Regional Correspondent, Northwest News Network

Tom Banse

Tom Banse is a regional correspondent for the Northwest News Network, covering business, environment, public policy, human interest and national news across the Northwest.

Tom has covered state government and the Washington Legislature for more than a decade. He got his start in radio at a public radio station in southern Minnesota, WCAL.

Reared in Seattle, Tom graduated from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota with a degree in American Studies.

Tom enjoys exploring the Olympic Peninsula backcountry and cooking dinner with his wife and friends.

Sports Betting Now Legal In Washington, But Limited To Tribal Casinos

Amid a widespread shutdown of athletic events, Washington has become the 21st state to legalize betting on sports.

local | News | Health

Washington Gov. Inslee Announces Statewide Stay-At-Home Order

Following the lead of California and several other states and local communities, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday evening announced an immediate...

local | News | Nation | Politics

COVID-19 Makes 2020 Census More Complicated Than It Already Was

U.S. Census Bureau leaders said one important thing residents can do if they are hunkered down during the coronavirus outbreak is to respond to the 2020 Census. Your response now reduces the need for census workers to go door-to-door later.

local | News | Transportation

Oregon Rep. DeFazio Asks To Push Back Real ID Deadline

This week, Oregon Rep. DeFazio and several other high-ranking House Democrats wrote the Department of Homeland Security to request the October Real ID deadline be postponed nationwide.

local | News | Health

Restrictive Coronavirus Testing Criteria To Be Relaxed Amid Widening Washington Outbreak

Until now, a coronavirus test has been difficult to get locally because of limited capacity and strict rules for who qualifies. However, both of those restrictions may relax soon.

local | News | Politics | Health

Washington Governor Advises Residents To 'Think About Avoiding' Large Crowds, Gatherings

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said Monday that his emergency powers would allow him to order the cancellation of large public gatherings to control the growing coronavirus outbreak in his state.

Environment | News | Business | Politics | local

Washington State On Verge Of Tightening The Tap For New Bottled Water Plants

Community opposition has the Washington Legislature on the verge of closing the tap for water permits for new water bottling plants statewide

local | News | Business | Politics

Boeing Looks To Give Up A Tax Break

The Boeing Company is bringing an unusual request to state lawmakers in Olympia: Please take away our airplane manufacturing tax break.

Environment | News | Animals | local

Bringing Back Oregon's Sea Otters Gets Federal Bucks For Feasibility Study

A group that wants to bring back wild sea otters to the Oregon Coast is taking a big step forward.

News | Sports | local | Business | Politics | Economy

Odds Are Improving That Washington Will Legalize Sports Betting, But Not Like Oregon

A couple of years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for states beyond Nevada to have sports betting. Oregon dove in last year. Now, Washington state lawmakers are taking a hard look at legalizing sports betting.

local | News | Sports | Business | Politics

Legal Betting On The Super Bowl Was A Hit In Oregon. Is Washington Next?

Legal betting on last Sunday's NFL Super Bowl was a winner for the state of Oregon and a handful of Oregon tribal casinos. This comes as legislators in Washington state ponder whether to legalize sports betting too.

local | News | Business | Politics | Health

Idaho Lawmaker Proposes Ditching The Switch — In Favor Of Standard Time

"What time is it here?" is a question few people feel the need to ask when crossing state lines in the Pacific Northwest. But that could change as soon as next year.

Arts | Entertainment | Business | News | local

Want To Own A Ferryboat? A Former Washington State Ferry Is For Sale Again

Do you want to own an old ferryboat? A retired Washington car ferry is for sale again after the current owner's many ideas for the boat did not work out.

local | News

What's In Your Wallet? It's Time For Air Travelers To Get Real About Real ID

Effective this October, a standard Oregon or Washington driver's license won't pass muster with the Transportation Security Administration to board a domestic flight.

Environment | News | Politics | local

Who Doesn't Like Free? Legislature Ponders Washington State Park Entry Fees

Remember back when it didn't cost anything to visit a state park for the day? A senior Republican in the Washington Legislature says the state's budget surplus should make it possible for park access to be free again.