DALLAS-The state's newest player in the banking game has turned up the heat on the competition with plans to open at least eight new branches in the metro area in the coming months. Alabama-based Regions Bank, which moved into the state about 18 months ago, has already opened 10 branches and even more are planned for the future.

NEW YORK CITY-More than 1,200 apartments in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx will be renovated through a public/private partnership. Another 100 apartments in East New York are available for affordable housing.

CHICAGO-Imperial Realty Co. hopes to begin building a 40,000-sf store to be leased by Whole Foods, as well as 136 condominiums, next spring on a three-acre site at the northwest corner of Cicero and Peterson avenues.