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Randy Hicks

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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

11 explainers

  1. August 2026

    2 stories: 2 explainers

  2. 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.

  3. Sat

    Explainer · Weather · United States

    El Niño is strengthening, but the Atlantic remains quiet. Here is what forecasters are watching

  4. July 2026

    8 stories: 8 explainers

  5. Thu

    Explainer · Health · California

    Why Jackie the Big Bear Bald Eagle’s Blood Transfusion Matters, and What Vets Still Don’t Know

  6. 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.

  7. Tue

    Explainer · Health · United States

    Why a preventive full-body MRI is back in the spotlight — and why doctors still urge caution

  8. Wed

    Explainer · Technology · United States

    Google’s new Search setting can save Lens images, voice searches and uploaded files. Here’s how it works

  9. 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.

  10. Sat

    Explainer · Technology · United States

    CPSC recalls more than 554,000 Kobalt yard tools over battery fire risk: what owners need to know

  11. Fri

    Explainer · Technology · United States

    Apple’s early security update shows how AI is changing the race to fix bugs

  12. 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.

  13. June 2026

    1 story: 1 explainer

  14. Sat

    Explainer · Crime and Justice · United States

    Got an unexpected envelope? Federal agencies say do not scan the QR code inside