News Notes: Judge Slashes Huge Verdict Against Wonder Bread

A San Francisco judge has dramatically sliced a recent jury award of over $131 million to African-American workers who were discriminated againstby their employer, Interstate Bakeries Corp. Calling the verdict against the maker of Wonder Bread excessive, the judge reduced the original award, which included compensation for lost wages and pain and suffering, together with punitive damages, to $27.3 million. The workers charged they endured racial epithets and inferior treatment and were passed over for promotions, among other things. The bakery said it would still appeal, despite the reduction in the verdict.