The biggest honor a story can receive is causing direct, positive change in our community.
We are also honored to be recognized by our journalism peers for our ethics, writing and impact. Since 2008, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has won three Pulitzer Prizes, been a Pulitzer finalist 10 times, and won first place in more than 75 other major national awards.
Here is a list of 2026 honors so far.
2026 National Headliner Awards, first place public service and other honors.
“Investigating Vacancies at Milwaukee Public Schools and the Ripple Effects Harming Students” by
Education reporter Rory Linnane’s series investigating vacancies at Milwaukee Public Schools won first place in the newspaper public service not in top 20 media market category.
The judges wrote:
“Government offers no more important service than properly educating our children. In Milwaukee, tight budgets meant a drift toward rewarding administration of that by shrugging off the teacher drain and other fundamental metrics. An analysis from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel illuminated the issue, and brought about reforms. Milwaukee parents and generations hence are well-served by their hometown newspaper.”
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel was recognized in three other categories:
“Unearthed bones, land swap, expedited review: Enbridge Line 5 tunnel review leaves tribes behind” by Caitlin Looby received second place in the newspaper environment reporting not in top 20 media market category.”Duty to Disclose” by Ashley Luthern, Ben Jordan and Mario Koran received second place in the newspapers investigative reporting not in
“Packers coach Matt LaFleur needs to bring in some help on offense before it’s too late” by Packers reporter Tom Silverstein received third place in the newspapers sports opinion by an individual category. top 20 media market category. The series was reported in partnership with TMJ4 and Wisconsin Watch.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Journal Sentinel wins first place for public service from National Headliner Awards
Reporting by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

