Photo by Kevln Harber on Flickr

The NTSB report is out

Testimony recently released by the NTSB from Metro’s fatal smoke incident paints a chaotic scene. Confusion and miscommunication kept the train operator from returning the train to the station, even as he reported passengers in extreme distress. (Post)  

Not cool

Metro users at Dupont Circle and Farragut North stations will find no relief from the stifling heat underground. Metro is using fans to cool the stations as they look for a leak in the chilled water system that normally does the job. (Post)  

Empty office parks

Across the region, suburban office markets are struggling to maintain tenants. Arlington will focus on strong pitches and government incentives to try to turn its office market around while Montgomery County wants to convert office parks to other uses and prioritize denser, transit-accessible office parks. (WBJ)  

Goodbye, flag

Governors McAuliffe and Hogan announced plans to eliminate Confederate flag license plates. Prior to a recent Supreme Court ruling, both states were under order to issue the plates. (Post)  

Go fishing

Recent renovations to DC’s public aquarium, the Aquatic Resources Education Center in Southeast, will make it easier to bring free programs like boating, fishing, and wildlife education to kids. (elevationDC)  

Ahead of the curve

The site of last month’s deadly Amtrak crash is on one of the curviest stretches of track between Washington and Boston. Amtrak has big plans for its curves and aging bridges to improve safety and cut trip time. (NYT)  

Elevate

A design group mapped over 700 miles of underdeveloped space beneath elevated rail and highway lines in New York City and is making unique recommendations to improve the underused spaces. (Hyperallergic)  

And…

This interactive map explores the history of housing segregation in the District. (Technical.ly/DC)  … DC ranks as the 2nd most lenient state when it comes to DUI enforcement. (WalletHub) … McDonald’s revealed the McBike, a prototype for bicycle-friendly burger and fries packaging. (thm, WIRED)