Portland-based Mercy Corps [[CORE]] says cuts in U.S. foreign aid spending has forced the nonprofit to cut 40 of its roughly 60 federally funded programs. As Kyra [[KYE ruh]] Buckley reports, the U.S. government has traditionally been among Mercy Corps’ largest financial backers.

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The stage is set for Washington’s Legislature to limit annual rent hikes in the state. Olympia correspondent Jeanie Lindsay reports, lawmakers who support the idea have been split on which version of it should become law.

Arts organizations in Oregon are feeling the pinch. Advocates say the state ranks near the bottom when it comes to state funding for the arts. And recent cuts to federal arts programs are only adding to the challenge. KLCC’s Kendra Schertell [sher-TELL] and Sajina [suh-JEEN-uh] Shrestha [Shres-tuh] have the story: [5:18]

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Senator Ron Wyden and officials from Southern Oregon Head Start will hold a press conference on Saturday. As Jefferson Public Radio's Jane Vaughan reports, the goal is to raise awareness of the importance of the program during threats to its funding.

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A Saturday press conference in Medford aims to gather support for Head Start. The program provides child development and support services to low-income families. Head Start is facing an uncertain future as the Trump administration cuts federal programs.

Voters in Albany will decide next month [May 20] whether to renew a five-year property tax levy that funds ambulance, fire and police operations. KLCC’s Sajina Shrestha reports

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The Oregon Senate commemorated the late Sen. Aaron Woods yesterday/Thursday. The former tech executive recently died of complications with cancer. OPB’s Bryce Dole reports.

A raucous crowd met Southwest Washington Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez at a town hall in Vancouver last night ((on Thursday night)). OPB's Erik Neumann reports, the moderate Democrat tried to defend her record.

One of Oregon’s most respected wine experts and business leaders, Bill Stoller, has died at 74. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

LEDE: Here’s a story of a young newlywed couple from Pasco, Washington. Their marriage was blessed by Pope Francis last November. They both remember the late pope’s kindness, humanity and humor. Correspondent Anna King has this Papal [PAY-pal] postcard.