Unusual ships on the river today, and possibly the return of a familiar ship to Astoria.

And a bit of good news about the American Empress, the paddlewheel cruise ship that used to be at Astoria's 17th St. dock until her company folded. Another company has bought her and she may be back.

Car manufacturing: a global phenomenon

Answering a listener question about a car carrier with Toyotas headed for the Port of Portland. Today we'll talk about the many countries in which familiar autos brands are manufactured, including vehicles from American companies.

These days our cars, and the parts that comprise them, are made around the world. It's part of our global economy.

Cargo on the Columbia

Today we'll take a look at our ships on the river from a slightly different perspective: a closer look at what's on board and what it's used for.

The daily rhythm of life on the river goes on

Today, it's another beautiful day on the river, and we have another opportunity to see the rhythm of daily life passing by: our 90 percent of everything on ships, a wonderful part of life on our river.

It's something we love, and that hasn't changed - despite tragic national events.

Offshore weather brings wind and rain

A pretty big storm is missing us here on land, while creating difficult conditions for ships at sea.

Baltimore's bridge disaster

The horrific scene in Baltimore harbor strikes fear into communities like ours, where we have a big river and big bridges with ships passing under them.

Today we'll talk about what's known so far about the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore harbor after it was hit by a huge containership.

We'll also talk about whether that could happen here on the Columbia.

Waves and storms

Farewell, Fisher Poet Clem Starck

Today we honor Oregon poet Clemens Starck, an award winning poet and author who was a regular performer at the annual Fisher Poet's Gathering in Astoria.

Clem passed away last week at the age of 86, but his evocative work lives on. Today we'll hear him reading of a poem he wrote from his days as a merchant mariner, and learn a little about his life

The USNS Mercy heads to Portland

Beautiful. mysterious river fog

The other morning in Astoria, people were treated to a lovely natural event: the river and surrounding areas were shrouded in thick, velvety fog.

Ships sounded their fog horns while they made their way through it, while the hillside above the river enjoyed bright sunshine and blue skies.

Today we'll talk about river fog and what causes it.