AL.com was awarded two Pulitzer Prizes on Monday, one for a year’s effort exposing and stopping a predatory police force and a second for a year-long exploration of how the myths Alabama tells itself about the past still shape the state today. “It’s humbling to be recognized in this way,” said Kelly Scott, editor in chief and vice president of content at AL.com. “We’re honored and in awe of the other journalism recognized today across the country.” John Archibald, Ashley Remkus, Ramsey Archibald and Challen Stephens won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in Local Reporting for an investigation of predatory policing in Brookside, an investigation that led to removal of police officers, changes in state law, dismissal of court cases and people freed from jail. "That’s why we do this work – the impact it has here," Scott said. "And that tremendous impact is what we’re most proud of with this reporting and series.This work has forever changed Alabama.” Columnist Kyle Whitmire won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in Commentary for the series State of Denial. Throughout 2022, Whitmire explored larger questions: What made Alabama the way it is and why can’t the state snap out of it? State of Denial seeks to show how 150 years of whitewashed history and a rigged political system have left the state stunted. "His work is the kind of work that can only be done when you love a place enough to ask it to be better – and that’s what he’s done here for Alabama," Scott said. "The themes he brings to life shows us that we have much to learn from our past – all of it. As our state and the country debates how we talk about our history and whose perspectives are included, I’m thankful that Kyle dug in to make sure everyone is included in this work.” AL.com journalists have won four Pulitzer Prizes in the past five years. John Archibald also won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 2018 for his opinion columns. Challen Stephens and Ashley Remkus won the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting in 2021 for work on the severity and prevalence of injuries from police K-9s, reporting done in collaboration with three other news outlets. AL.com columnist Roy S. Johnson was also a finalist for commentary in 2021. “This is local journalism at its best – and local journalism is the heartbeat of this country’s journalism in general,” Scott said. “It’s about the stories journalists tell in the communities and states across the country. We’re proud to be doing the work that changes lives, laws and minds here in Alabama.” “We’re proud to represent Alabama on the national stage.” None of this work would be possible without our readers and, especially, our contributors. We thoughtfully ask you to consider financially supporting work that makes a difference in Alabama. | 