STOLDAL RETIRING

Bob Stoldal, vice president of news at KLAS-TV, Channel 8, announced to his staff on Wednesday that he is retiring from the position June 30.

Stoldal said it was time after a 40-year career to "make a change." He will remain with the station on several projects, he said.

KLAS general manager Emily Neilsen said news director Ron Comings has been working with Stoldal to ensure "a smooth transition."

"No one person has had more impact on broadcast journalism in Las Vegas and on KLAS," Neilsen said of Stoldal. "His work developing the industry and shining light on issues in our community will be felt for many years to come."

She added, "You'll find graduates of the 'University of Stoldal' spread throughout the state and around the country -- including yours truly."

THE SCENE AND HEARD

The May issue of Conde Nast Traveler names CatHouse, the new Luxor restaurant and loungerie, among the magazine's "Hot Tables of 2008," a review of "the world's most exciting new restaurants" covering 32 countries. Conde Nast called "Iron Chef" winner Kerry Simon's new eatery "the best fusion of upscale cuisine and Vegas-style erotic spectacle to come along since the early days of Caesars Palace's legendary Bacchanal." ...

"Beacher's Madhouse" producer Jeff Beacher, on hiatus to recover from some diet-related health issues, had one of the best seats in the house during "Saturday Night Live" last weekend. He watched from producer Lorne Michaels' office, which overlooks the set. Beacher announced last month that he was taking some time off to enter a medical center back East to be treated for problems associated with a diet program. Also in Michaels' office during the show: Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Cameron Diaz, Rumer Willis and Beacher's girlfriend, Tara Sherwin, a contortionist who is joining Nathan Burton's upcoming show at the Flamingo.

SIGHTINGS

Rachael Ray, filming at Vintner Grill on Wednesday for an episode of "Rachael's Vacation" on the Food Network. Her crew also shot segments at Hash House A Go Go. ... Country star Carrie Underwood, shooting tape for a video of her song "Last Name." ... Music star Mariah Carey, taking a break from working with the "American Idol" cast as a mentor to join rapper Da Brat's birthday party Monday at Privé (Planet Hollywood Resort). Also there: actor Nick Cannon; singers will.i.am and apl.de.ap from the Black Eyed Peas; Dina Lohan, mother of Lindsay Lohan; and boxer Shannon Briggs. ... Nevada's first lady, Dawn Gibbons, at the Achievement Academy in Henderson on Tuesday. It was her second trip to Las Vegas in four days to put the spotlight on autism, one of her platform issues. She was an honorary chairwoman Saturday at the Autism Angels award dinner at the Stirling Club at Turnberry Towers. ... Singer Ed Kowalczyk of the music group Live and celebrity stylist Kim Vo, visiting Revolution Lounge (Mirage) on Monday. ... Comedian Lewis Black, checking out Tabu Ultra Lounge (MGM Grand) on Monday.

THE PUNCH LINE

"John McCain apologized today after admitting some of the McCain family recipes posted on his Web site were actually plagiarized from the Food Network. How many different recipes can there be for prunes and creamed corn!" -- Craig Ferguson

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.