For the first time ever, Las Vegas has topped the 40 million-visitor mark in a calendar year, and the year’s not over. With two weeks of tabulation remaining, it’s believed that a big New Year’s weekend could push the total to 41 million. The previous record was 39.7 million in 2012.

Some of the credit is being given to an increase in air traffic, especially from international travel, generated by an expansion and improvements at McCarran International Airport. But resort upgrades and the opening of new tourist draws like SLS Las Vegas, the Cromwell and the LINQ Promenade are also behind the landmark total.

Tower dispute ends: The drawn-out legal battle over blame for the defective Harmon Tower at CityCenter has been settled. MGM Mirage has agreed to pay $173 million to the general contractor to end the lawsuit. The tower is being deconstructed one floor at a time.

Steak and lobster: One of the best steak-and-lobster deals in town can be found at a little casino called Emerald Island, in neighboring Henderson. A good steak and lobster tail comes with a small shrimp cocktail, choice of salad or homemade clam chowder, baked potato, green beans and dessert. It’s served on Friday nights for $29.95, but it’s only $19.95 if you take two minutes to join the players club.

QUESTION: I keep hearing about the Downtown Summerlin retail and dining mall, but no one ever talks about the "dining" part. What are some of the restaurants there?

ANSWER: Restaurants are a big part of the Downtown Summerlin complex, which opened last month near Red Rock Resort. There are 32 restaurants in all, including Crazy Pita, MTO Cafe, Red Robin, Five Guys, Capriotti’s, Earl of Sandwich, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Zaba’s, Sushi Loca, Crave Kitchen & Sushi Bar, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, Andiron Steak & Sea, Grape Street Cafe, the canine-friendly Lazy Dog and a restaurant out of Australia called Ribs and Burgers.

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