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

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