Mai Hoang
@maiphoang.bsky.social
Cascade PBS Central and Eastern Washington Reporter. Executive Board President of the Pacific Northwest Newspaper Guild (Local 37082 of The NewsGuild-CWA)
mai.hoang@cascadepbs.org | https://www.cascadepbs.org/author/mai-hoang
mai.hoang@cascadepbs.org | https://www.cascadepbs.org/author/mai-hoang
Reposted by Mai Hoang
From youth labor violations to housing abuses to pandemic aid fraud, Cascade PBS investigative reporters cast light into undercovered corners of Washington. Our final Impact Report and a thread of some of the team's best work: www.cascadepbs.org/impact-repor...
Investigations team caps four years with state law, policy reforms
From youth labor violations to housing abuses to pandemic aid fraud, Cascade PBS investigative reporters cast light into undercovered corners of WA in 2025.
www.cascadepbs.org
October 16, 2025 at 4:13 PM
From youth labor violations to housing abuses to pandemic aid fraud, Cascade PBS investigative reporters cast light into undercovered corners of Washington. Our final Impact Report and a thread of some of the team's best work: www.cascadepbs.org/impact-repor...
Reposted by Mai Hoang
As Cascade PBS sunsets its digital-first news operation, we take a look back at some of the stories that exemplify its impact on the region over the past 18 years, first as Crosscut and later as the Cascade PBS newsroom.
Remembering Crosscut: 18 years of independent journalism in WA
As Cascade PBS sunsets its digital newsroom, formerly Crosscut, current and former staff members reflect on some of the outlet’s impactful reporting.
www.cascadepbs.org
October 10, 2025 at 8:02 PM
As Cascade PBS sunsets its digital-first news operation, we take a look back at some of the stories that exemplify its impact on the region over the past 18 years, first as Crosscut and later as the Cascade PBS newsroom.
Reposted by Mai Hoang
Yesterday was a dark day for local news. But we can weather dark times when we fight together. And we’re going to fight like hell over the next few weeks to get these journalists what they deserve from @cascadepbs.bsky.social
September 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Yesterday was a dark day for local news. But we can weather dark times when we fight together. And we’re going to fight like hell over the next few weeks to get these journalists what they deserve from @cascadepbs.bsky.social
Reposted by Mai Hoang
Nine Guild-represented journalists and their editors have also lost their livelihoods as a consequence of this decision. We are crowdfunding to support our affected colleagues, and you can help by donating to our layoff fund. tinyurl.com/LayoffFund
Donate to Support Cascade PBS journalists after online newsroom axed, organized by Isabella Breda
On Monday, Sept. 22, Cascade PBS announced that it would be s… Isabella Breda needs your support for Support Cascade PBS journalists after online newsroom axed
tinyurl.com
September 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Nine Guild-represented journalists and their editors have also lost their livelihoods as a consequence of this decision. We are crowdfunding to support our affected colleagues, and you can help by donating to our layoff fund. tinyurl.com/LayoffFund
Reposted by Mai Hoang
Our News and Investigations teams report deeply on crucial issues — immigration, labor, the impact of federal & state budget cuts, local politics — and with the elimination of these teams, many of these stories will go untold. Many voices in our community will be silenced.
tinyurl.com/LayoffFund
tinyurl.com/LayoffFund
September 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Our News and Investigations teams report deeply on crucial issues — immigration, labor, the impact of federal & state budget cuts, local politics — and with the elimination of these teams, many of these stories will go untold. Many voices in our community will be silenced.
tinyurl.com/LayoffFund
tinyurl.com/LayoffFund
Reposted by Mai Hoang
It’s difficult to find the words to express how our unit is feeling right now, but we’ll take a stab at it: shocked, disappointed, angry, gutted. @cascadepbs.bsky.social’s choice to eliminate long-form written reporting is a massive loss for our community in a critical moment. tinyurl.com/LayoffFund
Donate to Support Cascade PBS journalists after online newsroom axed, organized by Isabella Breda
On Monday, Sept. 22, Cascade PBS announced that it would be s… Isabella Breda needs your support for Support Cascade PBS journalists after online newsroom axed
tinyurl.com
September 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
It’s difficult to find the words to express how our unit is feeling right now, but we’ll take a stab at it: shocked, disappointed, angry, gutted. @cascadepbs.bsky.social’s choice to eliminate long-form written reporting is a massive loss for our community in a critical moment. tinyurl.com/LayoffFund
Reposted by Mai Hoang
The last story I edited before Monday's news was @laureldemkovich.bsky.social's excellent examination of Bob Ferguson's first 8 months as governor, a tenure marked by low public approval, decisions baffling to Dems and Republicans, and reduced press availability.
www.cascadepbs.org/politics/202...
www.cascadepbs.org/politics/202...
The Curse of the Middle Guy: Ferguson’s first 8 months as governor
Expectations were high for Bob Ferguson. For many across the political spectrum, the reality has been baffling and disappointing. What happened?
www.cascadepbs.org
September 24, 2025 at 9:09 PM
The last story I edited before Monday's news was @laureldemkovich.bsky.social's excellent examination of Bob Ferguson's first 8 months as governor, a tenure marked by low public approval, decisions baffling to Dems and Republicans, and reduced press availability.
www.cascadepbs.org/politics/202...
www.cascadepbs.org/politics/202...
Reposted by Mai Hoang
Last words: What Washington is losing with the demise of Crosscut. As a nearly two-decade venture in nonprofit news comes undone, it underscores the precariousness of public service journalism. My latest column for the Washington State Standard: washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/09/24/l...
Last words: What Washington is losing with the demise of Crosscut • Washington State Standard
COMMENTARY | As a nearly two-decade venture in nonprofit news comes undone, it underscores the precariousness of public service journalism.
washingtonstatestandard.com
September 24, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Last words: What Washington is losing with the demise of Crosscut. As a nearly two-decade venture in nonprofit news comes undone, it underscores the precariousness of public service journalism. My latest column for the Washington State Standard: washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/09/24/l...
Reposted by Mai Hoang
Today, I was laid off from Cascade PBS along with my entire team and most of the newsroom. I'll have more to say, but I have loved my time as news editor alongside some of the best journalists I have ever worked with. Every time a newsroom closes, stories go with it. The silence that follows is loud
The move, attributed to the loss of federal funding for public media, marks the layoffs of 17 staffers and the creation of three new positions.
Seattle's Cascade PBS announces layoffs, end of online long-form journalism
The move, attributed to the loss of federal funding for public media, marks the layoffs of 17 staffers and the creation of three new positions, station President and CEO Rob Dunlop told KUOW.
www.kuow.org
September 22, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Today, I was laid off from Cascade PBS along with my entire team and most of the newsroom. I'll have more to say, but I have loved my time as news editor alongside some of the best journalists I have ever worked with. Every time a newsroom closes, stories go with it. The silence that follows is loud
Cascade PBS decided to shut down our news operation, leading to layoffs for 13 staffers, including me. Needless to say, it's a huge blow to me, my colleagues and our readers.
Dealing with the hurt, but I'll be back to talk about how I'm moving forward.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Dealing with the hurt, but I'll be back to talk about how I'm moving forward.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Cascade PBS slashes Seattle newsroom, citing federal cuts
Formed in 2015 by the merger of KCTS 9 TV and Crosscut, Cascade PBS will continue making video programs but will stop producing “long-form written journalism.”
www.seattletimes.com
September 24, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Cascade PBS decided to shut down our news operation, leading to layoffs for 13 staffers, including me. Needless to say, it's a huge blow to me, my colleagues and our readers.
Dealing with the hurt, but I'll be back to talk about how I'm moving forward.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
Dealing with the hurt, but I'll be back to talk about how I'm moving forward.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...
My latest for @cascadepbsnewsroom.bsky.social: The Big Beautiful Bill includes nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid. However, healthcare officials hope a $50 billion fund included in the bill will mitigate some of the potential impacts from such cuts. www.cascadepbs.org/news/2025/09...
WA reviews uses for its portion of $50B federal rural health funds
The Rural Health Transformation Program will distribute $100M annually to each state for five years in response to more than $990B in Medicaid cuts.
www.cascadepbs.org
September 16, 2025 at 5:36 PM
My latest for @cascadepbsnewsroom.bsky.social: The Big Beautiful Bill includes nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid. However, healthcare officials hope a $50 billion fund included in the bill will mitigate some of the potential impacts from such cuts. www.cascadepbs.org/news/2025/09...
I would like to note that this isn't even her main event and she's doing this as a side quest.
From @theathletic.com: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone finally broke the 19-year-old American 400-meter record in the World Athletics Championships semifinal Tuesday in Tokyo.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone breaks 400m American record at world championships
McLaughlin-Levrone's time in the 400 flat in Tuesday's semifinals was also the world lead. And she looked like she had more to give.
nyti.ms
September 16, 2025 at 5:30 PM
I would like to note that this isn't even her main event and she's doing this as a side quest.
Reposted by Mai Hoang
The PNW supports @propublicaguild.org
workers and their fight for a fair contract that includes “just cause” job security, a fair and transparent disciplinary process, and guardrails ensuring artificial intelligence does not replace journalists! Sign to support! @propublica.org
workers and their fight for a fair contract that includes “just cause” job security, a fair and transparent disciplinary process, and guardrails ensuring artificial intelligence does not replace journalists! Sign to support! @propublica.org
Our members flyered the @ire.org gala to rally support for a fair contract with a transparent disciplinary process and protections against journalists being replaced by AI.
You can show your support here: actionnetwork.org/petitions/te...
You can show your support here: actionnetwork.org/petitions/te...
September 16, 2025 at 4:59 PM
The PNW supports @propublicaguild.org
workers and their fight for a fair contract that includes “just cause” job security, a fair and transparent disciplinary process, and guardrails ensuring artificial intelligence does not replace journalists! Sign to support! @propublica.org
workers and their fight for a fair contract that includes “just cause” job security, a fair and transparent disciplinary process, and guardrails ensuring artificial intelligence does not replace journalists! Sign to support! @propublica.org
Love this Q&A from my @cascadepbsnewsroom.bsky.social colleague @sanfordnate.bsky.social on how he did his investigation on cities using AI. Some really useful tips on how to do it for your local governments.
www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
Is your mayor using ChatGPT? Here’s how to FOIA around and find out - Poynter
Seattle PBS reporter Nate Sanford investigated how city officials throughout Washington are using generative AI. Here’s how he did it.
www.poynter.org
September 16, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Love this Q&A from my @cascadepbsnewsroom.bsky.social colleague @sanfordnate.bsky.social on how he did his investigation on cities using AI. Some really useful tips on how to do it for your local governments.
www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
www.poynter.org/reporting-ed...
Reposted by Mai Hoang
In Twisp, about 150 people gathered for the 27th consecutive Saturday protest. Despite living in a Trump stronghold, Okanogan County residents have sustained months of regular demonstrations protesting President Trump's policies hoping to connect with others & be heard by those with differing views.
Okanogan County protests highlight rural impact of Trump policies
Organizers in the north-central Washington Republican stronghold want to call attention to how recent cuts could hurt the region’s poorest residents.
www.cascadepbs.org
September 2, 2025 at 7:37 PM
In Twisp, about 150 people gathered for the 27th consecutive Saturday protest. Despite living in a Trump stronghold, Okanogan County residents have sustained months of regular demonstrations protesting President Trump's policies hoping to connect with others & be heard by those with differing views.
My latest for @cascadepbs.bsky.social: For six months, a group of residents in the Methow Valley in North Central Washington have been protesting weekly. This is part of one of several actions community organizers are staging throughout Okanogan County.
www.cascadepbs.org/news/2025/09...
www.cascadepbs.org/news/2025/09...
Okanogan County protests highlight rural impact of Trump policies
Organizers in the north-central Washington Republican stronghold want to call attention to how recent cuts could hurt the region’s poorest residents.
www.cascadepbs.org
September 2, 2025 at 5:04 PM
My latest for @cascadepbs.bsky.social: For six months, a group of residents in the Methow Valley in North Central Washington have been protesting weekly. This is part of one of several actions community organizers are staging throughout Okanogan County.
www.cascadepbs.org/news/2025/09...
www.cascadepbs.org/news/2025/09...
Reposted by Mai Hoang
The headlines about Costco and mifepristone are so misleading: They didn't cave to pressure; they never stocked it. For mifepristone news that's accurate and timely, check out @maiphoang.bsky.social's report on the AG's push for fewer restrictions on the drug
www.cascadepbs.org/news/briefs/...
www.cascadepbs.org/news/briefs/...
WA’s AG Brown joins petition to lift abortion pill restrictions
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has joined attorneys general and a governor from 16 other states to ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to remove some restrictions on mifepristone, a drug...
www.cascadepbs.org
August 22, 2025 at 5:02 PM
The headlines about Costco and mifepristone are so misleading: They didn't cave to pressure; they never stocked it. For mifepristone news that's accurate and timely, check out @maiphoang.bsky.social's report on the AG's push for fewer restrictions on the drug
www.cascadepbs.org/news/briefs/...
www.cascadepbs.org/news/briefs/...
Latest @cascadepbs.bsky.social: Washington's Congressional delegation voted along party lines in House vote of landmark legislation earlier today. Republicans say tax cuts will help families while Democrats decry reductions in federal health care, nutrition funds. www.cascadepbs.org/news/2025/07...
WA delegates toe party lines in House passage of Trump budget bill
GOP representatives say tax cuts will benefit working families and small businesses, while Democrats decry massive cuts to federal health, food programs
www.cascadepbs.org
July 4, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Latest @cascadepbs.bsky.social: Washington's Congressional delegation voted along party lines in House vote of landmark legislation earlier today. Republicans say tax cuts will help families while Democrats decry reductions in federal health care, nutrition funds. www.cascadepbs.org/news/2025/07...
Reposted by Mai Hoang
No big surprises among Washington's Congressional delegation. Votes split along party lines with Republicans Dan Newhouse and Michael Baumgartner voting for the bill.
July 3, 2025 at 7:23 PM
No big surprises among Washington's Congressional delegation. Votes split along party lines with Republicans Dan Newhouse and Michael Baumgartner voting for the bill.
Here's a handy starter pack of @cascadepbs.bsky.social news staff if you aren't following us already! go.bsky.app/SVamVeC
July 3, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Here's a handy starter pack of @cascadepbs.bsky.social news staff if you aren't following us already! go.bsky.app/SVamVeC
Reposted by Mai Hoang
From @washingtonstatestandard.com: For the first time in more than 50 years, Washington State Ferries will contract with an out-of-state shipyard to build new vessels.
Washington accepts out-of-state bid for new ferry construction
A longer version of this story appeared on the Washington State Standard.
For the first time in more than 50 years, Washington State Ferries will contract with an out-of-state shipyard to build new v...
www.cascadepbs.org
July 2, 2025 at 7:58 PM
From @washingtonstatestandard.com: For the first time in more than 50 years, Washington State Ferries will contract with an out-of-state shipyard to build new vessels.
Reposted by Mai Hoang
For a new series we're doing, @laureldemkovich.bsky.social is digging into specific programs the state budget is cutting and who it will impact. This week, she wrote about Treehouse, which provides programming + practical support for youth in foster care
Since Treehouse was founded by caseworkers at the state Department of Children, Youth and Families, the graduation rate for Washington youth in foster care has increased from 36% to 51%. In July, the organization will lose more than $7M in state funding, likely eliminating services for 1,300 kids.
WA budget cuts could eliminate education services for some foster youth
A statewide org that helps roughly 6,400 kids access sports, driver’s ed, graduation programs and more, will lose about a third of its funding in July.
www.cascadepbs.org
June 25, 2025 at 11:33 PM
For a new series we're doing, @laureldemkovich.bsky.social is digging into specific programs the state budget is cutting and who it will impact. This week, she wrote about Treehouse, which provides programming + practical support for youth in foster care
Okay let's try this again! Thanks to all of you who have followed. I'm going to work on posting here more!
Dusting this thing off -- playing catch up, posting some stories and trying to figure this place again.
June 26, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Okay let's try this again! Thanks to all of you who have followed. I'm going to work on posting here more!
My latest for @cascadepbs.bsky.social: The city of Cle Elum files for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection, becoming just the second Washington city to do so. The city moved in this direction after emerging from mediation with a Seattle-area developer without a deal to pay a $22 million judgment.
Cle Elum files for bankruptcy to settle $22 million judgment
The second city in state history to do so, officials made the decision after months of mediation and say it’s the most “sustainable resolution.”
www.cascadepbs.org
June 26, 2025 at 5:40 PM
My latest for @cascadepbs.bsky.social: The city of Cle Elum files for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection, becoming just the second Washington city to do so. The city moved in this direction after emerging from mediation with a Seattle-area developer without a deal to pay a $22 million judgment.
Reposted by Mai Hoang
After a federal judge temporarily blocked Trump's executive order on ID gender markers matching birth sex, some trans Seattleites rushed to get new passports. But they found that local passport offices won't issue new IDs w/out guidance from the State Department. www.cascadepbs.org/politics/202...
Despite federal ruling, trans Seattleites can’t update passports
A judge temporarily blocked an executive order on ID gender markers, but transgender citizens are still waiting for officials to comply.
www.cascadepbs.org
June 26, 2025 at 4:07 PM
After a federal judge temporarily blocked Trump's executive order on ID gender markers matching birth sex, some trans Seattleites rushed to get new passports. But they found that local passport offices won't issue new IDs w/out guidance from the State Department. www.cascadepbs.org/politics/202...