Four R-J staffers earn journalism awards

Four Las Vegas Review-Journal staffers took honors in the 2013 Society for Features Journalism contest.

Matthew Crowley won first place in the headlines category. His selection of headlines: “Sacre brew!” on a beer tax that left the French seething; “They’ll Leave the Light on for You,” about the Luxor Sky Beam’s attraction to Strip tourists; and “Who Moved My Cheesecake?” about the date change for the Adult Entertainment Expo.

Christopher Lawrence won second place in arts and entertainment commentary for movie reviews on “Argo” and “Ted” and a guide to “The Twilight Saga.”

Sonya Padgett won third place in the short feature category for her story on Excalibur performer Antonio Restivo, who broke a world record for fire breathing.

Jason Bracelin received honorable mention in arts and entertainment feature for his story on the Double Down Saloon.

The Review-Journal competed in the largest circulation category against newspapers such as The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and The Dallas Morning News.