Lake Mead reports 20 percent increase in recycling

Recycling at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area has increased about 20 percent in just three months, according to park officials.

Guitarist Mark Knopfler playing The Pearl

Guitar great Mark Knopfler headlines The Pearl at the Palms on Oct. 25. Tickets start at $59 and go on sale at noon Monday at The Pearl box office, 4321 W. Flamingo Road, and Ticketmaster outlets.

Rhumbar celebrating National Rum Day with pairing

Where better to celebrate National Rum Day than a place called Rhumbar? The lounge at The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South, will celebrate Friday with cocktail-and-cigar pairings, featuring a Spanish Trampoline with an Ashton VSG cigar ($32) and a mojito with a FreyBoy House Selection cigar ($21). …

Deerhunter shooting up Hard Rock Live

At times, the members of Atlanta’s Deerhunter seem almost embarrassed by their pop smarts.

Free yourself with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs

The voices in Karen O.’s head could fill a gospel choir, and she gives pretty much all of them ample time on the mic.

Dining Guide: Casual American

Each week Neon spotlights a different cuisine in the Dining Guide, with casual American restaurants this week. Restaurants are rated on a letter-grade scale, from A to F. Opinions by R-J critic Heidi Knapp Rinella (H.K.R.) are indicated by initials. Price symbols are based on the cost of an average entree: $ = entrees less than $10; $$ = entrees $10 to $20; $$$ = entrees $20 to $30; and $$$$ = entrees more than $30.

DJ Nicky Romero putting in hours at Mandalay Bay clubs

Back in June, Nicky Romero didn’t just walk up to his DJ booth at Light nightclub. He ziplined to it, down from the ceiling, then he queued up the music and let it rip.

Catch Sinbad’s comedy on stage, screen

Has anyone mentioned this Las Vegas is a strange town? Where else can you see Sinbad live at The Orleans this weekend, then on a movie screen at The Orleans on Thursday?

SolarCity opens Las Vegas headquarters at Town Square

Nevada’s solar future just got a little sunnier. SolarCity, a San Mateo, Calif.-based solar company, opened its doors for business Wednesday at Town Square, near Interstate 15 and the Las Vegas Beltway.

Papers: Man tortured victims, called teen 13 times before abduction

SAN DIEGO — Court papers shed new light on the slayings of a California mother and son and abduction of a teenager by a family friend, revealing that the suspect tortured his victims before he killed them and exchanged more than a dozen calls earlier that day with the teen.

British stuntman dies in wingsuit mishap in Alps

GENEVA — He wasn’t a competitor, but Mark Sutton still got one of the biggest cheers of the 2012 Olympics.

Washoe school district apologizes to parent

RENO — The Washoe County School District has apologized to a university professor who was arrested for trespassing in June at a School Board meeting after trying to raise concerns about the education of his autistic daughter.

Mind can wander on Ely trip

It is an annual trip during which the mind wanders through several small towns without a stoplight and over the minute dots of a Nevada map.

Good, bad vibes about dayclubs

Here’s the bare truth about Vegas dayclubs: You love them if you’re young. (Singer Rome Ramirez, 25, does.) You may not enjoy them if you’re not so young. (Hello, David Spade, 49.)

Crimes using cars as weapons seem commonplace

But whether there’s a motive or not, we’re all potential victims of any mass murderer who decides to use a vehicle to kill strangers.

The fat disease dilemma

One-third of all American adults have one particular disease. That’s more than 35 percent of the entire U.S. adult population. What makes this number so shocking is that we’re not talking about heart disease, cancer or diabetes. We’re talking about obesity and the question – is it really a disease?

Elegant outdoor entertaining on a dime

Wish your soiree could have a bit more swagger? You don’t need a celebrity budget and abode to throw a stunning celebration. With just a bit of creative vision and DIY savvy, you’ll have an affair to remember in no time at all.

Tips for college-bound students

Transitioning from high school to college is a big deal. Beyond the overwhelming college application process, many students wrestle with questions about their major, career goals, moving away from home and financing college expenses.

Kick start the school year with fun, free ways to keep kids active

School days mean long hours studying indoors, exercising students’ brains but not their bodies. While classroom learning is the cornerstone of education, it’s important to remember that physical activity supports overall wellness. Keeping kids moving can even boost brain function, improving their grades along with their muscles.

New itineraries, ships and offerings draw more cruise travelers to European rivers

Europe continues to attract the attention of American travelers, and travel on river cruises is one of the best ways to see many of the continent’s sights and explore much of its history. In response to strong demand, cruise lines are offering many new and expanded services to accommodate this growing travel interest.