A St. Andrew's University program offers a therapeutic experience for participants. Researchers at NCSU look into ways to communicate with guide and rescue animals. And author Margaret Maron talks about her new book.

Broadband providers brought their ideas to Raleigh for a regional conference on high speed internet. Big Data leaders & researchers met in Charlotte to discuss the industry's impact on the economy. And UNCG has received federal recognition for its community service.

Researchers study a Wilmington-area creek to learn about protecting coastal habitats. The Army Corps of Engineers studies the health of the ocean on land and at sea. Dr. Stephanie Luster-Teasley & Dr. Radiah Minor talk about encouraging young women to take up careers in the sciences.

Tonight on North Carolina Now, we look at business in our state. Then we'll introduce you to the Charlotte Ballet's Patricia McBride - the renowned ballerina's storied career has allowed her to perform with some of the most famous dancers and companies of our time.

CCCC's Small Business Center helps entrepreneurs start & sustain a business. ArcBarks serves man's best friend while supporting its employees. And Jonathan Grinnell talks about professional resolutions we can make for our careers in 2015.

Frank Graff checks in with researchers at Duke who are creating self-healing muscles, learns how special software can test new medicines, finds out about new ways to help us all eat our fruits & veggies, & learns why the soybean is considered the miracle crop.

Jeff Smith learns about NASA's connections to UNC-CH's Morehead Planetarium, profiles Pinehurst Director of Golf Ben Bridgers, meets blind musician Shannon Williams, & tags along with Harnett Central students who are training to be firefighters as he looks back at his favorite stories from 2014.

From the historic grandeur of the Biltmore Estate & its similarities to Downton Abbey, to the traditional craftmanship of Dr. Grabow Pipes, to a legendary musician sharing his talent with children, & the adorability of baby lion cubs at the NC Zoo, Heather Burgiss shares some of her favorite stories from 2014.

Chef Kathy Leflerr of Katt in the Kitchen shares some traditional - & some non-traditional - holiday meal ideas. Historian Alastair Bruce shares some of the historical etiquette & protocol that he teaches the cast & crew in his role as a consultant to Downton Abbey.

Nnenna Freelon & the John Brown Jazz Orchestra, fiddler Bobby Hicks, cellist Shana Tucker, steel drum player Mickey Mills, UNC Chapel Hill's Loreleis, mandolin player Tony Williamson & his trio, the Asheville Bluegrass with fiddler Bobby Hicks, & opera singer Victoria Livengood perform their favorite holiday songs.