News & Views
Prevalent News & Relevant Perspectives
Freezing the Voter-Approved Tipped Wage
Local News
The tipped minimum wage is currently $10.00 per hour. This means employers must pay tipped employees at least $10.00 per hour in direct wages, and if an employee's tips do not bring their total earnings up to the full minimum wage (currently $17.95 per hour), the employer must make up the difference, according to the DC Office of Wage-Hour Compliance. The full minimum wage for non-tipped employees is $17.95 per hour.
The District of Columbia passed emergency legislation on June 3, 2025 that paused an increase to the tipped minimum wage from $10 per hour to $12 per hour, which was originally set to take effect on July 1, 2025. At least for now, this pause permits employers who lawfully take a tip credit to continue paying their tipped employees a cash wage of $10 per hour while taking a tip credit of $7.50 per hour.
Initiative 82
On November 30, 2022, the district passed the controversial Tip Credit Elimination Act, also known as Initiative 82, which gradually lowers the tip credit until it is eliminated altogether on July 1, 2027.
Since July 1, 2024, provided proper notice is given, District employers have been required to pay tipped employees a cash wage of $10.00 per hour so long as such employees earn a sufficient amount in tips so that their cash wage and tips are greater than or equal to the minimum wage, currently $17.50 per hour, for all hours worked. In other words, employers could take a tip credit of $7.50 against its minimum wage obligations for tipped employees.
On July 1, 2025, the hourly minimum wage in the District increased to $17.95. Under Initiative 82, on that date, the cash wage for tipped employees was set to increase from $10.00 per hour to $12.00, and the tip credit was set to decrease from $7.50 per hour to $5.95 per hour. However, the District City Council’s decision last week freezes the cash wage that must be paid to tipped employees at $10.00 per hour, thereby increasing the tip credit from $7.50 to $7.95 on July 1, 2025.
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Oppose Trump's Federal "Takeover" of DC
Local News
The nation’s capital sued to block President Donald Trump’s takeover of its police department in court on Friday, hours after his administration escalated its intervention into the city’s law enforcement by naming a federal official as the new emergency head of the department.
Washington’s police chief said Trump’s move would threaten law and order by upending the command structure. “In my nearly three decades in law enforcement, I have never seen a single government action that would cause a greater threat to law and order than this dangerous directive,” Chief Pamela Smith said in a court filing.
AP News
The S7 Position
The S7 stands in full, unequivocal and unapologetic opposition to the Trump administration's purported "takeover" of the District of Columbia.
This Executive action is based on a false premise, under-girded with racist motivations. President Donald Trump's allegation of a "Public Safety Emergency" are transparently refuted by statistical data that shows that criminal incidents are down in the District.
The President--along with his Republican cohorts--are again using the District--with a Black majority population--as a laboratory for his authoritarian aims. As Trump articulates like actions in other urban jurisdictions, we see Black-run cities--Baltimore, Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, Oakland--as his immediate targets. As with Trump's attack on Critical Race Theory (CRT), DEI, Smithsonian facts, higher education diversity efforts, and voting rights, this "takeover" of DC is rooted in racial animus.
As a District--lacking STATEHOOD--we must both in leadership, and collectively, stand in opposition to the Chief Executive's abuse of power and use the streets, the First Amendment, the courts and ultimately, the ballot box to repel this arrogant and unnecessary act of white, male, oppression that retards our progress toward American equality and democracy,
The Weaponization of Starvation on Gaza
World News
The hunger crisis in Gaza under Israel’s assault has reached a “tipping point,” experts and advocates tell NBC News, with deaths expected to soar if Palestinians do not get urgent relief.
And many children who do survive malnutrition will face lifelong consequences, they warn.
It is overtly obvious to the S7, that the nation-state of Israel is unapologetically intent on using the denial of food and water as weapons of war; what bombs fail to destroy, starvation will.
source: NBC News
Gun News
Charlie Kirk Shot & Killed at Public Event
Authorities say conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed by a single shot in an apparent targeted attack during an outdoor event Wednesday at Utah Valley University. Kirk co-founded the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA and was a close ally of President Donald Trump.
“This is a dark day for our state. It’s a tragic day for our nation,” said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. “I want to be very clear this is a political assassination.”
Authorities are seeking a new person of interest in the shooting and have no one in custody as of late Wednesday, according to a law enforcement official familiar with the matter who was not authorized to discuss the situation by name and spoke on condition of anonymity.
2 dead, 6 wounded in ‘senseless’ mass shooting at warehouse party in downtown L.A.
Two people were killed and six others were wounded at a warehouse party in downtown Los Angeles early Monday, the latest incident to turn violent stemming from unsanctioned gatherings in the area, authorities said.
About 11 p.m. Sunday, a “big party” was shut down at a warehouse in the 1100 block of 14th Place after officers saw a person possibly armed with a gun go inside, said Los Angeles Police Officer Norma Eisenman. That person was arrested at the scene, she said.
But about two hours later, at 1 a.m. Monday, officers were summoned to the area again after reports of gunfire, Eisenman said. Police said someone opened fire outside the warehouse and responding officers found eight people shot.
Aug. 4, 2025 Updated 3:26 PM PT
, Hannah Fry and Libor Jany
From the S7...
Another mass shooting--and we're surprised? Hardly. This malfunctioning behavior is expected in the United States where the prevalence of firearms is the infection on a "civilized" society that any and everyone knows will occur again.
We do not and strongly resist the terminology "senseless" used to describe events such as these; we're of the mind that, "it made sense to someone!"
What doesn't make sense is the failure and outright neglect to legislate against this public safety health epidemic: guns. As long as access is as easy as buying an apple pie, scared, angry, emotional, curious, vengeful and/or mean-spirited people will acquire and employ a firearm to show other people that killing people is the ultimate answer to any ill, woe or slight.
Guns haven't done us any favors; end the right to personal ownership, acquisition and/or possession of firearms...leave that to "a well-regulated militia" as clearly articulated in the U.S. Constitution's 2nd Amendment.
"End the Pandemic of Arms"
Pope Leo XIV called for the “pandemic of arms, large and small” to end during a weekly public prayer with crowds in St Peter’s Square on Sunday that also addressed the plague of mass shootings in the US.
The first US pope in history, a native of Chicago, spoke in English as he prayed for the victims of last week’s shooting during a Catholic school mass in Minnesota which saw two children killed and others seriously injured.
“Our prayers for the victims of the tragic shooting during a school mass in the American state of Minnesota,” he said. “We hold in our prayers the countless children killed and injured every day around the world. Let us plead God to stop the pandemic of arms, large and small, which infects our world.”
Fletcher Merkel, eight, and Harper Moyski, 10, were killed in the shooting on Wednesday at the Annunciation Catholic school church in Minneapolis and 18 people were injured. The shooter fired 116 rifle rounds through the church’s stained glass windows before he died by suicide.
The shooting has reignited debate over guns in the US after the Minneapolis mayor, Jacob Frey, called for solutions on gun control rather than the “thoughts and prayers” statements often made by Republicans. The US has experienced, by far, a higher proportion of mass gun shootings than other countries around the world.
The pope had initially refrained from political commentary in response to the shooting, offering condolences by telegram, stating he was saddened by the “terrible tragedy”.
Pope Leo XIV called for the “pandemic of arms, large and small” to end during a weekly public prayer with crowds in St Peter’s Square on Sunday that also addressed the plague of mass shootings in the US.
The first US pope in history, a native of Chicago, spoke in English as he prayed for the victims of last week’s shooting during a Catholic school mass in Minnesota which saw two children killed and others seriously injured.
“Our prayers for the victims of the tragic shooting during a school mass in the American state of Minnesota,” he said. “We hold in our prayers the countless children killed and injured every day around the world. Let us plead God to stop the pandemic of arms, large and small, which infects our world.”
Fletcher Merkel, eight, and Harper Moyski, 10, were killed in the shooting on Wednesday at the Annunciation Catholic school church in Minneapolis and 18 people were injured. The shooter fired 116 rifle rounds through the church’s stained glass windows before he died by suicide.
The shooting has reignited debate over guns in the US after the Minneapolis mayor, Jacob Frey, called for solutions on gun control rather than the “thoughts and prayers” statements often made by Republicans. The US has experienced, by far, a higher proportion of mass gun shootings than other countries around the world.
The pope had initially refrained from political commentary in response to the shooting, offering condolences by telegram, stating he was saddened by the “terrible tragedy”.
“While commending the souls of the deceased children to the love of Almighty God, His Holiness prays for the wounded as well as the first responders, medical personnel and clergy who are caring for them and their loved ones. At this extremely difficult time, the Holy Father imparts to the Annunciation Catholic School Community, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and the people of the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of peace, fortitude and consolation in the Lord Jesus,” the telegram stated.
He began his appeal on Sunday by calling for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, calling on both sides to make a “serious commitment to dialogue”.
“It’s time that those responsible renounce the logic of weapons and take the path of negotiations and peace, with the support of the international community,” Leo said. “The voice of weapons must be silenced, while the voice of fraternity and justice must rise.”
Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, had long decried the weapons industry calling gun manufacturers “merchants of death” and asked during his speech to US Congress in 2015 why weapons were sold purely to kill.
“Sadly, the answer, as we all know, is simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood,” Francis said during his speech. “In the face of this shameful and culpable silence, it is our duty to confront the problem and to stop the arms trade.”
August 31, 2025, The Guardian
Workers' News
Trump Leads Republican Lawmakers Into a Shutdown of the Federal Government
October 1, 2025
Democrats and Republicans have taken to social media to blame the opposing side for causing the government to shut down.
In a video posted on X, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., criticized Republicans and said they have refused to negotiate a bipartisan solution, in an “unprecedented manner.”
“If we do what the Republicans want us to do and pass a clean CR with no input at all from the opposition … 15 million Americans will lose their health insurance and tens of thousands will die unnecessarily every single year,” Sanders said.
Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., wrote, "The government is shut down because Trump wants to act like a king and steal from you."
Amidst the politicization of the shutdown, Trump's agencies are posting on social media that Democrats are responsible--where in the past, government agencies have traditionally been apolitical and non-partisan. And to compound a totally avoidable situation, Trump now threatens to fire federal government workers during the shutdown. The first shutdown in nearly seven years furloughed hundreds of thousands of workers and disrupted government functions, including federal court cases, assistance for veterans and the jobs report set for Friday. Critical services continued, such as mail deliveries and Social Security and Medicare benefits.
But that's not all:
With the government shut down, Republicans are centering their message on a simple argument: “Democrats are grinding America to a halt in order to give illegal immigrants free health care,” a blatant and false misleading of the American populace.
That message, from a new ad from the National Republican Congressional Committee, has been echoed by GOP lawmakers and the Trump administration in recent days.
Vice President JD Vance claimed on Fox News that the GOP’s “big, beautiful bill” turned off health funding for “illegal aliens.”
Anger Erupts as DC Council Passes a Tipped Wage Compromise
Angry protests erupted as D.C. Councilmembers voted Monday to pass a compromise amendment partially repealing Initiative 82, and the chamber went into lockdown amid the uproar.
Hours of debate surrounded the council’s vote to approve an almost $22 billion budget for 2026. There were lots of last-minute amendments, but none of the provisions were as contentious as the one rolling back voter-approved increases to the tipped minimum wage.
The compromise amendment, sponsored by Councilmembers Christina Henderson and Charles Allen, would slow increases to the tipped minimum wage and cap it at 75% of the regular minimum wage.
Supporters of Initiative 82 sat in the Council chambers and then started shouting when the amendment came up for a vote.
"I want to get through it without thinking that somebody's going to rush up on this dais," Henderson said.
Protesters were escorted out but then returned. When it became clear the amendment would pass 7-5, the Council chambers erupted.
Initiative 82 supporters were joined by protesters from the Fair Justice Coalition, some of whom wore red gloves to protest what they called “deeply dangerous” cuts to food, housing, health and behavioral service programs.
Published July 28, 2025 • Updated on July 29, 2025 at 6:25 am
DC Law for Workers
When it comes to protection of workers' rights in The District of Columbia, the Wage Theft Prevention Act leads the way...below are three of the most common worker protections used and enforced in DC:
The Minimum Wage
Minimum Wage:
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The District of Columbia's minimum wage is $17.95 per hour, according to the Office of Wage-Hour Compliance.
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This rate applies to both the minimum wage and the living wage.
Workers' Compensation:
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This coverage protects almost all private sector employees, with exceptions like independent contractors and unpaid volunteers.
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Employers in DC are required to provide workers' compensation coverage for all employees.
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Other Important Information:
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Federal Employment:
The District of Columbia employs a large number of federal civilian workers, totaling 141,367, according to OPM
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Reporting to Work: DC employers must pay employees for at least four hours of work if the employee reports for work but is given less than four hours of work, says DOES.
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Residency Requirements:
Certain employees, such as those in the Excepted Service, may be required to live in the District of Columbia.
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No Mandatory Breaks:
DC law does not mandate meal or rest breaks, but employers must still pay employees for time spent working
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Tipped Minimum Wage
Employees who receive tips may be paid a lower “tipped” minimum wage, but only if their employer complies with all of the following:
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The employer must ensure that each employee’s wages plus tips add up to at least the full minimum wage for every hour worked;
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The employer must provide each tipped employee with disaggregated pay stubs, separately reporting wages paid by the employer and any tip amounts, and tip amounts must be disaggregated by cash tips and credit card tips (called a “tip-declaration form”);
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The employer must notify the employee of the provisions of D.C. Code §32-1003(f) (the “tipped employee minimum wage” law);
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The employer must notify the employee of the percentage by which tips paid via credit card will be reduced by credit card fees; and
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The employer must ensure each employee keeps all tips they receive, or receives their fair share of money from a “pool” of tips received by all tipped employees. In order to “pool” tips, an employer also must:
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(a) Provide all employees with notice of the tip-pooling policy;
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(b) Post a copy of the tip-pooling policy in the workplace; and
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(c) Ensure that only employees who receive tips participate in the tip-pool. For example, managers and supervisors cannot participate in a tip pool earned by servers and bartenders.
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Where employers fail to follow these rules, they are liable for damages in the amount of wages owed, liquidated damages equal to three times the amount of wages owed, and penalties of $50-$100 per each violation. Employers may face additional penalties for recordkeeping and notice violations.
The D.C. tipped minimum wage is being phased out over time. In November 2022, Ballot Initiative 82, or the “District of Columbia Tip Credit Elimination Act,” was passed by District voters. Under this law, the tipped minimum wage will increase annually until 2027, when it will become the full minimum wage. During the transition period, employers must continue to comply with all of the above requirements. After this change, the law will still require that employees keep all tips they receive, in addition to the minimum wage.
Paid Family Leave
The District of Columbia is implementing Paid Family Leave so workers don’t have to choose between family and job security in a time of need.
Most individuals will face situations that require leave, such as caring for a family member or welcoming a new child. Paid Family Leave ensures that all individuals, regardless of their job, are able to access this valuable benefit. Paid Family Leave also protects workers against retaliation or discrimination for taking leave to care for themselves or family members.
The Paid Leave Act provides up to:
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2 weeks prenatal leave
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12 weeks to bond with a new child.
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12 weeks to care for a family member with a serious health condition.
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12 weeks to care for your own serious health condition.
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Generally, eligible workers spend a majority of their time working the District. Your employer must report your wages to DC for the purposes of unemployment insurance for you to be eligible for paid family leave. Ask your employer if you are unsure about whether you are covered by the program—your employer is required to tell you.
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If you are not a covered worker but are self-employed, you may be eligible if you earned self-employment income for work performed more than 50% of the time in DC and opted in to the program.
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You must be currently employed to apply for paid family leave benefits. In addition, your wages must have been reported by your covered employer in order for you to be eligible for the benefit. If you are receiving unemployment compensation benefits, you are not eligible for Paid Family Leave.
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If you've experienced a qualifying event...You must have already experienced a qualifying event in order to apply for paid family leave benefits. Qualifying events include: Having a baby or welcoming a new child into your household
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You qualify if you're experiencing or being diagnosed with a serious health condition
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You qualify if you have a family member who experienced or was diagnosed with a serious health condition
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You qualify if you're "becoming pregnant"