Et Cetera

Generations of Americans, it once seemed, could count not only on death and taxes but also on Sears, Roebuck & Co. Faith in the department-store chain was shaken in June when the California attorney general accused Sears auto-repair centers of performing second-rate or unnecessary work. Sears soon faced 19 class-action suits and the possibility that all of its 72 auto shops in California would be closed. But last week the legendary retailer announced a $15 million settlement, including refunds of $50 and up to auto customers who had counted themselves among Sears' suckers.