Breakfast links: Expanding and contracting

Too soon to tell

MDOT chief Pete Rahn spent Wednesday touring the Purple Line route. He said he can save about 10% in construction costs, but Governor Hogan is still skeptical of the economic benefits. With the governor’s decision anticipated mid-month, local officials are uneasy about the project’s future. (Post)

Summer shift

The DC Council approved raising the age of eligibility for the Summer Youth Employment Program to 24, but expressed concerns about the program’s effectiveness and frustration that Mayor Bowser already set plans in motion. (Post)

Mayoral muses

Alexandria’s mayoral candidates pressed current Mayor Euille on delays and cost increases for the Potomac Yard Metro at Tuesday’s debate. Alexandria will hold the primary election on June 9. (WAMU)

Spur support

Prince William County leaders support the plan to extend the VRE to Gainesville and Haymarket. VRE is studying the project now, and it could open as soon as 2021. (Potomac Local)

Don’t hate on Ward 8

Wards 7 and 8 get a lot of negative publicity and misplaced pity. Many communities on the other side of the Anacostia aren’t underserved, but rather undervalued. That makes it difficult to form useful partnerships. (CHOTR)

Arlington acquires land

Arlington County will purchase six acres of land for public facilities near Washington-Lee High School. There’s no official plan for the land yet, but residents think Arlington should use the space for schools. (Post, ArlNow)

Arlington’s aura

With postponed bike events and derailed transportation projects, Arlington seems to be losing its edge. New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand once called Arlington a “soulless suburb.” Is it really becoming one? (Washingtonian)

And…

The first

A new curb-protected bike lane in DC is under construction. (TheWashCycle) … Destination DC released a series of DC themed emojis for your phone, including the flag, a Metro train and several of the monuments. (Post) … Despite the lack of a stove, life in a microunit doesn’t seem half bad. (UrbanTurf)