Dive Summary:

• The D.C. Council proposed to raise the minimum wage requirements within the city for big-box retailers and has passed the bill, which will increase the “living wage” to $12.50 per hour.
• Despite claims from Wal-Mart that it would scrap plans for three new area stores if the bill is signed into law, the council voted 8-5 to approve the bill.
• "This is a difficult decision for us — and unfortunate news for most D.C. residents — but the council has forced our hand," said Wal-Mart spokesman Steve Restivo.

From the article:

The Chicago City Council approved a similar bill seven years ago, but it was vetoed by then-mayor Richard M. Daley. Joe Moore, the city alderman who sponsored the bill, said Wal-Mart made "the same kind of threats" about refusing to open stores in the city when the legislation was being considered. Wal-Mart ultimately opened several Chicago stores. ...