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THE BIG IDEA

George Mason University law school is down almost $40M.

By 2025, George Mason's law school could be $38.3 million in the red, based on documents presented to GMU's board recently.

There is a glimmer of good news though. Fall 2024 enrollment is up 18.4% from last year to 116 students. But that's still 27% lower than 2022's numbers and less than half of the 259 admitted in Fall 2021.

Over the years, Scalia Law has reeled in some huge gifts like the $30 million to put Justice Scalia's name on the door. But those massive donors are now scarce as the school hemorrhages money.

What's causing the leak?

In 2024, tuition revenue dropped 5.8% to $23.5 million while expenses rose over $1 million. For 2025, the school projects an even bigger tuition revenue decline.

Here's a potential lifeline -- GMU has floated a proposal to the dean: forgive a $4 million loan over 3 years and cover tuition discounts and operating costs. But there's a big caveat. The school must break even annually, grow non-J.D. revenue, cut costs, and increase fundraising.

Side note: Does anyone else remember the whole #ASSLaw thing?

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Bulletin Board 📌 

Reader Restaurant Recommendation

TWO of our readers, Kiara and Julia, recommended that you guys check out Ambar in Arlington. Kiara says they change their menu seasonally so you can taste different offerings with each visit, or just go with one of their staples. Plus, look at that decor!

QUICK HITS

• The DC metro area ranked the fourth highest in the country in terms of work-from-home adoption 🧑‍💻 

• Here’s what it takes to be a professional haunter at Cox Farms’ Fields of Fear 🧟 

• Reservoir Park has finally opened in Ashburn after being under construction since 2022 🚣 

• ICYMI: Shane Gillis filmed his Netflix special at Capital One Hall in Tysons last year — you’ve gotta check out the Trump impression from his act 😆 

LIVE EVENT LOWDOWN

• Vienna Oktoberfest | the 15th annual festival is back on historic Church Street all day tomorrow 🎃 

• Haunt | a heart-pounding journey through the eerie remnants of the historic Workhouse prison starting tonight 🪓 

• $5 Comedy | a lineup of local comedians at The State Theater in Falls Church tomorrow 🎙️ 

• Anime Fairfax | a one day mini convention celebrating anime, gaming, and cosplay tomorrow in Chantilly ⛩️

• Rosslyn Fall Festival | celebrate autumn with tons of fall activities, pie eating contests, and more at Gateway Park 🍂 

• Art on the Avenue | a multicultural arts and music festival in the heart of the historic Del Ray neighborhood tomorrow 🎻 

• Fall Jubilee | one hundred craft booths, live music and entertainment, and more in Historic Downtown Manassas 🍁 

• 80th Waterford Fair | the Mid-Atlantic’s quintessential fall festival is back this weekend in Waterford with tons of local artisan crafts, food, and live music 🎸 

• Dashain Tihar Fest | a vibrant celebration of Nepali culture at the PWC Fairgrounds in Manassas tomorrow 🇳🇵 

• Baskerville | Ken Ludwig’s fast-paced Sherlock Holmes play, opening tomorrow night in Manassas 🕵️

• Fiesta Fairfax!  | a community celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with performances, music, and food 😋 

• Apple Harvest Fest | celebrating Blue Ridge Farmers and their offerings in Syria VA this weekend 🍎

• DC Coffee Festival | enjoy tons of local specialty roasters this weekend at DOCK5 at Union Market ☕️ 

• Goblin Golf | Halloween themed golf with ghosts and goblin at the Burke Lake Park course tomorrow ⛳️ 

• Fall Wine Sunset Tour | unlimited tastings from Virginia’s wineries after hours at the Mount Vernon estate this weekend 🍷 
  Nerfmania | the Segra Field pitch will be transformed into a Nerf battlefield with inflatable bunkers tonight in Leesburg 🔫 

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Let’s dance! 💃