Bank of America closed 43 branches in the first quarter of 2011, the Charlotte Observer's Rick Rothacker reports, and has filed notice to close 68 more. Michigan (16) and New Jersey (10) lead the way in the number of closings. Most of those branches were part of Chicago-based La Salle Bank, which BofA purchased in 2007. The Carolinas will lose seven branches. Only one is in Charlotte (South Stream Blvd & West Tyvola Road), which closes April 22. The closings are part of an industry-wide trend. Read more here.