General Motors is going forward with its plans to stop offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its electric vehicles going forward, despite concerns by dealers. Instead, the automaker is developing a native system. "GM has not made the system available for evaluation by outsiders — or even its own dealers, many of whom are concerned," per the Detroit Free Press. "That’s a common sentiment from dealers and potential customers. Apple CarPlay is available on 98% of new vehicles sold in the United States. People are used to it. They expect the convenience of accessing their contacts, music and more via familiar …

Mercedes-Benz is the latest automaker to announce it will equip its electric vehicles with ports that will support the Tesla charging network. "The company joins American rivals Ford and General Motors to adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) as they try to expand their network of fast-chargers in an attempt to make owning EVs easier," per Reuters. "Mercedes-Benz will initially offer an adapter that would help its existing EVs with the Combined Charging System in North America to charge on the NACS network from 2024. The CCS is a widely used rival plug for DC fast-charging." 

Nike, Levi Strauss and Adidas are among the brands that received positive marks for phasing out mulesing, a practice where strips of skin are cut from a sheep’s hind quarters to reduce the risk of parasitic infection by flies. "The Better Wool Guide splits its brands and retailers into two tiers," per Sourcing Journal. "The top tier includes those that are already 100 percent non-mulesed with verification partly or exclusively through a robust certification scheme, such as the Responsible Wool Standard or ZQ Merino, and those that have a time-bound commitment to be fully non-mulesed."

What started out as an April Fool's Day joke on Instagram has resulted in a limited-edition product. Named the Runlate, the timepiece is a rendition of the brand's flagship Runwell model, but it swaps out each one of the hour markers for the word “LATE” on its dial. Only 100 pieces will be made. 

Subway is apologizing after one of its stores in Georgia decided to make light of the recent implosion of a submersible. "Our subs don't implode" was the message on the billboard. "The text is, presumably, in reference to the recent high profile case of the Titan submersible, which imploded during an expedition to visit the wreck of the Titanic, killing all five on board," per Creative Bloq. "And as you might expect, social media has been quick to slam the brand, calling out the tasteless ad on Twitter and beyond."

A politician is calling out Ben & Jerry's over the company's call for Mount Rushmore to be returned to Indigenous populations whose land was “stolen” by the U.S. government. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said in an interview on Fox News that she will not listen to “a bunch of liberal Vermont businessmen who think they know everything about this country and haven’t studied our history.” 

A Chicago lawsuit is targeting the maker of the gun used in a mass shooting, claiming that Smith & Wesson "targets impulsive young men" in its social media advertisements aimed at video gamers. "Smith & Wesson is trying to capitalize on their interest and love for playing these games by offering them the real-life weapons that they’re using to kill people in these games,” said attorney Ari Scharg. The lawsuit alleges Smith & Wesson of “unlawfully marketing” its M&P 15 semi-automatic assault rifle -- the one the Highland Park, Illinois shooter used.

The Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Food and Drug Administration are cracking down on companies that sell edible cannabis produces in packaging that closely resembles kids' snacks such as Doritos chips and Oreo cookies.  "Marketing edible THC products that can be easily mistaken by children for regular foods is reckless and illegal," Samuel Levine, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a statement. "Companies must ensure that their products are marketed safely and responsibly, especially when it comes to protecting the well-being of children." 

The age of "The Jetsons" is upon us. The first flying car, the Alef "Model A," has been approved by Federal Aviation Administration. The electric car can take off vertically and has a flight range of 110 miles. Created by a San Mateo, California-based start-up, the vehicle will cost $300,000 and deliveries are expected to start in 2025. 

When Barbie bought her first dreamhouse in 1962, it was difficult for women in real life to obtain a mortgage without a male co-signer.  "From the beginning, much of Barbie’s existence — her unrealistic physical proportions, the lack of racially diverse dolls, the toy’s reinforcing of gender roles — has been debated in jest and in seriousness," per The New York Times. "But her home, which has not been as publicly parsed or praised like the doll, has been a mirror for the various social, political and economic changes the rest of the country was experiencing."