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 Orego…

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…

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 Sh…

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…

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 r…

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 dec…

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 Ore…

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 podca…

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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…

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 abou…

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 c…

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 abou…

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 megaphon…

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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.f…

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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 …

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

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/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

Nautilus will fire 15 percent of its workforce. Portland police remove boards on Central Precinct windows. Blazers have new look as the season turns a corner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

16-year-old accused of selling drugs in downtown Portland also connected to shooting, police say. Oregon coast whale beachings part of larger trend as oceans undergo ‘profound changes’. Portland Thorns announce 2023 regular-season, Challenge Cup schedule. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Multnomah County preschool tax brought in much more money than expected. Bird flu cases spill over to mammals in Oregon, elsewhere. Amazon wants to use natural gas to power data centers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

Fired Linfield University professor wins more than $1 million in whistleblower suit against college. Vancouver augmented reality company RealWear valued at $376 million. Water tiger images designed by Portland teen light up City Hall in symbol of "coming back stronger." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

City of Portland workers end their strike. Oregon's labor crunch is easing. Portland Winter Light Festival illuminates the night sky. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive

Dive into our Oregon high school graduation rates database. Oregon mailed wrong info to 5,000 taxpayers. Dame Lillard named to 7th All-Star team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesΑπό τον The Oregonian/OregonLive