Pulitzer-winning journalist Ramsey Archibald is returning to AL.com as a data editor and reporter, the company announced today.

A native of Birmingham, Archibald was part of the four-person AL.com team that won a 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting for an investigation of predatory policing in Brookside. The series led to immediate and lasting changes, including new state laws, resignations and dismissed cases.

Archibald returns to AL.com after a year as a data reporter at the Baltimore Banner in Maryland. He began his news career at the Anniston Star and first joined AL.com in 2015.

“Having Ramsey return to an already exceptional team is great news not only for AL.com, but for Alabama readers in general. He is a great journalist,” said Hollis R. Towns, vice president of news for AL.com.

The company also announced two promotions in the newsroom.

Ben Flanagan has been named director of content for AL.com, overseeing breaking news, features and sports. He’ll also manage the newsroom’s content planning.

Flanagan, a Tuscaloosa native, has worked for AL.com since 2010.

Ruth Serven Smith has been promoted to senior managing producer, leading a team to cover the Birmingham metro, the Beyond the Violence initiative and the Alabama Education Lab. Serven Smith joined AL.com in 2021 after working as an education reporter and editor in Virginia.

“We’re excited to welcome Ramsey back,” said Challen Stephens, senior director of news. “He cares deeply about Alabama, and he has big ideas on how to contribute to our investigative reporting, as well as finding new and engaging ways to cover sports and more.”

The moves are part of a broader restructuring at AL.com and Alabama Media Group that ushers in deeper coverage of local issues, including expanded use of data-driven stories, increased coverage of local and state business news and politics, and a stronger focus on the metro areas of Birmingham, Huntsville and Mobile. High school sports coverage is now a stronger focus, said Towns, who arrived as top editor in March.

“With these changes, our aim is to double-down on the content we know readers covet,” Towns said. “We have already seen record traffic and success, and we know there is more to come.”