Steve Scher

Vancouver Sun political correspondent Vaughn Palmer brings us the latest news from Canada. Film critic Robert Horton reviews the new Daniel Day-Lewis movie “Lincoln” seen through the lens of the nation's post-election political climate. Then, we review the latest economic news with Seattle Times columnist Jon Talton.

The votes have been counted and another election day has come and gone. We recap the major races, reflect on the new reality of our political landscape and hear your reaction to last night's results at 206.543.KUOW (5869) or weekday@kuow.org.

The US presidential election is not the only major leadership contest happening in the world this week. On Thursday, China's Communist Party convenes to pick a successor to President Hu Jintao. Vice President Xi Jinping is expected to succeed him as all but leader of the country's military. University of Washington China scholar David Bachman joins us to discuss the changing Chinese government.

We talk with Merrick Bobb, Seattle's new federally appointed independent police monitor. He began working in the field of police accountability 20 years ago, following the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles. In Seattle, he'll help implement an overhaul of the SPD’s use-of-force procedures and establish guidelines for citizen contacts and stops.

Science fiction is literature that asks “what if?” What if time travel was possible? What if robots took over? What if climate change made Earth uninhabitable? Nancy Pearl joins us with recommendations for science-fiction titles (including  “Angelmaker” by Nick Harkaway) and a conversation about the genre. What sci-fi are you reading? Share your picks with us at 206.543.5869 or weekday@kuow.org.

Are police drones coming to Seattle skies? Protesters raised the alarm about SPD plans for unmanned aerial vehicles at a raucous public meeting last month. Mayor Mike McGinn joins us in our studios to talk about SPD drones, next steps for police reform and the latest news on the city budget. Have a question for the mayor? Call us at 206.543.5869 or write weekday@kuow.org.

We speak with Karen Porterfield, candidate for Congress in Washington's 8th District, and Priya Guha, Britain's top diplomat in the Northwest. Plus, we hear live music from members of the award-winning Roosevelt High School Jazz Band and get a weekend weather forecast from Nick Bond.

The Supreme Court hears arguments this week on Clapper v. Amnesty International, a case that will decide whether or not the federal government can be sued for wiretapping U.S. citizens. The Atlantic's Garrett Epps is following the hearing and shares his findings with us.

Earlier this year, Washington state Governor Chris Gregoire signed a bill allowing marriage rights for same-sex couples. Opponents gathered enough signatures to force a public referendum, and the law was put on hold. Now, it's up to voters to decide. If Referendum 74 is approved, Washington state will be the first in the country to uphold gay marriage at the ballot box. Should same-sex couples have the same rights to marry as straight couples? Author and civic entrepreneur Eric Liu and Preserve Marriage Washington spokesman Chip White join us.

Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer explores how Washington state's election results would effect British Columbia and Canada, Robert Horton talks scary movies, and Michael Parks reviews the latest economic numbers.