Briefs: Lawsuit targets Bank of America

NEW YORK -- A federal judge has rejected Bank of America Corp.'s attempt to throw out part of a lawsuit accusing it of discriminating against black bankers and brokers, court papers show. The lawsuit, filed in May with the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts and which seeks class-action status, had accused the bank of regularly discriminating with respect to work assignments, training and access to clients. Bank spokeswoman Shirley Norton said the bank does not tolerate discrimination.

Deal looming to freeze ARMs

WASHINGTON -- Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said Monday an agreement was near on a proposal to help thousands of at-risk homeowners avoid foreclosures by temporarily freezing their adjustable rate mortgages. One of the last remaining issues to be resolved, officials said, was the exact length of time the low-teaser rates will be frozen. Paulson expressed optimism an agreement could be reached very soon, possibly before the end of this week.

Manufacturing expands again

NEW YORK -- U.S. manufacturing expanded in November as new orders and production improved, but weakness in employment suggested industrial jobs may not be as plentiful in coming months. The Institute for Supply Management, a Tempe, Ariz.-based trade group, said Monday its manufacturing index registered 50.8 last month, down from 50.9 in October. A reading above 50 indicates growth; below that spells contraction. The November results marked the 10th consecutive monthly expansion.

AG office warns toy contains lead

CHICAGO -- Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan Monday warned consumers Fisher-Price toy medical kits, specifically the red blood pressure cuffs within the kits, contain high levels of lead. The toy kits are sold at retail stores nationwide. Madigan urged parents to take away the toys from children immediately. At the request of Madigan's office, Fisher-Price has agreed to remove the toys from store shelves and offer replacement parts. Consumers can call (800) 298-0638.