk back prosecutions of low-level drug possession charges, opting instead for diversion and treatment. Now King County is doubling down, while Snohomish reconsiders. We called Seattle University law professor Deborah Ahrens to talk about why.

San Francisco conservatorship

San Francisco can now involuntarily treat people who are suffering from a trifecta of homelessness, mental illness, and drug addiction. Does it work? Susan E. Collins directs the Harm Reduction Research and Treatment Center at Harborview.

Anna Fifield, The Great Successor

Washington and Pyongyang continue to be at an impasse. What happens next? Anna Fifield is Beijing bureau chief for the Washington Post, and has investigated the rise and rule of the North Korean leader. Her book is The Great Successor: The Divinely Perfect Destiny of Brilliant Comrade Kim Jong Un.

Why you can trust KUOW