PROTECT CONSUMER JUSTICE.ORG

Detroit Free Press: A Michigan judge has ruled a mandatory arbitration clause in Hooters employment contracts does not prevent the company from being sued for discriminating against waitresses based on weight.

New York Times: Wal-Mart Stores has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to determine if a gender discrimination suit against the company can remain a class action, with more than a million plaintiffs.

Associated Press: A class action suit has been filed, accusing Farmers Group Inc. of refusing to pay claims by more than 1,000 homeowners stemming from a major fire near Los Angeles last summer.

Courthouse News Service: A class action lawsuit filed in Florida stems from what the plaintiffs describe as an “extensive and comprehensive marketing campaign.”

Bloomberg: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners tells consumers they may be better off taking the death benefit payments they are entitled to rather than letting insurance companies hold onto the money.

The Chronicle of Higher Education: Two former students have accused Westwood College of engaging in deceptive trade practices, from recruitment to job placement.

Associated Press: refusal to hire job applicants based on criminal or credit records can be illegal if it has a disproportionate impact on blacks and Latinos.