The Daily Brief: CSU Bets Big on ChatGPT, Backlash Mounts Against Proposed Dodgers Gondola, and more.

_{Advertisement}

CSU Invests $17M to Bring ChatGPT to All 23 Campuses

California State University is rolling out ChatGPT Edu across its 23 campuses, granting nearly half a million students and faculty access to the AI tool. Leaders call the $17 million investment an equity move, ensuring equal access to emerging technology. While critics argue the costly program comes at the expense of course offerings, faculty jobs, and already strained budgets.

Melrose Hill Welcomes Bar 109, a Chic New Cocktail Spot

Melrose Hill just got a refined new watering hole with the opening of Bar 109, a swanky cocktail lounge from chef Brian Baik, formerly of Eleven Madison Park. The companion bar to Baik’s forthcoming seafood restaurant, Corridor 109, features inventive cocktails, elevated bar snacks, and a sleek interior by Montalba Architects. With a sake sommelier, curated wine list, and a polished late-night atmosphere, Bar 109 is already shaping up to be one of the neighborhood’s most buzzworthy new destinations.

West Hollywood Lowers Speed Limits to Improve Road Safety

West Hollywood is slowing things down citywide, reducing speed limits by 5 mph on major arteries like Sunset, Melrose, and Santa Monica, as well as commercial and residential streets. City officials say the changes, part of WeHo’s Vision Zero plan, aim to curb severe and fatal crashes and were informed by state law, traffic studies, and national safety data.

HelloFresh to Pay $7.5 Million in Consumer Protection Settlement

HelloFresh, the world’s largest meal kit delivery service, has agreed to a $7.5 million settlement after prosecutors alleged it misled customers about subscription renewals and made cancellations difficult. The case, brought by the Los Angeles and Santa Clara County District Attorneys, claimed the company violated California’s Automatic Renewal Law. While denying wrongdoing, HelloFresh will pay penalties, investigative costs, and restitution to affected customers.

Backlash Mounts Against Dodger Stadium Gondola and State Fast-Track Bill

Los Angeles City Council members and community groups are pushing back against a proposed gondola linking Union Station and Dodger Stadium, warning it could harm parkland and sidestep local oversight. Critics argue that a new state bill would fast-track the project at the expense of environmental review and community input, while supporters say the aerial transit line would cut traffic and pollution on game days.

_{Advertisements}

Recommended Newsletters: