The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on May 1 announced 2026 National Headliner Awards, first place public service and other honors.
“Investigating Vacancies at Milwaukee Public Schools and the Ripple Effects Harming Students” — 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 top 20 media market category. The series was reported in partnership with TMJ4 and Wisconsin Watch.
“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.
