Tesla's so-called Autopilot system is under scrutiny once again following a crash that killed two passengers in the Houston area late Saturday. “The perception that self-driving cars can really operate themselves without driver involvement is worrying automotive watchdogs, who say that some Americans have grown dangerously confident in the capabilities of semi-autonomous vehicles,” per USA Today. “Tesla has been the most common target of critics for marketing that its vehicles are capable of ‘full self-driving’ with an upgrade.”

Amazon is launching its Amazon One technology at Whole Foods Market in Seattle, with plans to expand the tech across the chain in the coming months. Amazon One allows shoppers to pay using “their unique palm signature,” as Amazon calls it. The retailer introduced the technology in September as an entry and payment option at several stores in the Seattle area, including Amazon Go, Amazon Go Grocery, Amazon Books, Amazon 4-star and Amazon Pop Up.

Matthew McConaughey is polling well in Texas as the Lincoln brand ambassador considers a run for governor. The actor stacked favorably against incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott, according to a poll conducted by The Dallas Morning News and The University of Texas Tyler. McConaughey garnered the favor of 45% compared to the incumbent, who attracted 33% and 22% who are undecided. The poll surveyed 1,126 registered Texan voters.

Kobe Bryant's five-year, post-retirement endorsement extension with Nike expired this month, and his widow Vanessa Bryant and the Kobe Bryant estate have elected not to renew the partnership. Bryant and the estate had grown frustrated with Nike limiting the availability of products during the NBA star’s retirement and after his January 2020 death in a helicopter crash, sources told ESPN.

Prince Philip spent 16 years turning a Land Rover into a hearse for his funeral, which occurred this past Saturday and was watched by millions worldwide. At the age of 82, Philip began modifying the Land Rover Defender TD5 130 chassis cab vehicle in collaboration with Land Rover. Prince Philip loved Land Rovers and drove them for most of his life. “Land Rover has maintained the vehicle since it was built and kept it ready for the funeral in collaboration with the royal household,” per The Associated Press. "Thierry Bollore, Land Rover's chief executive, said that the company was 'deeply …

The venerable 195-year-old iconic brand is relaunching as a digital “collective” store that includes a private label and collaborations. “In addition to classic favorites, the new site will focus on up-and-coming and emerging brands,” per Chain Store Age. New owner The Saadia Group, which bought the rights to the brand from its bankrupt owner, Le Tote Inc., in a bankruptcy auction in October 2020 for $12 million, says it is “deeply committed to continuing the rich legacy of the brand in a progressive way.”

Peloton is pushing back on a safety warning against its treadmill, saying the warning is “inaccurate and misleading.” The company said there was no reason for consumers to refrain from using the machine, adding that safety instructions should always be followed. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued an “urgent warning” after reports of 38 injuries and one death were linked to the machine, known as the Tread or Tread+.

"Macy’s is expanding its off-price Backstage concept – in-store and in freestanding locations," reports Chain Store Age. The retailer will open 45 in-store units this year, and plans to "resume opening freestanding Backstage locations," as well. "Macy’s launched the off-price banner in fall 2015."

Last week Adidas launched Stan Smith Mylo, the first sneaker to be made with mushroom-based material as "an environmental statement," according to Forbes. Mylo, developed by  biotechnology company Bolt Threads, has also been used by Stella McCartney for her Falabella bag, and last month," the world’s first garment made of Mylo: a sensual-yet-athletic black top and utilitarian trouser, featuring the mushroom leather laid on recycled nylon scuba."

Um, yeah, Busch Dog Brew is a real thing -- an alcohol-free, bone broth brew that launched last year. Now the company is hosting a contest to hire a four-legged taste tester.  The Winner get $20,000, 10 four-packs of Busch Dog Brew and an $800 prepaid card to purchase pet insurance for his or her  dog.