As we look forward to 2015 and all that it will bring, here's a look back at some news highlights from 2014! 

This year, WBHM explored Alabama's overcrowded prison system in partnership with Alabama Media Group and The Center for Investigative Reporting.  

What did the investigation find? And with the threat of a federal takeover on the horizon, what's next for Alabama's prisons? Learn more in this video, produced by AL.com.

WBHM's Dan Carsen was planning to do a short story on J.F. Ingram Technical College's program at Julia Tutwiler Prison For Women, but he came out with so much compelling material that he wanted to make a documentary. 

After incarceration, former inmates face staggering challenges. WBHM's Life After Prison series explored the stories of Alabama's recently released prisoners struggling to reintegrate into society.  

We explored how budget cuts threaten Alabama's unique prison education system.

State Senator Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, is a vocal advocate of prison reform and chairs the Alabama Legislature's joint oversight committee on prisons. Ward spoke with WBHM's Rachel Osier Lindley about what he believes the legislature needs to do to avoid federal takeover of Alabama's prison system.   

The series culminated with a live Issues & Ales event featuring a panel discussion focused on what Alabama residents want from the prison and criminal justice systems and how policy makers and communities can punish wrongdoing, rehabilitate offenders and, by extension, reduce crime in Alabama. Listen to highlights from the discussion here. 

WBHM also...

Profiled Alabama's growing craft moonshine industry.

Learned how researchers are trying to fight HIV in rural Alabama with a game.

Asked why Alabama replaces its license plates so frequently.

Heard a new take on classic folk and blues songs.  

Investigated the City of Birmingham's rules for taxis.

Talked with Alabama native and world-renowned biologist Dr. E.O. Wilson.

Met artists who make new work from old glass.   

And we aired two new live event specials...

Magic City Writers Read, a reading and book-signing event featuring author Carla Jean Whitley discussing her new book "Muscle Shoals Sound Studio: How the Swampers Changed American Music" with WBHM's Morning Edition host and MC for the evening, Andrew Yeager.      

And, in collaboration with Arc Light Stories, "Tis the Season: Stories About the Holidays" featuring live storytelling from right here in Birmingham. No notes, no outlines. Just great storytellers sharing great (true) stories.   

While you're at our website, let us know your feedback. It matters.

Happy New Year to you and yours from all of us here at Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM!