LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas – Competing for a Society of Professional Journalists’ Diamond Award, Richmond News and Excelsior Springs Standard Editor-in-chief Jack “Miles” Ventimiglia took first place in the “breaking news” division. Ventimiglia won the award for the main story, “Reopen Missouri,” and related stories, about the hundreds of state residents who protested in Jefferson City against Gov. Mike Parson’s early efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “Great work by the Richmond News in providing both sides of the COVID-19 lockdown debate, which raged across the country last year,” the contest judges stated. Open to journalists in seven states, the contest drew entries from Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee and Arkansas. This year’s contest drew a record 393 entries, organizers stated.