Author
Ralph Stewart
rstewart@timesmediaservice.comWrite to Ralph →
A lifelong Las Vegas resident, Ralph Stewart is the senior Vegas Valley reporter for Times Media Service. Stewart covers local news across the Vegas Valley, including casino resorts and tourism, local government and politics, schools, public safety, development and community life. Stewart holds a master's degree in journalism and media studies.
Stories by Ralph Stewart
68 stories
August 2026
4 stories: 4 explainers
Sun

Explainer · Business and Finance · United States
How California Pizza Kitchen rose, stumbled and found a new owner
California Pizza Kitchen was acquired by Consortium Brand Partners for $300 million in 2025 following a 2020 bankruptcy and years of decline.
Thu
Explainer · Business and Finance · United States
2027 Social Security COLA estimates range from 3.2% to 3.6% after July inflation data
Mon
Explainer · Environment · United States
Big Bear bald eagle Jackie dies after more than three weeks of intensive care
Fri
Explainer · Environment · United States
Jackie the Big Bear bald eagle remains critically ill as anemia worsens at Ojai Raptor Center
The Ojai Raptor Center recently reported that Big Bear bald eagle Jackie remains critically ill as her packed cell volume fell from 16% to 13%.

July 2026
16 stories: 1 analysis, 7 explainers, 8 news stories
Wed
Explainer · Business and Finance · Washington DC
What a flat-rate Social Security COLA could mean for retirees and the program’s finances
Wed
Explainer · Travel · Vegas Valley, Nevada
What travelers should know about Hoover Dam’s visitor closure during emergency road repairs
Thu
News: Environment · Inland Empire, California
Black bear wanders into Crestline water district office, leaves without injuring anyone
Thu
Explainer · Food and Dining · Florida
Burger King adds new manager role and Whopper remake promise after customer feedback campaign
Burger King in Florida announced a new Your Way Champion manager role and a Whopper Guarantee following a recent customer feedback campaign.

Wed
Explainer · Arts and Entertainment · Las Vegas
Terrible’s reopens Primm Valley Casino with no resort fees: what changed in the border-town reboot
Tue
Explainer · Education · United States
Education Department finalizes rule linking federal aid to graduates’ earnings
Sun
Explainer · Business and Finance · United States
Why KFC stopped calling itself Kentucky Fried Chicken — and why the myths still won’t die
Fast-food giant KFC rebranded from Kentucky Fried Chicken in 1991 to modernize its image, debunking persistent myths about the name change.

Sat
Explainer · Transportation · World
Why airlines say a daylight saving time change would ripple through schedules
Fri
News: Business and Finance · United States
Panasonic recalls more than 13,000 toaster ovens sold at Amazon, Costco over shock and fire risk
Sun
News: Politics · United States
Carville warns far-left Democratic wins could hurt party like 2016
Sun
News: Politics · United States
Official Senate records still list Lindsey Graham as serving amid unconfirmed death claim
Tue
Analysis · Business and Finance · United States
Walmart price cuts put summer savings, and pricing power, in the spotlight after Trump takes credit
Walmart and Sam's Club launch nationwide summer price cuts on thousands of items, a move the retailer frames as a seasonal promotion.

Mon
News: Sports · United States
FIFA clears Balogun for Belgium match after suspending red-card ban for one year
Sat
News: Crime and Justice · United States
Napa County deputies say Paul Pelosi could face hit-and-run charge after Yountville crash
Sat
News: Travel · Vegas Valley
Las Vegas plans eight Saturday fireworks shows for America250 celebration
Thu
News: Crime and Justice · United States
David Hearn indicted in Reflecting Pool vandalism case in Washington, D.C.
June 2026
36 stories: 7 investigations, 1 analysis, 2 explainers, 26 news stories
Sun
News: Crime and Justice · United States
Burgum vows full prosecution after vandalism at Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
Sun
News: Food and Dining · United States
UF expert says green bananas can be safe to eat and may offer a different health profile
A University of Florida expert says green bananas are safe to eat and offer unique health benefits, including resistant starch for blood sugar.

Sun
News: Travel · United States
Disneyland’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure briefly closes after teen exits ride vehicle
Sun
News: Travel · United States
Duck boat overturns in Cambridge, injuring at least 6 near Charles River
Sun
News: Crime and Justice · United States
Michigan parents charged in death of 7-year-old son, court records say
Sat
Explainer · Crime and Justice · United States
Got an unexpected envelope in the mail? Do not scan the QR code
Federal agencies warn Las Vegas residents of a brushing scam where unexpected mail contains QR codes linked to phishing websites and malware.

Sat
News: Crime and Justice · United States
Federal judge declares mistrial in Palisades fire arson case after jury deadlock
Sat
News: Election · United States
Newsom urges no vote on California billionaire tax, calls for federal version instead
Sat
News: Travel · United States
Viral Alberta bear video renews safety warnings for hikers and travelers in grizzly country
Sat
News: Politics · United States
Carville says he cannot stay in same party as Mamdani-backed candidates, urges Democrats to consider a ‘schism’
June 2026 continues on page 2 with 26 more stories.