Tesla focusing on brakes —?not autopilot — in fatal crash; Amazon on a hiring binge; And more news

Tesla suspects issues with the braking system — not autopilot – were instrumental in the fatal crash of the Model S that was operating itself when it smashed into a semi. The automatic braking system either failed to act or failed to detect the truck, company officials told congressional investigators, according to Bloomberg. One proffered theory was that the sedan detected the 18-wheeler "but discounted it as part of a design to disregard overhead structures such as bridges and highway signs."

Hewlett Packard Enterprise shares got a bounce on a report it might be taken private. "Several private equity firms including KKR, Apollo Global Management and Carlyle Group are sniffing around Hewlett Packard Enterprise," writes Kevin McLaughlin at The Information (paywall), in a deal that "would be worth more than $40 billion." CNBC also read the piece.

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Microsoft will lay off 2,850 more people over the next year, more fallout from its "costly bet on Nokia," as CNN Money puts it. The unwinding cost 18,000 positions in 2014 — the biggest round of layoffs in company history. The new round follows disclosure of 1,850 cuts two months ago and 7,800 a year ago. [Eds Note: Microsoft announced in June that it was buying LinkedIn.]

Amazon grew its global workforce by nearly 10% in Q2, bringing its total to 268,900. That still pales in comparison to the world's largest private employer — which also happens to be in the same industry: WalMart, with 2.1 million workers.

Jason Bourne is expected to top weekend box office, with what Variety estimates will be about $50 million at the box office. It's the fourth film in the franchise starring Matt Damon in the eponymous role. Bad Moms is the one to beat in comedy, the trade publication reports, and could reap $22 million in its debut — $2 million more than the movie cost to make.

Expect to pay a lot more for your kid's high school supplies this season. According to the Huntington Bank Backpack Index (I just heard of it too) the necessities will cost 6.8% more. Must be electronics, since the hike is much less for elementary (1.5%) and middle schoolers (1.6%).