GREAT FALLS

Wildersmoor estate sells for record $14.75M price

The Wildersmoor House, a 17.5-acre equestrian estate in Great Falls, has been sold for $14.75 million in a landmark transaction that sets new benchmarks for property values in the affluent town.

The sprawling 24,500-square-foot residence boasts eight exquisite bedrooms and an array of luxurious amenities including a six-stall stable and training arena for the horses.

FALLS CHURCH

University of Virginia expansion scheduled for 2025

The University of Virginia is expanding its presence into northern Virginia with a new campus set to open in January 2025.

The campus will be located at the Inova Center for Personalized Health Complex in Falls Church, will offer classrooms and collaborative workspaces for full-time UVA students, as well as serve as a hub for working professionals taking online courses, and high schoolers participating in summer programs.

Eight of UVA's schools are expected to offer courses at the new facility, which aims to consolidate much of the university's current programming across northern Virginia while also providing a foundation for future programs.

LEGISLATION

New minimum wage bills land on Youngkin’s desk

The Virginia General Assembly, controlled by Democrats, has sent legislation to Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin that would increase the state's minimum wage to $15 per hour in 2026.

The bills, which passed on party-line floor votes, would bump the current $12-per-hour minimum wage to $13.50 on January 1st, 2025 and then to fifteen an hour on January 1st, 2026.

Advocates say this measure will help working families afford basic necessities and keep up with inflation while opponents argue it will harm small businesses by hiking up their operating expenses. The bills face an uncertain future as Youngkin has indicated his opposition but hasn't explicitly said he will veto them.

FAIRFAX

George Mason University Men’s Basketball makes history

The George Mason University men's basketball team won their first home game against a nationally-ranked opponent in the history of the program, beating Dayton with a score of 71-67. 

The Patriots trailed by 11 points in the second half but went on an impressive run to take control and hold on for the win despite Dayton's late rally. Freshman guard Baraka Okojie led with a career-best performance of 19 points, while sophomore guard Keyshawn Hall added 17 points and senior guard Ronald Polite III tallied up 13 points.

This victory marks Mason's highest-ranked regular season win in school history since its Elite Eight win over Connecticut back in 2006.