Up and down graph image from Shutterstock.

Why people leave

More people left the region from 2014-2015 than before (though births and international immigration kept the total population growing). The biggest reasons: the cost of housing and child care, and finding job opportunities elsewhere. (WBJ, David W)  (Tip: David W)  

Where the kids are

The number of school-age children in DC has been rising since 2011, but they’re much more likely to live either west of Rock Creek or in areas like Petworth, while east of the river areas have lost children. (District, Measured)  

Welcome the millennials

Arlington is the best city for recent college graduates, according to another new ranking, while DC is third. Many jobs in management, science, and the arts boost the area, but people also spend more on housing. (DCist)  

Fixing the freeway problem

Freeways isolated the neighborhood where Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx grew up, as in many other poor neighborhoods. Foxx wants to ensure federal transportation dollars don’t just benefit affluent areas. (Post)  

Tragedy at Metro station, again

DC’s 26th murder of the year claimed a teenager on the way to get a haircut with his family at Deanwood Metro Saturday. Metro officials said cameras in the station helped quickly catch the shooter, and the system is not more dangerous than the surrounding area. (Post)  

WMATA (HQ) for sale

WMATA may sell its headquarters to raise funds. A future owner would have to contend with the Red Line in the basement and a cooling system for three nearby stations. (City Paper)  

Largo hospital is more likely

The Maryland legislature agreed to fund a planned new hospital at Largo Town Center. But Governor Hogan is holding funding back, citing fears of cost overruns. Rushern Baker is very eager to get the hospital built. (WBJ)  

How Purple got cheaper

The Purple Line’s winning bid shaved off $550 million from initial investments through smaller trains, fewer railcars, and station area design changes. Moving Silver Spring’s station accounted for about $30 million of that. (WAMU)  

And…

The Smithsonian keeps supporting Bill Cosby. (The Atlantic) … Los Angeles will create a database of its parking signs. (Curbed LA) … A non-cable-related fire disrupted Orange Line service in Arlington today, and Circulator buses will be scarcer as many get maintenance inspections. (City Paper, Post)