Michael Hawthorne

Michael Hawthorne is an accomplished investigative reporter specializing in environmental and public health issues, currently working at the Chicago Tribune since January 2004. Notable for extensive coverage of pollution, climate change, and hazardous chemicals, Hawthorne was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2013. Previous experience includes roles as an environment reporter for the Columbus Dispatch, where significant stories on toxic chemicals emerged, and as a statehouse reporter for the Cincinnati Enquirer, recognized for contributions to diversity reporting. Early career achievements include winning the Associated Press Managing Editors Award at The News-Gazette and reporting on high-profile cases at the Daytona Beach News-Journal. Hawthorne holds a Master's degree in Public Affairs Reporting from the University of Illinois Springfield and a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Bradley University.