Steve Scher

Following one of the worst school shootings in the country's history, what's already being done and what can be done to keep guns and violence out of classrooms? We talk with Mike Donlin of Washington state's School Safety Center. Then, we hear from former Seattle City Councilmember Tina Podlodowski about how Washington state could lead on gun control at the ballot box.

The country's latest episode of mass casualty gun violence has shaken Newtown, Connecticut, where 26 people, including 20 children, were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Friday. Speaking from the White House, an at-times emotional President Obama said "we have been through this too many times." We talk with Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn about schools, safety and guns. We'll also talk about other city business, including the proposed South Lake Union rezone and last week's hearing on coal trains along the Seattle waterfront. Share your thoughts at 206.543.5869 or write to weekday@kuow.org.

It’s Friday — time to talk over the week’s news with Joni Balter, Eli Sanders and Knute Berger. Another week, another candidate for Seattle mayor as state Senator Ed Murray says he's in. Washington state ushered in history-making laws on gay marriage and marijuana. And in Washington, DC, Congress remained perched on the fiscal cliff. What stories caught your attention this week? Call us at 206.543.5869 or write to weekday@kuow.org.

Parents tell their children a lot of things, but how much of it is actually true? Jeopardy! champ and author Ken Jennings peels back the curtain on parental warnings and advice in his new book, "Because I Said So! The Truth Behind the Myths, Tales and Warnings Every Generation Passes Down to its Kids." Join us, and wait at least 30 minutes after listening before going swimming.

Starting today, you can light up in the privacy of your home. State law has changed regarding marijuana possession, but the business rules will have to be developed. The state Liquor Control Board has a year to figure out how to set up Washington’s marijuana market. The federal government’s tax laws will put a crimp on any Washington state entrepreneur until Congress makes a change. We talk to the Aaron Smith of the National Cannabis Industry Association about the path ahead.

Washington state began handing out same-sex marriage licenses last night; the weddings will start on Sunday. We talk with some of the couples who showed up in downtown Seattle at midnight to be among the first to get a marriage license.

Vancouver Sun political correspondent Vaughn Palmer brings us the latest news from Canada, film critic Robert Horton looks at actors and directors who did well for themselves in 2012, and Geekwire’s Todd Bishop reviews the latest in tech, including a new Seattle men's store that wants to use technology to change the way you shop.

The holidays are approaching and toys are back in the spotlight. What are the best new toys of the year? Allen Rickert of Top Ten Toys and Katherine Johnson of the Pacific Science Center store join us in our studio, bringing toys of all kinds with them.

We’ll also hear what's on the wish list of a classroom at Garden International Preschool. Bring your inner child and join us at  206.543.5869 or weekday@kuow.org.

It's beginning to look like that time of year: frantic gift shopping, wrapping paper paper cuts and collecting wish lists. Are you finding yourself stumped by the expansive toy market? Have no fear, we're here to help! Allen Rickert of Top Ten Toys and Katherine Johnson of the Pacific Science Center stopped by Weekday to share their top toy picks for 2012.

Allen Rickert's Top Toy Picks for 2012:

Marty Wingate, Greg Rabourn and Willi Galloway join us to answer your flower, vegetable and native plant questions. Things are getting wetter and colder. Our gardening panel takes a winter break after today, so this is your last chance until spring to have your questions answered. Call us at 206.543.5869 or email weekday@kuow.org.