Northwest Briefly: New license plates to feature seven characters

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Licensing has modified plans for the new seven-character license plate.

It’s going with the recommendation of police agencies who say a combination of three letters followed by four numbers will be easier to remember. The department had announced plans last month for a more-complicated arrangement of letters and numbers.

The three letter-four number configuration will yield 138 million possible combinations. The new plates will be issued as the supply of older six-character plates are used up.

Gov. Gregoire on D.C. trade mission

Gov. Chris Gregoire is in Washington, D.C., on her second trade mission to the nation’s capital.

Gregoire, joined by a delegation of the state’s business leaders and the state department of commerce director, met with federal policy and decision makers Tuesday to discuss credit issues, international trade, and education and work force training programs.

Gregoire met with the state’s Congressional delegation, as well as several members of the Obama Administration.

Airspace restrictions extend into state

Federal and state aviation officials are advising pilots that airspace restrictions for the Winter Olympics in British Columbia will extend into northwestern Washington.

The FAA and other agencies are holding three comprehensive briefings over the next month in Seattle and Bellingham to advise pilots on flight plan requirements, how to operate in fringe airports and what to do if a Canadian or U.S. fighter shows up on their wing.

Seattle: Biden to headline fundraiser

Vice President Joe Biden headlines a campaign fundraising luncheon for Sen. Patty Murray Friday in Seattle at the Westin Hotel. The campaign is urging supporters to buy tickets at the $150, $250 or $1,000 level.

Seattle council OK’s backyard cottages

More backyard cottages may be sprouting in Seattle.

The city council voted Monday to allow 800-square-foot cottages to be built in the yards of single-family homes.

The Seattle Times reports the property owner must live in either the principal structure or the cottage for at least six months of the year.

Herald staff and Associated Press

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

South County Fire plans push-in ceremony for newest fire engine

Anybody who attends will have the opportunity to help push the engine into the station.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

Stolen fire engine smashes signs, trees and 14 parked vehicles in North Everett

There were no injuries, but the suspect, who abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, is still at large.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Skylar Maldonado, 2, runs through the water at Pacific Rim Plaza’s Splash Fountain, one of the newer features add to the Port of Everett waterfront on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
CEO: Port of Everett pushes forward, despite loomimg challenges from tariffs

CEO Lisa Lefeber made the remarks during the annual port report Wednesday.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Stock photo
Foundation raised over $55,000 to pay for student school supplies in Stanwood-Camano.
Stanwood area foundation raises more than $55,000 for school supplies

A month-long campaign exceeded its goal to help support elementary students in the Stanwood-Camano School District.

District 1 candidates talk financial priorities, student needs

Three newcomers — Carson Sanderson, Arun Sharma and Brian Travis — are eyeing the vacant seat on the district’s board of directors.

Top, from left: Bill Wheeler, Erica Weir and Mason Rutledge. Bottom, from left: Sam Hem, Steven Sullivan.
Candidates seek open District 1 seat in crowded race

Five people are aiming to take the open seat left after current council member Mary Fosse announced she would not run for reelection.

Pia Sampaga-Khim, right, and Jana Rafi, left, demonstrate how a patient check in might go in the Snohomish County Health Department’s new Health on Wheels Van on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New federal DEI restrictions on County Health Department funding spurs hiring halt

12 positions were paused for fear of unsustainable funding.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.