CARSON CITY – Nevada state Sen. John Lee, D-North Las Vegas, has added his voice to the chorus asking the Legislative Commission to take up the issue of whether the residents of Laughlin should have a chance to vote on incorporation.

In his letter sent to the Legislative Commission this week, Lee also said he supports the right of Laughlin residents to vote on the question in June.

CARSON CITY – A regulation requiring thousands of home-based businesses to pay a $200 annual fee won approval today from a legislative panel.

Secretary of State Ross Miller has been trying to get the regulation approved for several months, but has seen the regulation stymied by strong opposition from some Nevada residents and Republican lawmakers who argued the regulation exceeded his authority.

CARSON CITY – It was the month the Nevada gaming industry and state political leaders were waiting for: the casino industry won more than $1 billion from gamblers in January, a double-digit rise fueled by a nearly 30 percent increase on the Las Vegas Strip.

The reason:  The Chinese New Year came in January instead of February this year. The celebration, which brings high rollers into Nevada’s casinos, ran from Jan. 23 to 29.

A new restaurant is looking to be open for business by the first week of April in the location recently vacated by Paradise Cove Cafe on the Stewart Street side of Carson Mall.

Zen's Cafe is a family-friendly bar and grill that currently has two locations in Arizona. Owner Adrian Yap said he has had success even in tough locations by offering great fresh-made food and being accommodating to his customers.

"People just want to have a good time," Yap said. He envisions his restaurants to be Cheers-style local's hangouts, and even names many of his menu items after his customers.