Breakfast links: Hot metal

Derecho caused chaos

Derecho-related power outages contributed to evacuation confusion July 3, as Metro’s primary monitoring failed and the backup couldn’t tell a section lacked power. (Examiner)

It’s hot, slow down

In the wake of last week’s heat wave, Metro will now have high temperature speed limits to avoid problems caused by heat kinks like the one that derailed a train. (Washington Times)

More time for special elections

Congress has passed a law allowing DC special elections between 70 and 174 days after a vacancy, giving more flexability than the current standard of within 114 days. (NBC4)

Reform outdated marriage laws

DC’s marriage laws forbid people who aren’t clergy or judges from officiating at weddings. Most states don’t require this any more, and neither should DC. (WAMU)

DC could have had small housing

While New York works on a contest for small living spaces, one DC firm had plans on building units of a mere 275 square feet, but the project was abandoned in favor of office tenants. (UrbanTurf)

No more going to the store?

Amazon is working on same-day delivery in many cities, while also agreeing to collect sales taxes, which they’ve fought in the past. Will the move hurt local business? Or hurt the big retail chains? (Slate)

Transpo bill looks even worse

The changes to bike-ped funding are worse than some thought: states can use their money for anything else at all, and the law forcing cyclists to ride on a sidepath on federal roads stayed in, though with exceptions. (Streetsblog)