Enjoy cool, fizzy fun on National Root Beer Float Day

Remember the simple pleasures of a root-beer float on a hot summer day? The way the ice cream melted to yield a creamy body and a foamy head, both of which contrasted so nicely with the restrained sweetness of the fizzy soft drink?

‘South of Town’: High-velocity lead is artist’s new medium

Firing the clay — the slow, careful process of baking in a kiln — is an important and well-established part of the ceramics process. Firing “at” the clay is a less traditional part of the process, to say the least.

Vegas musician pens tunes promoting First Friday, North Las Vegas

In the late 1970s, Brian Thomas was a musician who had sold a few jingles in his hometown of Buffalo, N.Y. After a more than 30-year hiatus, he’s trying to get back into the jingle business with songs for North Las Vegas, one of his favorite bars and First Friday, but so far, the project has remained a labor of love.

Penn National closer to Tropicana Las Vegas buy

Nevada gaming regulators granted preliminary approval Wednesday for Penn National Gaming to acquire the Tropicana Las Vegas for $360 million.

7 inmates hurt, 1 seriously, in state prison fight

Seven inmates were injured, one seriously, after a fight broke out at a Carson City prison and correctional officers used rubber pellets to stop the incident, officials said Wednesday.

Woman kidnapped, raped during robbery

Court documents detail the woman’s terrifying ordeal when a routine grocery store visit led to her abduction. Her ordeal ended with her naked and screaming for help from cops working to rescue her.

Teacher’s legacy, name live on at Green Valley High

School campuses or facilities are often dedicated to inspirational individuals, which makes the naming of Blaine W. Thompson Memorial Track so fitting.

Performer: Obsessed fan has ’22 guns, seven assault rifles’

Six Flags performer and hypnotist Susan Rosen does not consider herself a celebrity. The self-described Mistress of Mesmerism enjoys being on stage and entertaining, something she has done for 26 years.

Kids will go wild over Jane Goodall book

Summer’s almost over, and when you go back to school, there’s one thing you’re going to miss: your dog.

Literary Las Vegas: Arthur Cesare

After 21 years as a New York policeman, Arthur Cesare still thinks about the job. The Las Vegas retiree shares memories that can’t be erased in “Iron Men in Blue,” a book he dedicates to “you, me and all the men that make up the thin blue line.”

First Friday listings, Aug. 7, 2015

The First Friday arts festival is scheduled from 5 to 11 p.m. Aug. 7 at venues throughout the 18b Arts District in downtown Las Vegas, near the intersection of Charleston Boulevard and Main Street.

Arizona couple found dead at Lake Mead identified

Authorities have released the names of the northwest Arizona couple who apparently died of exposure after their vehicle became disabled in a remote location within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

9 company perks every millennial wants (and expects)

Love them or hate them, the sheer size and influence of the millennial generation has important business implications.

Metro looking for man last seen near Valley of Fire

Las Vegas police are asking for the public’s help in finding a 35-year-old man who was last heard from Saturday near Valley of Fire State Park.