News Updates from The Oregonian

What would you do if someone you loved vanished and was never heard from again? That was the case for several families we interviewed on the first five episodes of The Unidentifieds podcast. In previous episodes, we explored the rapidly expanding use of genetic genealogy in finding the identities of long lost souls whose remains were found in Oregon. We told the stories of a nomadic Navy veteran, a young woman who liked to sing, a girl who wore a pink plaid coat and mother of pearl ring, and a little boy whose time on earth was too short. They all vanished in Oregon. But they were all also found in Oregon. Their stories told, and their names said aloud once again, thanks to the help of passionate experts, their families and advances in DNA technology and genetic genealogy. On the final episode of The Unidentifieds, hosts Regan Mertz and Dave Killen unpack the emotional toll on families and how getting answers about their loved ones' fates – even if decades later – brings closure. The investigators and scientists who worked on the cold cases reflect on how each person's story lingers in their memory, long after the cases were solved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In September 1979, two hikers discovered human remains on a rocky slope above a little-used trail near Multnomah Falls. They found bones, a skull and a few personal belongings: gold-rimmed aviator glasses, a yellow cap with black felt letters reading “NT” and a chewed-up checkbook from First National Bank of Oregon. But there was no wallet or other identifying information. Based on the bones and hair found at the scene, investigators determined the body likely belonged to a man, between 20 and 35 years old, with a thick, curly beard. A news brief that ran in The Oregonian noted that the remains “had been exposed to the elements for quite some time.” Police sent the skull and mandible to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., for an anthropological exam, which concluded that the person who died was likely African American. But who did the remains belong to? Police had no leads. No one had been reported missing. For decades the bones sat in a box at the Oregon State Police medical examiner's office in Clackamas. Now, more than four decades after the remains were first discovered, John Doe 79-1862 has a name. On Episode 5 of The Unidentifieds, hosts Regan Mertz and Dave Killen travel to Multnomah Falls and explore its labyrinth-like trail network. They talk to investigators assigned to the case in 1979 and to experts who explain how the cruel legacy of slavery has affected genetic genealogy efforts to connect Black families to lost relatives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On August 2, 1986, two U.S. Forest Service workers were out collecting timber data on a remote logging road in the Mt. Hood National Forest near Government Camp when they stumbled upon a human skull, bone fragments, and a single tooth. Investigators took photos of the scene and the remains were transported and inventoried at the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. The coroner estimated that the skull had been in the woods for about a decade, which meant the person had died around 1976. Investigators released those details to the public and they got dozens of leads through a tip line. But to no avail, the case went cold. It was just another body found in Oregon's woods unclaimed, unidentified. On episode four of The Unidentifieds, hosts Regan Mertz and Dave Killen go back to one Oregon case that found a resolution weeks before the world shut down in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Regan and Dave take listeners to the dense woods near Government Camp to revisit the decades-old case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first two episodes of The Unidentifieds, we explored two decades-old cold cases involving remains found in southern Oregon. We learned how DNA and genealogical sleuthing gave a little boy and a young woman their names back. But what is genetic genealogy? It goes far beyond the 23andMe gift card you received a few holidays ago from a relative. In Episode 3, hosts Regan Mertz and Dave Killen look at the process of genetic genealogy itself and how advances in DNA technology have made it an enormously powerful tool for investigators. They delve into the history, science and practice of genetic genealogy and how investigators are using it to solve decades-old unidentified human remains cold cases in Oregon and around the nation. Regan also delves into the world herself and takes an Ancestry DNA test to learn more about her genetic makeup. Learn more about The Unidentifieds here: https://www.oregonlive.com/theunidentifieds/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the morning of July 11, 1963, a fisherman made a horrifying discovery: He stumbled across the concealed remains of a 2-year-old boy. The tiny body was wrapped in blankets, tied with wire and held down by iron weights in the Keene Creek Reservoir along Oregon 66 east of Ashland, Oregon. Officials moved the body to a cemetery where his tombstone read, “Unknown Baby Boy 1961-1963.″ The investigation was given case number 63-2301. For more than 50 years, it wouldn't get much further than that. By 2020, the case was the oldest known unidentified human remains case in the state of Oregon. On Episode 2 of The Unidentifieds podcast, hosts Regan Mertz and Dave Killen take listeners on a trip to the Siskiyou Mountains where the remains were found, talk to a former investigator who pursued the case, and introduce you to Cece Moore, Parabon NanoLabs' chief genetic genealogist. Moore is one of the nation's foremost experts in the field. In this episode, we learn how a Facebook message, a DNA match and genealogical sleuthing gave a little boy his name back. Subscribe to The Unidentifieds anywhere you listen to podcasts and give it a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts. Better yet, tell a friend about the show if you enjoyed it. Look for Episode 3 on April 24. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are so many unidentified human remains in the United States that the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System calls it “the nation's silent mass disaster.” Roughly 4,400 human remains are found every year, and nearly one-quarter of those remain unidentified after one year. Some people were never reported missing. Some went missing decades ago. Some remains are incomplete, parts of them still out there like missing pieces to a puzzle. Cases run cold. The unidentified remains are placed in boxes and left on evidence room shelves, waiting for another shot at an investigation. Or maybe just a chance to be remembered. And that's if their cardboard tombs are not lost or forgotten first. In Oregon, there are 120 unidentified persons cases. Cold cases exist in 33 of Oregon's 36 counties. Regan Mertz spent months delving into this issue for The Oregonian/OregonLive. She obtained and reviewed missing persons case files, interviewed current and former law enforcement officers, anthropologists and experts around the country. She also interviewed family members of missing people. This is The Unidentifieds, a podcast that investigates four long-forgotten cases in Oregon and how online genealogy and forensic anthropology helped families get closure. Cases that long seemed hopeless, now seem solvable. People who've existed for decades as lonely, nameless phantoms can, if nothing else, get their identities back. In episode one, Regan and co-host Dave Killen go on a trip to southern Oregon's Redwood Highway, where in 1971 a father and son discovered what looked liked a human spine and ribs while on a camping trip near mile marker 35. Upon initial investigation, the remains appeared to belong to a young woman, 18 to 20 years old, tall and slim. But the case went cold. And the remains became known as Jane Doe 79-940. Listen to episode one of The Unidentifieds to learn how genetic genealogy helped solve this 47-year-old case. And subscribe to The Unidentifieds anywhere you listen to podcasts and give it a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts. Look for Episode 2 on April 17. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are 120 unidentified human remains in Oregon – cases exist in all but three counties. Most were discovered in the Pacific Northwest wilderness, parts of their skeleton scattered in between rocks and twigs, and most go unfound and unidentified for decades. The Unidentifieds, a narrative podcast hosted by Regan Mertz and Dave Killen for The Oregonian/OregonLive, tells the story of four of those cold cases and how online genealogy and forensic anthropology helped families get closure. Get the latest updates on The Unidentifieds here: https://www.oregonlive.com/theunidentifieds/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The News Updates with The Oregonian podcast is on indefinite hiatus. Thanks for listening over the years. Make sure to check out our other podcast offerings at Oregonlive.com/podcasts. We've got a news podcast called Beat Check with The Oregonian where we take you behind the headlines of important stories, we've also got a travel and outdoors podcast called Peak Northwest and several sports podcasts, including Blazer Focused, Soccer Made in Portland and Sports by Northwest. You can also search for them wherever you listen to podcasts.  And stay tuned as we prep to bring you a new, six-part limited series podcast called The Unidentifieds. You'll be able to listen to the series soon, right here, in the News Updates with The Oregonian feed. Or, you can search for The Unidentifieds wherever you listen to podcasts. And don't forget to support our local journalism and get the latest news by becoming a subscriber to OregonLive. You can do that by going to OregonLive.com/subscribe.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lawsuit alleges the St. Helen's School District allowed complaints of teacher harassment to go unchecked, Portland's O'Bryant square is reopening and area ice creameries gear up for warmer weather. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

School district failed to protect 7th grade girl who was bullied, beaten by classmates, lawsuit alleges. Crew lands on remote Oregon ‘Terrible Tilly' lighthouse for first time in years. Here's what they found. 3 Portland restaurants among finalists for 2023 James Beard restaurant and chef awards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two of three victims in a weekend shooting were identified as Portland high school students. The former Department of Environmental Quality leader resigned after an employee relationship. Tina Kotek wants school districts to use a research-backed approach to teaching reading. And Portland is getting new pickleball courts with a bar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oregon lawmakers are considering SB 611, which would further limit rent hikes following a similar bill passed in 2019. An Oregon high school vice principal has been arrested for alleged sex solicitation. Surveillance footage shows the moment three people fired guns at a light-colored sedan, killing three people inside. An Oregon-based pizzeria is closing three of its five locations effective immediately. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Kotek pledges to get Mayor Wheeler's administration the money it says it needs to continue homeless sweeps and clean ups. Oregon's largest arcade can now say it is the best place in the world for pinball. Darcell XV, Portland's oldest living drag icon, passed away at 92, but her friends and family are continuing her legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

State budget writers pledge to keep putting savings in the state's rainy day funds. Washington authorities say they've found the bodies of a missing mother and daughter. Oregon lawmakers want to make One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest the state's official film. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler's quest to secure money for his planned mass tent encampments continues to sputter. North Plains is the fastest growing city in the Portland area. Xico, a Southeast Portland restaurant known for its house-milled tortillas, mezcal margaritas and serene back patio, has closed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bill to let motorcyclists slip past traffic passes Oregon Senate. Oregon battery parts producer plans $1.5B manufacturing campus in Indiana. Here's what's replacing Portland's oldest Jewish deli. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oregon advances bill that would allow anyone to pump their own gas. Oregonians are getting gloomy about the economy, poll finds. Portland's oldest Jewish deli will close in coming days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ancient Hyena skull still missing, store owner says. Blazer fall cold in 4th, lose once again. First day of spring will be wet but warmth is coming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A bill moves forward on semiconductors, but no one seems pleased. OSU gets designation for recruiting diverse engineering students. Portland's 2021 Restaurant of the Year expands east. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oregon suspends EV rebate. Kotek still needs to win over voters, poll finds. Portland Thorns streaming, TV options for season revealed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

White male employees make more than women, people of color in Oregon. Feds mandate that Oregon and Washington study a draw bridge over the Columbia River. Child, 2, saved after fentanyl overdose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Portland police fail to investigate ‘alarming' number of impaired driving cases, DA says. Blount Fine Foods to shut down NE Portland factory. Portland Timbers sign Ivorian forward Franck Boli. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oregon State Police settle suit for $1.6 million in fatal shooting at rural home. Startup pitches $100 million data center in Cascade Locks. Oregon marijuana prices hit record lows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oregon City substation attacked, FBI offers reward for information. ‘Fallon Smart‘ rule enacted to crack down on foreign officials who avoid justice. Peak Northwest highlights snowshoeing in Washington. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fentanyl dealer convicted, could face life in prison. Green Zebra is closing for good at end of this month. Hillsboro Hops reveal plans for new stadium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Portland suspect in mass shooting at Normandale Park set to plead guilty. Dave Baden appointed interim director of Oregon Health Authority. Nico's Ice Cream giving away ‘golden ticket' for a year of free ice cream. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amtrak resumes service between Portland and Vancouver, B.C. Introducing Youth Voices: High school students reporting on education and teen life. NWSL teams, including Portland Thorns, to be added to ‘FIFA 23′. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thieves faking car trouble steal from Portland drivers. 300,000 people could have criminal records sealed under Oregon ‘Clean Slate' bill. 2 favorite St. Patrick's Day traditions merge this year for a huge party in Waterfront Park. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Portland nixes Nike's request to hire city cops for its MLK store, offers future public safety blitz for the area. 38-year-old woman found dead under debris 4 days after Portland truck fire. Greenbrier and former CEO Bill Furman will pay $1.1 million to settle SEC charges over private plane lease. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler shuts down meeting, goes virtual following outbursts. EO Media is changing the name of its Medford newspaper. 3 Oregon towns named best in nation to visit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One man tied to 7 fentanyl overdoses — 1 fatal — in McMinnville. Portland-area auto shops slammed after last week's snowstorm. Portland Audubon to drop ‘Audubon,' distancing itself from namesake who enslaved people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oregon gives massive tax breaks to some of the world's biggest companies. Crux is coming to Portland. PDX Live series brings big acts downtown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dame dropped 71 on the Houston Rockets. 2 die in snowplow crash on U.S. 26, numerous injured. High School Journalism Institute accepting summer applications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 person may have died from hypothermia in Portland. Intel left off key piece of safety equipment last summer, causing "significant" chemical emissions. 5 things to do with your kids on a snow day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're bringing you a quick weather related bonus episode on this still snowy Thursday afternoon. Destiny Johnson, a social media producer for the Oregonian, chatted with Colby Neuman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Is the snow and slush sticking around? Will everything melt off? Check out Destiny's interview. You can also watch it on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Walmart closing 2 Portland stores. Oregon's kicker may soar to nearly $4 billion. Black Restaurant Week starts Friday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oregon judge affirms Oswego Lake public-access ruling, moves for phase 2 of trial to begin. Suspect shot and injured in Troutdale by Multnomah County Sheriff's deputy identified. Troubled Multnomah County animal shelter will undergo 5-month review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

OMSI plan gets approving, paving way for potentially massive project in Central Eastside. 1 dead following street racing crash on Marine Drive. Take a Duck, Leave a Duck in Northeast Portland enters year 12. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oregon is exporting more goods than ever before. Employment Director still in limbo as Gov. Kotek cleans other houses. NBA All-Star game ends with a Dame three. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oregon bourbon scandal: We asked lawmakers if they ever got a bottle, here are their answers. Montana, fuel industry groups sue Portland over fuel terminal ban. Multnomah County libraries are getting a makeover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Portland Street Response can't hand out tents and tarps, Commissioner Gonzalez says. Columbia County loses “Second Amendment Sanctuary” lawsuit. Han Oak founders to open new restaurant in Renata space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

City of Portland, police union can't agree on body camera policy, sending dispute to arbitrator. Gov. Kotek appoints police lieutenant who fatally shot Malheur occupation leader as head of Oregon State Police. Tenth annual Corgi Beach Day will return in June, but not to Cannon Beach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Portland Mayor eyes key site in Central Eastside for potential homeless camp. Portland cop under investigation for striking suspect in head. Oregon Ballet Theater has a new artistic director Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Container shipping rebounds in Oregon. Archbishop of Portland tells Catholic schools to use names, pronouns assigned at birth. Could it snow on Valentine's Day? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices