CityBusiness Up to the Minute

Federal bill draws opposition from Louisiana mortgage industry
Amid fears that congressional restrictions on the mortgage industry will kill community mortgage banking, some Louisiana bankers are joining a national fight to defend their businesses.

New retailers fill vacant space along Magazine Street
Despite lingering concerns about the national economy, there are new restaurants, rug stores, salons and clothing and design stores cropping up along the 6-mile stretch.

Seafood pub Catch to open in former Semolina's space
The new restaurant will be overseen by executive chef Ryan Gall, formerly executive sous chef at Emeril's Gulf Coast Fish House in Gulfport, Miss., said chef Michael Rouss, corporate chef for Khodr's restaurant group.

5 Questions ... with Ben Lerman
Ukulele comedian Ben Lerman is making a special trip to New Orleans to mark the release of his new recording, "Size Matters." He will perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 22 at Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Ave.

Oyster demand still strong despite FDA shell game
Tell someone they can't have something and they'll want it all the more. At least, that seems to be the case with Louisianans' favorite mollusk.

N.O. area gains 2,200 jobs in October
The New Orleans area's unemployment rate of 6.8 percent, down from the 7.2 percent rate in September but up from 5.3 percent a year ago, was tied with Baton Rouge as the third highest rate in the state behind Monroe at 7.6 percent and Shreveport at 7.1 percent.