Chicago Public Media announced on Mar. 27 that two of its journalists, Cheryl Raye-Stout and Lynn Sweet, have been named recipients of the Chicago Headline Club’s 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award for their significant contributions to journalism in Chicago.
The recognition highlights the impact and influence both journalists have had over their careers, underscoring the importance of dedicated reporting and mentorship within the field. The awards aim to honor those who demonstrate excellence, integrity, and lasting influence in journalism.
Raye-Stout has served as a broadcast journalist and sports contributor for WBEZ. She is known for her editorial leadership and commitment to mentoring others in the newsroom. Raye-Stout was also recognized as a trailblazer for being the first female reporter allowed into locker rooms for major Chicago sports teams.
Sweet is regarded as one of the nation’s leading political journalists. Her work focuses on how national policy decisions affect local communities in Chicago and Illinois. Sweet currently works as a special correspondent at Chicago Public Media and previously served as Washington Bureau Chief at the Chicago Sun-Times.
In addition to these individual honors, other members of Chicago Public Media were recognized by the club for investigative work. Alden Loury led “Chicago Renters Cast Adrift,” which earned the Watchdog Award for Public Interest by examining housing instability across the city. Reporters Frank Main and Alexandra Salomon received first place in the A-Mark Prize for Dogged Reporting and Editing with their project “Chicago Under Ice,” noted for its persistent approach to accountability reporting.
The Chicago Headline Club is recognized as the largest chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists nationwide. It presents annual awards that celebrate high standards within newsrooms.
