Local
Tipped workers urge ‘vote no’ on Initiative 77 in new video
Voting takes place on June 19

Shi-Queeta-Lee (Screenshot via YouTube)
Tipped employees at LGBT-friendly establishments explain why they are against passing Initiative 77 in a new video for the NO2DC77 Committee.
If approved by voters on June 19, Initiative 77 would increase tipped workers’ minimum wage in D.C., which currently stands at $3.33, toĀ the standard minimum wage of $12.50. The initiativeĀ would increase wages byĀ 2026.
Those who are against the initiative fear that increasing the minimum wage would deter people from tipping as often, as much or at all.
In the video, the interviewed employees say that if Initiative 77 is passed they would have to rethink their living situations in the District or find other jobs to supplement their income.
Watch below.
Virginia
VIDEO: LGBTQ groups march in Va. inaugural parade
Abigail Spanberger took office on Saturday
The inaugural ceremonies for Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger were held in Richmond, Va. on Saturday. Among the groups marching in the parade were Diversity Richmond and the Virginia Pride project of Diversity Richmond.
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Virginia
Va. Senate approves referendum to repeal marriage amendment
Outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin introduced SJ3
The Virginia Senate on Friday by a 26-13 vote margin approved a resolution that seeks to repeal a state constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
Outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) introduced SJ3. The Senate Privileges and Elections Committee on Wednesday approved it by a 10-4 vote margin.
Same-sex couples have been able to legally marry in Virginia since 2014. Outgoing Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2024 signed a bill that codified marriage equality in state law.
A resolution that seeks to repeal the Marshall-Newman Amendment passed in the General Assembly in 2021. The resolution passed again in 2025.
Two successive legislatures must approve the resolution before it can go to the ballot. Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates have said the resolutionās passage is among their 2026 legislative priorities.
āItās time for Virginiaās Constitution to reflect the law of the land and the values of today,ā said Ebbin after Fridayās vote. āThis amendment, if approved by voters, would affirm the dignity of all committed couples and protects marriage equality for future generations.ā
Maryland
Layoffs and confusion at Pride Center of Maryland after federal grants cut, reinstated
Trump administration move panicked addiction and mental health programs
By ALISSA ZHU | After learning it had abruptly lost $2 million in federal funding, the Pride Center of Maryland moved to lay off a dozen employees, or about a third of its workforce, the Baltimore nonprofitās leader said Thursday.
The group is one of thousands nationwide that reportedly received letters late Tuesday from the Trump administration. Their mental health and addiction grants had been terminated, effective immediately, the letters said.
By Wednesday night, federal officials moved to reverse the funding cuts by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, estimated to total $2 billion, according to national media reports. But the Pride Center of Marylandās CEO Cleo Manago said as of Thursday morning he had not heard anything from the federal government confirming those reports.
The rest of this article can be read on the Baltimore Bannerās website.
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