Photo by Mindaugas Danys on Flickr.

Mad as hell

Metro announced what caused last week’s derailment. It was a track defect and it turns out Metro knew about it back in July and did nothing. We’re angry, to put it mildly. (NBC4)  

Rise of the mini-city

Mini-cities are now replacing the old office parks in our region. Companies are looking at new urban communities in Rockville, Fairfax, and Shady Grove to replace out-dated office parks. (Post)  

Fix income disparities

The difference between poverty in white and black communities is how concentrated it is. A Rutgers professor suggests laws requiring every community to build housing for the full income spectrum of the whole metro area.  (Post)  

Rethink retirement

Should we be holding up “aging in place” as the ideal way to retire? Urban environments are better for it than car-centric ones, but many people still choose travel and retirement communities when they can.  (Metropolis, Neil)  (Tip: Neil)  

Teach kids to ride

DCPS elementary schools will be receiving bikes to incorporate into their curriculum. Students will learn how to ride a bike, bike safety, and skills like reading maps. DDOT is supplying the bikes and helmets. (WTOP, beim)  

Meals on wheels

Rosslyn is testing four specially designated food truck zones. Trucks can still park in any metered spot, but must obey meter time limits. If successful, the program may expand to other parts of Arlington County. (City Paper)  

New digs for TSA

The Victory Center in Alexandria will be the new home for TSA headquarters. Alexandria officials hope the deal could help transform the Eisenhower Avenue corridor. (WBJ)  

Survey says…

VDOT is updating their bike routes and trail network in Northern Virginia and wants to hear your thoughts. The survey will help VDOT chart its progress and identify areas that still need more improvements. (FABB)