NewsBeast: March 29, 2011

Washington, D.C.— Defendant Betty Dukes stands alone on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court after oral arguments in Wal-Mart v. Dukes, a challenge to her whopping class-action sex-discrimination suit against the mega-retailer. The case, known by Dukes’s supporters as “Betty v. Goliath,” concerns whether female Wal-Mart employees were unfairly denied promotions. It is being heard by a court that has just seen two landmark female appointments. How will the three female justices influence their male peers? We’ll know next fall, when the court rules.

'He actually deserved his Nobel Prize.' President Obama, introducing fellow laureate Energy Secretary Steven Chu.

WHAT'S AHEAD

April 5  Astronauts blast off for the International Space Station.
April 6  Silvio Berlusconi's corruption trial begins.
April 7  U.S. Masters golf championship tees off.
April 8  Deadline for U.S. government shutdown.
April 9  Playboy founder Hugh Hefner turns 85.
April 10  National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.

NEWS BITES | How do rising oil prices affect you?

Chloë Sevigny  "The price of heating my home went up, but I drive a Prius, do composting, and air-dry my clothes."

Nina Garcia  "I don't drive because I live in New York, but it certainly has affected my traveling costs when I fly."

Anna Sui  "Fabric prices have escalated, and that makes it difficult to keep my clothes within a certain price range."