Monthly report of business news from the Charlotte region.

Capital Goods: Testing core values: Some Republican lawmakers and their business allies have split ranks over Common Core, the national education standards adopted in 2011.

Monthly report of business news from the Western region.

Monthly report of business news from the Triad region.

Monthly report of business news from the Triangle region.

Statewide: More people live on top of each other as center cities gain popularity.

Monthly report of business news from the Eastern region.

Small banks make big gains: Community banks and credit unions show resilience as the battered economy regains strength.
 

Playing to pet peeves: How Phil Blizzard squeezes a profit out of anxiety-ridden animals.
 

Cover story: Fresh crop: Out-of-state private equity plows billions into homegrown community banks. Why Rick Callicutt thinks his is such fertile ground.
 

Such sweet sorrow: The banking industry lobbyist reluctantly readies for retirement.

NCtrend: Moogfest's new direction: SXSW

Up Front: Keith Crisco's life could be described as fanfare for the uncommon man.

Free & Clear: Before the fall: Votes cast in November should count most, but partisan redistricting has made party primaries of primary importance in Tar Heel politics.