PORTLAND, Ore. (5 May 2026) – More than 20 years after the fully skeletonized remains of a man were found in a wooded area of Southwest Portland, the remains have been positively identified as Robert Lee Horton, who would have been 47 years old at the time of his death.

 

On December 19, 2004, two people exploring a wooded area near Riverview Cemetery discovered Horton’s remains. They notified local law enforcement immediately and personnel from the Portland Police Bureau and a medicolegal death investigator from Multnomah County responded to lead the investigation.

 

Along with the human skeletal remains, a fabric lean-to, cooking pans, food items, and clothing were discovered. The clothing was retained as evidence and the skeletal remains were transferred to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office for examination.

 

The findings of the autopsy and skeletal examination concluded the decedent was a white male adult between the ages of 45 and 55 years old at the time of death and estimated to be between 5’6” and 5’9” tall. However, the cause and manner of death remained undetermined.

 

In 2010, a DNA sample was sent to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification for Short Tandem Repeat (STR) DNA sequencing and entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and a profile was created in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). The State Medical Examiner’s Office regularly followed up on the case, and although DNA had been uploaded into CODIS, no genetic associations could be made. Missing persons profiles in databases like NamUs, the Violent Crime Apprehension Program (ViCAP), the Charley Project, and more were searched for new cases to match with the decedent. Unfortunately, there was no progress in the case.

In 2018, the medical examiner’s office was awarded a National Institute of Justice – Forensic DNA Laboratory Efficiency Improvement and Capacity Enhancement Program grant to apply advanced DNA testing techniques on unsolved, unidentified skeletal remains cases. The case was recognized as one that could potentially be resolved by DNA Phenotyping and Investigative Genetic Genealogy provided by OSP’s vendor lab, Parabon NanoLabs. An additional bone sample was submitted for DNA extraction, and a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) DNA profile was successfully produced and analyzed.

In January 2022, the first DNA Snapshot© Genetic Genealogy Report investigating distant familial connections was finalized. While matches were abundant, they were distant. To explore possible relationships among the highest‑ranking matches, family trees were created for each, and extensive research was conducted utilizing a variety of sources. Unfortunately, there was little progress in the case.

 

The Portland Police Bureau conducted additional follow-up and contacted distant relatives seeking clues about missing persons in their families as well as requesting DNA samples to help move the case along. However, the case again stalled.

In late 2025, the medical examiner’s Human Identification Program reached back out to Parabon NanoLabs to inquire whether there were any new leads, and the case was reopened. Incredibly, by early 2026, Robert Lee Horton, born in 1957, had been identified as a likely candidate who had been missing since 2004.

 

PPB then contacted remaining family members who reported that Robert had been living in Hawaii but moved to Portland in 2004. The family became concerned when they were unable to contact Robert, and he failed to retrieve mail and other items that were sent to him. The case detective obtained contact information for Robert’s living family members and obtained a family reference standard from his elderly mother.

 

In February 2026, the Human Identification Program sent the family reference standard to Parabon NanoLabs DNA extraction laboratory for testing. By April 2026, the Kinship Inference Report returned definitive conclusions. The results indicated a 100 percent probability of a parental relationship with the unidentified remains based on genetics.

Robert’s family was notified immediately of the positive identification. Sadly, his mother passed away a short time later.

“While no amount of time can lessen the loss experienced by Robert Horton’s loved ones, we hope this identification brings a measure of closure and answers they have long deserved,” Portland Police Chief Bob Day said. “PPB is proud to have played a role in this case with our partners, and we remain committed to using every available tool to seek the truth and provide resolution for families impacted by tragedy.”

 

“This case highlights the exceptional interagency teamwork required to resolve cold cases of this nature. OSP is grateful for the cutting‑edge genetic genealogy analysis provided by Parabon NanoLabs, the seamless case work by the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the dedicated investigation by the Portland Police Bureau,” said State Forensic Anthropologist Hailey Collord-Stalder, Ph.D. “By collaborating closely with the State Medical Examiner’s Office and combining resources, the agencies were able to advance the case in ways none could have achieved alone.”

 

 

Eight Charged in Multistate Drug Ring, Including Eugene and Springfield Women

Eight people — including two from Lane County — are facing federal charges for their alleged roles in a drug trafficking operation that moved methamphetamine and fentanyl from Mexico into the U.S. and across multiple states, including Oregon.

According to investigators, the group smuggled drugs into California, then distributed them nationwide using vehicles and packages hidden in items like toys and cereal boxes.

Among those charged are Felicia Waite of Eugene and Julia Dorfler of Springfield, who are accused of helping distribute drugs locally. Others allegedly operated stash houses in California and Salem or worked as couriers collecting drug money.

Authorities say the investigation led to the seizure of 56 pounds of fentanyl, 116 pounds of meth, more than $300,000 in cash, and 20 firearms.

The case is being led by federal prosecutors in Oregon, with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies.

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have announced a collaboration with fellow lawmakers to introduce the Puppy Protection Act, aimed at enhancing the welfare of dogs in breeding facilities.

This legislation seeks to ensure that dogs are housed in safe environments, have access to outdoor spaces, and can engage regularly with both humans and other dogs. Key provisions of the act include improved enclosure standards that allow dogs to stand fully upright and require adequate space based on their size, as well as a mandate for unrestricted outdoor access for dogs over 12 weeks old.

Additionally, the act stipulates a daily socialization requirement of 30 minutes with humans and compatible dogs, alongside veterinary screenings before breeding attempts. It also limits breeders to two litters within an 18-month period and a maximum of six litters throughout a dog’s lifetime, while ensuring that retired breeding dogs are placed in humane environments, such as with adoptive families or rescue organizations.

 

 

Pacific Power has submitted a general rate case to the Oregon Public Utility Commission, proposing to maintain stable rates in the short term, implement lower rates in early 2027, and postpone a slight residential rate increase until the third quarter of 2027.

 

Under this plan, residential customers would experience consistent billing throughout 2026, followed by rate reductions in the first half of 2027, culminating in a minimal net increase in July 2027. If the proposal is approved, interim rates would be implemented on June 5, 2026, while the full general rate case undergoes regulatory review.

 

This initiative aims to address the increasing costs of operations and facilitate essential investments in the grid, all while ensuring that customer rates remain stable. Additional details can be found on the company’s Oregon rate proposal webpage.

 

 

 

 

New statistics from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) indicate that work zone accidents in Oregon hit a five-year peak in 2024, leading officials to reiterate the importance of drivers reducing speed and maintaining focus while driving.

 

In that year, ODOT reported 621 incidents in work zones, resulting in 14 fatalities and 36 serious injuries, all involving drivers or their passengers rather than construction workers. ODOT emphasized that each of these accidents was preventable.

 

 

 

BLM prepares to open campgrounds for 2026 recreation season

PORTLAND, Ore. – As spring temperatures rise, the Bureau of Land Management is excited to welcome visitors to public lands across Oregon and Washington for the 2026 recreation season. While many sites are moving to full-service operations, the BLM urges people to plan ahead, practice “Know Before You Go” safety and strictly adhere to upcoming seasonal fire restrictions.

 

“Each year we look forward to welcoming visitors back,” said Jim Regan-Vienop, Klamath Falls Acting Field Manager. “Public lands offer everyone a chance to unwind, explore, and appreciate the landscapes we all share.”

 

BLM recreation areas offer a broad selection of activities, including camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle recreation and boating across a wide variety of landscapes.

 

Most seasonal campgrounds across Oregon and Washington open by mid-May, though specific dates vary based on local conditions and elevation. The BLM encourages all visitors to follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve these shared spaces for future generations.

Safe recreation begins with thorough planning; always share your itinerary with someone at home and be prepared to “Pack It In, Pack It Out” if facilities have limited trash service early in the season. For those drawn to the region’s rivers, water safety is paramount, always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and check local water conditions before launching.

Public safety depends on responsible fire practices. Before heading out, visitors are urged to verify if campfires are permitted at their specific destination, as high-danger periods often restrict fires to designated steel rings in improved campgrounds only or restrict open flames completely. The BLM reminds everyone to never leave a fire unattended and to use the “Drown, Stir, and Feel” method to ensure coals are cold to the touch before departing.

For the most up-to-date information on specific site availability and local fire danger levels, please visit the BLM Oregon/Washington webpage or contact your local District Office.

 

ONA Statement on PeaceHealth Canceling its Plan to Outsource ER Care Out-of-State

(SPRINGFIELD, Ore.) – The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) issued the following statement after PeaceHealth announced plans to stop attempting to outsource emergency room care to out-of-state group ApolloMD and to renew its contract with local doctors at Eugene Emergency Physicians.

“Today’s announcement is a historic victory for all Oregonians.

PeaceHealth’s decision to reverse course is not an act of leadership, it is a retreat. Health executives were forced to back down thanks to lawsuits, pressure from elected leaders, and an unprecedented show of solidarity from thousands of nurses, doctors, caregivers, and community members who stood together to hold PeaceHealth accountable and stop out-of-state corporations from controlling our care

The message is unmistakable. Oregonians’ health is not for sale. Hospitals must put patients ahead of profits and local collaboration over corporate control.

PeaceHealth must follow the law and other health systems should take note. Oregon banned the corporate practice of medicine for a reason. Oregonians and their providers are in charge of their personal healthcare decisions. We will not allow our communities’ care to be undermined, outsourced, or controlled by corporate executives.

While we celebrate this victory, we recognize that damage has been done. Our community’s trust in PeaceHealth is broken. Regaining that trust will require increased transparency, partnership, and a stronger commitment to our communities from PeaceHealth.

Frontline nurses, doctors, and local leaders are ready to sit down with PeaceHealth executives to build a path forward that restores faith in our community’s healthcare system and put patients ahead of profits.”

 

Oregon Utilities Promote Wildfire Awareness: Get Ready for Fire Season by Preparing Now and Staying Informed

PGE, Pacific Power, Idaho Power and the PUC share tips and guidance as fire season approaches

Portland, Ore. – In recognition of National Wildfire Awareness Month, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC), Portland General Electric, Pacific Power and Idaho Power encourage Oregonians to prepare for wildfire season. Everyone has a part to play this summer in keeping our communities safe.

PGE, Pacific Power and Idaho Power invest year-round to prevent wildfire and deliver safe, reliable power to the homes and communities that depend on it. They partner with tribes and federal, state and local agencies to plan and prepare for the upcoming wildfire season.

“We’ve had an unusually dry winter across much of Oregon, and that means wildfire season may arrive earlier and with greater intensity,” said Commissioner Chair Letha Tawney. “Even as Oregon electric utilities invest billions to reduce wildfire risk, customers need to be ready for potential outages when fire danger is high. The changing risk of extreme wildfires touches every Oregon community and requires all of us to take steps now to reduce the chance of catastrophe.”

Resources to help Oregonians prepare for wildfire season are available at wildfire.oregon.gov, including guidance on staying informed, evacuation planning and creating defensible space to help prevent wildfire.

 

PGE, Pacific Power and Idaho Power also share these additional tips on ways to stay safe and be prepared this fire season.

 

Have a plan

• Consider relocating with a friend, family member or shelter, especially if medication or treatment of a medical condition requires electricity.
• Businesses should communicate their outage-response plans to key employees, plan for workarounds to computers and cash registers and make a plan to bypass electronic door locks.
• Plan for livestock water needs in case well pumps lose power.
• Know how to open and close electric garage doors and security gates.
• Learn how to protect home and business electronics and appliances against data loss and surge damage when power is restored.

 

Make an outage kit

Prepare your home and businesses by making an outage kit to use in case wildfire leads to a power outage.

• Be sure to include shelf-stable food, water for people, pets and livestock, medications, flashlights, batteries and solar or car chargers for electric devices. Keep ice packs or frozen water in the freezer to help keep food cold until ice is available.
• Outage kits should also include flashlights or camp lights for all areas, including restrooms, battery-powered or hand-crank radios for information, battery-powered fans, extra batteries, car chargers for cell phones and electric devices, bottled water and emergency phone numbers.
• Businesses should prepare to minimize disruption, keep employees safe and protect equipment.

Stay informed

Here are a few steps you can take to make sure you receive up-to-date wildfire information:

• Contact your electricity provider or log in to your account and make sure all contact information is current so you can receive alerts and messages.
• If you rely on electricity to store medication or operate medical equipment, enroll in your electric provider’s Medical Certificate Program, if available, to receive proactive communications about outages. Make a backup plan with your doctor and other medical providers.
• VisitOregon Alert to find your local alert system. Provide current contact details and sign up for wildfire alerts.

Information, resources and checklists

• PGE customers can visit com/wildfiresafetyfor information about how PGE works to protect people, property and public spaces.
• Pacific Power customers can visit net/wildfiresafetyfor resources and information including an outage preparation checklist for customers, an interactive map outlining public safety power shutoff areas.
• Idaho Power customers can visit com/wildfireto learn more about summer outage preparedness and what Idaho Power is doing to protect the grid from wildfires.

 

Quarterly Advisory Committee Meeting to be Held In Person and Virtually on June 3 in Astoria

The second quarterly meeting of 2026 for the Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) will be held virtually and in person on Wednesday, June 3, at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, located at 1792 Marine Drive in Astoria.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m. and will be followed by a town hall meeting at 11:30 a.m., which is open to the public.

Established in 1945, the Advisory Committee holds a distinct and fundamental role in advising the director and staff of ODVA. The nine members of the committee are military veterans from all corners of the state, appointed by the governor to serve and act as advocates for veteran issues and veteran concerns across Oregon.

Following every quarterly business meeting, the committee holds a town hall inviting the public to raise questions or concerns about broad veteran issues or to share information with the committee and agency director.

Members of the community are also invited to submit written public comments to the committee by emailingodva_vaac@odva.oregon.gov. The Advisory Committee meets quarterly on the first Wednesday of March, June, September and December.

REGISTER TO ATTEND

Please register at https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/d105957f-f8f5-4880-905c-0b2c9d223eb0@aa3f6932-fa7c-47b4-a0ce-a598cad161cf to attend the business or town hall portion of this meeting.

Attendees will be allowed to participate during the town hall portion only and will be invited to turn on their camera and unmute mics during a recorded meeting that will be posted online at a later date.

More information about the Advisory Committee and meeting materials can be found online at www.oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Pages/Advisory-Committee.aspx.

 

Joseph E. Weston Donates Remaining Real Estate Holdings to His Charitable Foundation

Portland philanthropist’s gift brings value of endowment to more than $1 billion

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland philanthropist and businessman Joseph E. Weston has donated the remainder of his commercial real estate holdings to the OCF Joseph E. Weston Public Foundation, a supporting organization of Oregon Community Foundation. The gift brings the value of the endowment to more than $1 billion. This is the largest single donation in Oregon Community Foundation’s 53-year history.

Weston grew up in Southeast Portland without much money, but with a strong work ethic and a close-knit family. As a teenager, he worked as a soda jerk at a drugstore, where a pharmacist who owned apartments first showed him the financial power of real estate. By the time he was 18, Weston had purchased his first two duplexes. He still owns them today.

As Weston’s business grew, so did his generosity. Since 1991, Weston and the OCF Joseph E. Weston Public Foundation have awarded more than $250 million in grants and scholarships. The donation of his remaining properties will ensure Weston’s grantmaking will endure in perpetuity.

“Joe has earned his place in history as one of Oregon’s most generous philanthropists,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. “This donation is a triumph for Joe and his legacy. We are proud to be part of his enormous impact on our state.”

The OCF Joseph E. Weston Public Foundation is Oregon Community Foundation’s largest supporting organization. Last year, it distributed more than $27 million to fulfill its mission to improve the human condition by serving vulnerable populations, funding projects that assist children, the working poor, senior citizens, people with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness.

“I grew up poor. I know what it was like to be excluded because our family didn’t have resources,” Weston has said. “I’ve also been very fortunate in my profession, and that is why the goal of the Foundation is to provide funding to support nonprofits who are helping those in need. Working with OCF has allowed me to better realize that goal now and into the future.”

Over the course of his career, Weston built and acquired thousands of apartments and hundreds of commercial real estate projects across Oregon. He played an instrumental role in the development of Portland’s Pearl District.

About Oregon Community Foundation

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. Each year, OCF distributes more than $200 million in grants and scholarships statewide in partnership with donors and volunteers. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org.

 

Romanian Nationals Unlawfully Residing in the United States Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Steal SNAP Benefits

PORTLAND, Ore.—Two Romanian nationals apparently unlawfully residing in Portland pleaded guilty for their role in a conspiracy to steal benefits from low income and food insecure individuals and families.

Aramis Manolea, 35, and Cristina Manolea, 35, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States.

According to court documents, from April 2025 through November 2025, A. Manolea and C. Manolea conspired to use stolen Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) account information and PINs to fraudulently purchase SNAP-eligible items, like infant formula. The stolen goods were packaged in storage units and loaded into vans and trucks for shipment to California. In total, A. Manolea and C. Manolea are responsible for  stolen benefits valued at almost $27,000.

On November 12, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 26-count indictment charging A. Manolea, C. Manolea and their co-conspirators with conspiracy to defraud the United States, unauthorized use of access devices, possession, production, and trafficking of device-making equipment, and aggravated identity theft.

1. Manolea and C. Manolea face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. C. Manolea will be sentenced on May 22, 2026, and A. Manolea will be sentenced on May 29, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.

As part of the plea agreement, A. Manolea and C. Manolea agreed to pay restitution in full.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation are investigating the case with assistance from the United States Marshals Service for the District of Oregon, Eastern District of California, and the Central District of California, and the Oregon Department of Human Services. Geoffrey A. Barrow and Nicholas D. Meyers, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, are prosecuting the case.

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