Business News at a Glance

Pedestrian’s Death in Arizona Casts Pall on Testing of Self-Driving Cars

When Uber and other companies began testing driverless cars a few years ago, Arizona officials invited the companies to the state’s roads, promising to keep oversight light. Then on Sunday night, an autonomous car operated by Uber — with an emergency backup driver behind the wheel — struck and killed a woman on a street in Tempe. It was believed to be the first pedestrian death associated with self-driving technology. The company quickly suspended testing in Tempe as well as in Pittsburgh, San Francisco and Toronto. The accident was a reminder that self-driving technology is still in the experimental stage.

Facebook Executive Planning to Leave Company Amid Disinformation Backlash

As Facebook grapples with a backlash over its role in spreading disinformation, an internal dispute over how to handle the threat and the public outcry is resulting in the departure of a senior executive. The impending exit of Alex Stamos, Facebook’s chief information security officer, reflects heightened leadership tension at the top of the social network. Stamos had advocated more disclosure around Russian interference with the platform and some restructuring to better address the issues, but was met with resistance by colleagues, said current and former employees. In December, Stamos’ day-to-day responsibilities were reassigned to others, they said.

Claire’s, the Teen Jewelry Chain, Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

For four decades Claire’s jewelry chain has been a fixture at malls and shopping centers. But the company is now struggling financially, with a heavy debt burden. And like so many other retailers, it is looking for help in bankruptcy court. On Monday, Claire’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware, hoping to shed $1.9 billion in debt and close some underperforming stores. The chain, which said it operates in 99 percent of U.S. malls, selling low-priced cubic zirconia jewelry and other accessories, was purchased by private equity firm Apollo Global Management for $3.1 billion in 2007.

Tronc’s Chairman Steps Down; Accused of Unwanted Advances

Michael W. Ferro Jr., a Chicago entrepreneur and the biggest shareholder in the newspaper publisher Tronc, has stepped down as the company’s chairman, Tronc announced Monday, hours before the publication of a report in which two women accused him of inappropriate sexual advances. Justin Dearborn, the company’s chief executive, will replace Ferro as chairman. The move was made just weeks after Ferro helped negotiate the sale of Tronc’s crown jewel, the Los Angeles Times. Ferro will remain an investor in Tronc and, through another one of his companies, Merrick Ventures, will maintain a consulting position.

Prosecutors Investigate Firms That Offer Plaintiffs Early Cash

Federal prosecutors are investigating the fast-growing business of finance companies that provide cash advances to plaintiffs in personal injury and other lawsuits, according to five lawyers briefed on the investigation. Dozens of firms offer money to plaintiffs who do not want to wait to collect on settlements or damages they might receive. Critics say the advances are the equivalent of payday loans because their high annual interest rates — as much as 100 percent — can trap recipients in deepening cycles of debt. The industry has been moving to tap into an anticipated wave of lawsuits alleging workplace sexual harassment.

Dior Confirms Kim Jones as Menswear Artistic Director

British designer Kim Jones was confirmed as the new artistic director of Dior Homme on Monday, two months after he stepped down as artistic director of menswear at Louis Vuitton. He will replace Kris Van Assche, who had been in the role 11 years. The creative reshuffling and the hiring of Jones are the first major strategic decisions by Pietro Beccari, chief executive of Christian Dior Couture, who joined the brand from Fendi in November. The news will most likely heighten speculation about the future of Maria Grazia Chiuri, the fashion house’s artistic director of womenswear.

Push to Settle McDonald’s Case, a Threat to Franchise Model

The Trump appointee charged with enforcing federal labor rights is moving to head off a court ruling in a case against McDonald’s that could redefine the accountability of companies for their franchisees’ employment practices. The case, being tried before a special court of the National Labor Relations Board, was brought during the Obama administration. Since President Donald Trump’s election, Republican members have steered the board away from a pro-labor orientation. An adverse verdict for McDonald’s could have enormous implications. Employees at disparate franchise locations could seek union representation to deal with parent companies, rather than work out disputes with franchisees.