I was sixteen when I stood at a podium before my graduating class. With a tassel dangling in my peripheral vision, I delivered a speech on dreams and the audacity to pursue them. Audacious because beneath my graduation gown was a belly bulging, ripe with a life on the verge of beginning. Ironic because some might say that by choosing to grow that life when I was but a baby myself, I was bringing my own life to a screeching halt. I suppose that I was, in some ways. But mostly, I was beginning a whole new chapter.

Tucson Padres Game Summary

A crane lifted the last of a 408-foot tall spire on top of One World Trade Center on Friday, capping off a 12-year project to replace the twin towers that were destroyed by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001.

(BPT) - People insure their homes, their cars and even their vacations without giving it a second thought. But many do not think about insuring their most important asset – their income – from a disability caused by illness or injury. And it’s not just income during working years that is at risk. A disability can also put a serious dent in your ability to enjoy retirement.

(NAPSI)—Just because gas prices go up, that doesn’t mean your driving has to go down.

In his usual fashion, Oro Valley Mayor Satish Hiremath allowed each member of council to speak first when it came to last Wednesday’s discussion over the town’s tentative budget adoption.

(BPT) - The weather’s heating up and that means one thing: road trips.

After forming an exploratory committee to consider running for governor, Sen. Al Melvin, R-District 11, is confident that his bold ideas could lead him to the state’s top position in 2014.

The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance hosted yet another successful Cocktails and Classics event at the Tucson Mall on April 19.

Not long after the FBI identified the two suspects thought to be responsible for the bombing at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, one was killed in a gun fight with police, and another remains on the loose.

On April 14, at approximately 1:42 a.m., deputies with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department Foothills District responded to the Circle K at 5365 North La Cholla Boulevard reference a theft report.

Tucson Padres Game Summary

(BPT) - Adding living space to your home can be an expensive prospect. However, creating an outdoor room is a budget-friendly option that gives you more square footage, as well as additional opportunities to enjoy the season. As an extension of the home, outdoor rooms with decks or pergolas can be personalized to truly bring indoor comforts outside for relaxation and entertaining.

Oro Valley resident Karen Borth is making a difference with Tucson veterans as a volunteer in the Casas Adobes American Legion Auxiliary, Post and Unit #73. Along with her fellow volunteers, Borth helps fundraise for the increasing number of homeless and needy veterans in Southern Arizona.

Arizona did not need much time Saturday afternoon to squash Harvard's feel-good NCAA tournament story.

It took four games, but Arizona finally has its first win over a Bruins team - of any kind - this season.

“Regional collaboration is what happens when you think outside the box…By creating and taking advantage of opportunities for partnership, we have learned to extend our resources while redefining success and financial stability.”

(BPT) - When U.S. lawmakers made a deal to keep the country from going off the “fiscal cliff” at the end of 2012, they reinstated a tax break of up to $500 to help homeowners earn money back for energy efficient home improvements. The tax credit included in the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 is the first home improvement incentive since 2011, making this remodeling season an opportune time to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency and curb appeal before time runs out on Dec. 31, 2013.

(BPT) - It’s a serious problem with a simple solution. Nearly 1 million children under the age of 5 are exposed to potentially poisonous medicines and household chemicals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There is no better time than now to learn more about preventing accidental and unintentional poisonings.

(BPT) - “I’m so lucky I’m marrying my best friend,” is a phrase you often hear in wedding toasts. Now that you’ve found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, make sure you protect each other by considering the bigger financial picture.

After a recent Oro Valley council vote to extend the temporary allowance of A-frame signs and outdoor displays for area businesses, town staff sought further direction from council last Wednesday evening relating to potential penalties for businesses that are non-compliant with the rules for such advertising methods.

(BPT) - Who doesn’t like to make a good impression? Whether it’s a first date, meeting the future in-laws for the first time or interviewing for a job, making a good first impression can pave the way for some of life’s happiest experiences. That’s especially true for home-buyers, whose ability to secure their dream home depends on first impressing a mortgage lender.

(BPT) - When it comes to fashion faux pas, the only thing worse than clashing patterns is overly matching every item. Mixing and matching creates exciting contrast – and not just when you dress yourself, but also when you “dress up” your home. The trend toward mixing colors and materials has made its way outdoors, with enterprising homeowners getting creative with their decks.

People are a product of their upbringing, and Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-Ariz.) is no exception.