Steve Scher

Shopping malls have come to Russia. Investors as diverse as IKEA and Wall Street banks are funneling money into new Russian shopping centers. They are big, and very popular. Russian malls are anchored by grocery stores, where aisles full of fresh food dazzle older shoppers who still carry memories of shortages and food lines. We talk with The New York Times' Moscow correspondent Andrew Kramer about the malls of Russia.

Victoria Times-Colonist columnist Les Leyne brings us the latest news from Canada. Film critic Robert Horton shares some of the movie offerings at Seattle's newly reopened Museum of History and Industry. Then, Michael Parks looks at Amazon's big 2012, Microsoft's make-or-break 2013 and what Boeing's backlog means for the region's employment.

The House voted 257-167 late last night to pass the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. The bill now goes to the President, but sets up another confrontation over taxes and spending in just weeks. We check in with Jill Jackson of CBS News and hear from Representative Jim McDermott about why he voted against the deal.

The end of the year brings the opportunity for reflection and a chance to look back as we prepare for the year ahead. In that spirit, we listen back to the "Year in Weekday" — some of the stories, big and small, that had our attention in 2012.

The end of the year brings the opportunity for reflection and a chance to look back as we prepare for the year ahead. In that spirit, we listen back to the "Year in Weekday" — some of the stories, big and small, that had our attention in 2012.

It’s Friday — time to review the week’s news with Eli Sanders, Knute Berger and David Horsey. Talks on taxes and spending are getting down to the wire in Washington, DC, and even Starbucks is urging cooperation to avert the so-called fiscal cliff. Will there be a deal before the December 31 deadline?

We'll also take a look back at the region's big stories of 2012, from history-making decisions on marijuana and marriage equality, to Seattle's steps toward police reform and a deal for a third pro sports stadium. What stories caught your attention? Call us at 206.543.5869 or write to weekday@kuow.org.

What is the song that sings 2012 for you? Is it a timeless favorite or a new track that captures your mood? Adele, Rihanna, Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber topped the pop charts. Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” was inescapable for a minute there.

Who topped the charts in your life? We want to hear about the one song that best sums up your experiences in 2012. Share your songs and music-related stories with us at 800.289.5869 or weekday@kuow.org. 

We'll also get our regular weekend weather forecast from Nick Bond.

The Stranger publishes a regrets issue at the end of every year. It's a list of the mistakes, missed opportunities and blunders made throughout the year. What regrets do you have for 2012? What do you wish you had (or had not) done? We want to hear your stories. David Schmader, associate editor at The Stranger, joins us to share his regrets.  

Vaughn Palmer joins us to take a look back at the big stories in Canada. From the pipeline proposals to the appointment of a Canadian to be head of the Bank of England to the hockey strike, we will look back on Canada's year.

What was the best movie of 2012? The year saw the return of Batman, Bilbo and Bond, but box office blowout doesn't mean it's the best movie. Where would you rank "Moonrise Kingdom, "Lincoln" or "Beasts of the Southern Wild?" Let's look back on Celluloid 2012 with film critic Robert Horton.