Author
Randy Hicks
rhicks@timesmediaservice.comWrite to Randy →
Raised in Tempe, Arizona, Randy Hicks is a Phoenix contributor for Times Media Service. Hicks covers local news in Phoenix and across Arizona, including transportation, infrastructure and road safety, along with government, public safety, development and community life. Hicks holds a master's degree in sports journalism.
Stories by Randy Hicks
31 stories
August 2026
2 stories: 2 explainers
Fri

Explainer · Technology · World
MouthPad lets users control computers with their tongues — but it is a costly, custom device
Augmental opens U.S. sales for its $1,400 MouthPad, a custom mouthpiece helping users with movement impairments control devices with their tongue.
Sat
Explainer · Weather · United States
El Niño is strengthening, but the Atlantic remains quiet. Here is what forecasters are watching
July 2026
10 stories: 8 explainers, 2 news stories
Thu
Explainer · Health · California
Why Jackie the Big Bear Bald Eagle’s Blood Transfusion Matters, and What Vets Still Don’t Know
Thu
Explainer · Health · United States
Special tomato-soy drink lowered inflammation markers in small obesity study
A small study found a specially formulated tomato-soy drink lowered three chronic inflammation markers in adults with obesity after four weeks.

Tue
Explainer · Health · United States
Why a preventive full-body MRI is back in the spotlight — and why doctors still urge caution
Wed
Explainer · Technology · United States
Google’s new Search setting can save Lens images, voice searches and uploaded files. Here’s how it works
Sat
Explainer · Health · Arizona
What a resting heart rate can tell you about your health
Doctors say a resting heart rate consistently above 100 beats per minute can be an early warning sign of underlying health conditions.

Sat
Explainer · Technology · United States
CPSC recalls more than 554,000 Kobalt yard tools over battery fire risk: what owners need to know
Fri
Explainer · Technology · United States
Apple’s early security update shows how AI is changing the race to fix bugs
Tue
Explainer · Weather · United States
NOAA says El Niño is here and may strengthen this winter. What that means
NOAA issues a winter El Niño advisory. Wickenburg, Arizona residents should monitor local forecasts ahead of expected strengthening through January.

Sun
News: Health · Arizona
Arizona toddler found alive in hospital morgue after being declared dead, police say
Thu
News: Crime and Justice · United States
Former Olympian David Hearn indicted over alleged Reflecting Pool damage
June 2026
19 stories: 1 analysis, 1 explainer, 17 news stories
Sun
News: Crime and Justice · United States
Burgum vows full prosecution after vandalism damaged Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
Sun
News: Crime and Justice · United States
Michigan parents charged in death of 7-year-old son, court records show
Sat
Explainer · Crime and Justice · United States
Got an unexpected envelope? Federal agencies say do not scan the QR code inside
Federal agencies warn Wickenburg residents against scanning QR codes in unexpected packages, citing brushing and phishing fraud schemes.

Sat
News: Military · World
Bahrain says Iranian drones crossed into its territory as Gulf states condemn attack
Sat
News: Crime and Justice · United States
Judge declares mistrial in Palisades fire arson case after Los Angeles jury deadlocks
Fri
News: Technology · United States
NVIDIA unveils Halos for Robotics safety system for physical AI
Thu
News: Crime and Justice · United States
Supreme Court strikes down Hawaii’s so-called ‘vampire rule’ for concealed carry
Thu
Thu
News: Science · World
USGS says Venezuela earthquakes struck 39 seconds apart as US readies aid
The USGS warns with high confidence of widespread damage after two major earthquakes struck Venezuela 39 seconds apart, prompting U.S. aid.

Wed
Tue
News: Transportation · United States
Waymo recalls 3,871 vehicles after freeway work-zone software flaw surfaced in Bay Area incidents
Tue
News: Science · United States
Study says stress on Southern California fault systems has reached 1,000-year high
Tue
News: Crime and Justice · United States
CBP seizes more than 1,100 pounds of suspected meth at Laredo border bridge
Tue
News: Science · World
Peer-reviewed study finds four cold-adapted yeasts on Ötzi the Iceman’s remains
Mon
News: Health · United States
CDC says rare Powassan virus can spread within minutes of a tick bite
The CDC warns that the rare Powassan virus can transmit within minutes of a tick bite, potentially causing severe neurological damage.

Mon
News: Transportation · United States
Chevrolet unveils next-generation 2027 Silverado 1500 with new V8 engines, digital cockpit
Fri
News: Crime and Justice · United States
Six arrested after riverfront brawl at South Carolina sandbar, sheriff says
Fri
News: Transportation · United States
Trump unveils refurbished Qatar-donated jet as interim Air Force One enters final testing
June 2026 continues on page 2 with 1 more story.