Breakfast links: Maryland turns purple

Purple pulls through the state

The Purple Line has passed its last state hurdle. The Maryland Board of Public Works unanimously approved the contract after less than an hour of discussion. Construction should start sometime this year with an opening date planned for 2022. (Post)

Weigh in on the wage

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett supports the council’s plan to raise the minimum wage to $15/hour, but he wants to phase in the changes more slowly over six years, with a provision to hold off if the economy sours. (Post)

Housing for all in Arlington

Arlington’s homeless population has steadily decreased since 2013. Two new county initiatives will work to better understand youth homelessness and ease rental eligibility requirements. (ArlNow)

Strip club shutdown

12 strip clubs in Prince George’s County located near residential areas must shut down by Friday. The clubs have spent the past year fighting a recent zoning change that restricts strip clubs to industrial areas. (Post)

College Park to college town

University, county officials, and business leaders sat down to discuss the future of College Park yesterday, including how the group will work together on affordable housing, new development, the Purple Line, and public safety to turn the city “into a real college town.” (The Diamondback)

Not so easy to rename

Prince William County voted to change the name of a middle school to honor a local philanthropist. But it could cost the county more than half a million dollars to replace schools signs and uniforms. (Potomac Local)

Transit in bloom

The annual Cherry Blossom Festival always brings a surge in tourism and Metro ridership. Last year, ridership at the Smithsonian station jumped 51% in April compared to all other months in 2015.  (Post)

Less teens on the road

The number of teenagers drivers on US roads is at its lowest since the 1960s. The recession and changing attitudes about automobiles are likely drivers of this shift. (CityLab)