The NAACP, which contends that several major mortgage lenders forced African Americans into bad loans that have sparked an epidemic in foreclosures, filed a class-action suit Friday in a Los Angeles court. Among the culprits, says the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights organization, are Wells Fargo and HSBC, which steered Blacks into sub-prime mortgages, even in cases when their credit qualifications – such parameters as credit scores, incomes and down payments – were better or identical to those of White borrowers. Read more.

Golfer could defend Dubai Desert Classic title

Tiger Woods says he could be back in action in time for late January’s Dubai Desert Classic title, following knee surgery. Woods is still recovering, but told media at a recent appearance in Dubai that he could be ready. “I don’t know my schedule for next year… I will be hitting golf balls at the beginning of the year,” Woods said. The star spoke at the launch of a billion-dollar golf project that he designed in Dubai this week. The Desert Classic begins Jan. 27, 2009.

“Boundary calls” will be up for review. The debate among baseball purists and those arguing that the sport use technology to its advantage has ended. Major League stadiums that recently installed video monitoring equipment have officially enacted the use of instant replay. Partly inspired by questionable homerun calls from on the field, the review will be used selectively, officials say. “Boundary calls,” not balls and strikes, will be the plays that are subject to determination by replay, in addition to umpires, says Commissioner Bud Selig.

Peoria Chiefs Player Allegedly Hit Spectator In Head With Ball.
The Peoria Chiefs’ Julio Castillo could face up to eight years in prison and a $15,000 fine if he’s convicted of deliberately hitting a fan with a pitch during a Class A game’s brawl last week. The minor-league fracas between the Chiefs and Dayton Dragons resulted in 15 player and manager ejections. Castillo is shown on camera winding up and throwing a ball that allegedly struck spectator Chris McCarthy, 44, in the forehead. McCarthy was treated at a hospital in Dayton. Castillo, 21, was tackled to the ground after throwing the pitch, and later jailed. The Dominican Republic native’s passport was revoked. He’s free after posting bond.