The Poynter Institute announced the winners and finalists for the 2026 Poynter Journalism Prizes Monday, honoring journalists and news organizations across platforms for exceptional work in 12 categories for writing, reporting, innovation and leadership. Winners spanned a cross-section of media, including large, established newsrooms, like The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and The New York Times, digital nonprofits such as The Baltimore Banner and CalMatters, broadcast media including Connecticut Public Television and smaller outlets serving specialized audiences such as Jewish Currents.  This year, the contest’s Selection Board awarded the prestigious Batten Medal to two entries, for meritorious “ public service journalism that makes a difference to the lives of people and their communities.” The winners were the USA Today Network Ohio, a collaboration among Ohio newspapers that explored the human consequences of Ohio’s weak dog bite laws, and the Chicago Tribune, for its comprehensive…