The Las Vegas Review-Journal was recognized in two prestigious regional and global journalism contests.
A feature story about the first Las Vegas-born boxer crowned as a world title winner and an online presentation about a top 100 restaurants listing earned the newspaper a pair of Best of the West awards.
The annual regional contest encompasses newspapers, magazines and news websites across 14 Western states.
Meanwhile, a Review-Journal photographer and page designer were recognized by the international Society for News Design in its 47th annual Creative Competition.
‘Wonderful writing throughout’
Staff writer Jason Bracelin placed second in the Best of the West’s sports reporting category.
In September, the news organization published his longform story about Ishe Oluwa Kamau Ali Smith, who in 2013 became an International Boxing Federation champion with a belt in the 154-pound category.
Smith, who later found a new career as a mail carrier, was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2024. With a 29-11 professional record, he is still considered the most accomplished native-born boxer in Las Vegas history.
“Wonderful writing throughout, and deeply reported,” wrote Katherine Fitzgerald, a Buffalo News sports reporter and competition judge. “A fun twist on an athlete profile with Smith sharing his journey openly. Loved the kicker.”
The sports writing category considered 38 entries.
“It’s a remarkable story, remarkably well told,” said George Riggle, the Review-Journal’s assistant managing editor for features. “Truthfully, it’s what we’ve come to expect from Jason. Kudos to him on his fourth Best of the West award.”
‘Service journalism’
Review-Journal staff placed third in the Best of the West online presentation category for a top 100 listing of Las Vegas restaurants.
The list was printed in rjmagazine and online in the Review-Journal’s Neon section.
Every local eatery was considered, Review-Journal restaurant reporter Johnathan L. Wright wrote in the story introducing the list. “But for every restaurant we considered, we asked a fundamental question: What does this restaurant do for Vegas and for diners?”
The online presentation allows readers to search for restaurants by neighborhood and type of cuisine in which they specialize.
“At first glance, The Review-Journal’s presentation is very simple, but that’s deceptive,” wrote judge Michael Roehrman, executive editor of Wichita Eagle. “This is service journalism that puts the user experience first, and it does so very well. This is particularly true while reading it on mobile, where I imagine most readers will engage with it.”
Roehrman considered 15 entries.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by Best of the West,” said Anastasia Hendrix, editor-in-chief of rjmagazine and the Review Journal’s vice president of new initiatives. “The Top 100 Restaurants issue is a massive effort, and Johnathan L. Wright’s hundreds of hours of work on this project every year reflect his talent and dedication to covering the Las Vegas culinary scene.”
Aces championship captured in award-winning photograph
In the Society for News Design competition, a jury recognized photographer Madeline Carter and page designer John Hornberg with an Award of Excellence in the story page design sports category for an Oct. 19 cover page commemorating the Las Vegas Aces’ 2025 WNBA championship win.
The “Reflecting on Greatness: How Aces Won Third WNBA Title in Four Seasons” page depicts Aces guard Jackie Young’s reflection on the silver championship trophy she was photographed kissing.
“We’re proud of both John and Madeline,” said Nathan Estep, the Review-Journal’s assistant managing editor for visuals. “Madeline’s photograph of Jackie Young captured a unique moment that was both graphic and emotional. John used it to carry the entire keepsake commemorative section.”
Contact Ricardo Torres-Cortez at rtorres@reviewjournal.com.
