A new study quantifies for the first time the link between energy-efficient homes and mortgage risks, suggesting owners of Energy Star-certified houses are less likely to default on their home loans than members of a control group.

While baseball may be America’s favorite pastime, there’s no need to have swung a bat in your life to recognize iconic baseball parks across the U.S. Baseball became a national sport in the 1850s but the turn of the 20th century brought construction to what many Americans deem the most important baseball stadiums in history – including the Red Sox stomping grounds and the most expensive stadium ever built: Yankee Stadium. Whether you opt for the peanuts or Cracker Jack, there’s no doubt you will enjoy the game at one of these famous baseball parks in America.

While baseball may be America’s favorite pastime, there’s no need to have swung a bat in your life to recognize iconic baseball parks across the U.S. Baseball became a national sport in the 1850s but the turn of the 20th century brought construction to what many Americans deem the most important baseball stadiums in history – including the Red Sox stomping grounds and the most expensive stadium ever built: Yankee Stadium. Whether you opt for the peanuts or Cracker Jack, there’s no doubt you will enjoy the game at one of these famous baseball parks in America.

(StatePoint) You may remember your parents telling you to turn off the television and go outside or read a book. But these days, it’s harder than ever to separate kids from media devices, especially as their options become more mobile.

(BPT) - Builders are back in business, and new-home construction is up in areas across the country. So is remodeling, as plenty of Americans choose to stay put and upgrade their current homes rather than tackle the challenge of buying and moving into something new.

Gov. Jan Brewer today appointed attorneys Sean Earl Brearcliffe, Michael Joseph Butler and Brenden James Griffin to the Pima County Superior Court.

“Creating a pathway to earned citizenship for the 11 million unauthorized immigrants in this country is essential. The way we treat our friends and neighbors who are undocumented – by creating a mechanism for them to earn citizenship and move out of the shadows – transcends the issue of immigration status. This is a matter of civil and human rights. It is about who we are as a nation. And it goes to the core of our treasured American principle of equal opportunity.” Eric Holder, Attorney General (4/24/2013)

Most of us already realize “normal” is relative. Yet, we are only human. And as such, we can scarcely stop ourselves from the very-human behavior of seizing every available opportunity to try to quantify and define the term.

(BPT) - As summer approaches, many parents are worried about the summer learning slide, and with good reason. Students who do not participate in enrichment and learning activities during the summer break can lose roughly 22 percent of the knowledge and skills they gained during the previous school year, according to the National Summer Learning Association.

(BPT) - Families are always looking for ways to cut household costs. One area that provides a bit of budget-cutting flexibility is home entertainment costs.

Northwest Fire District firefighters responded to the Honey baked Ham store located at 7090 N. Oracle road at 0538 after an automatic fire alarm activation was received. The first arriving engine company arrived within 6 minutes to find an audible alarm sounding, flooding from the front door from the automatic sprinkler systems that had been activated and smoke also coming from the entry way. A full alarm was requested which brought three additional engine companies, a ladder company and support units to the scene.

(NAPSI)If youre like most people with a mixed-breed dog, you may sometimes be surprised at certain behaviors and wonder just what breeds make up his ancestry. After all, experts on genetics contend that the dog is, at this point, the most diverse species of mammal. The many breeds recognized today are the result of careful selective breeding for functional attributes deemed beneficial to their human owners including hunting, guarding and herding, and desirable physical characteristics such as skull shape, size, and coat variation.

(BPT) - Vehicles are a big investment for families – usually the second highest valued item in a household after the home itself. While the purchase price for cars, trucks and SUVs keeps going up, the cost of maintenance is holding steady or even dropping for most vehicles. Better materials, sophisticated computers and other advances increase reliability and allow less frequent oil changes, tune-ups and other service.

It’s easy to get out and explore Arizona on two wheels — our state is renowned for its good weather, new infrastructure and beautiful scenery. Those are just some of the reasons that Arizona is ranked number 10 in the country for bicycle friendliness by the League of American Bicyclists in their annual survey. That’s a jump from number 14 in 2012.

(BPT) - You need to come up with the perfect Father’s Day gift this year. But combing through the vast array of items on his wish list can be a challenge. Here are some great ideas to make your selection easier - and make any dad feel like the king he truly is.

The largest graduating class in Pima Community College history will receive degrees and certificates on May 16.

(NAPSI)In the shop, on the factory floor, at the office, in the community, Americas workers are getting things done-and getting the chance at a new truck, and more, to prove it.

(NAPSI)—Some American heroes can finally get the recognition they deserve.

(NAPSI)—Five percent may not sound like a lot of anything, but when it comes to building new homes, it can make a big contribution toward putting Americans to work.

(NAPSI)—A remodeled basement can add comfort and value to a home. In fact, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2013 Cost vs. Value Report, basement remodels are still one of the top remodeling projects and typically consist of about a third of the entire home’s available space.

Several years ago, the idea was hatched to have Canyon Del Oro High School students build a home from a cargo shipping container. Now, after most of the legal hoops have been jumped through and the plans are nearly finalized, physical construction can begin.

Despite a struggling national economy, the 2013-2014 fiscal year budgets are looking optimistic for the northwest towns of Oro Valley and Marana.

(BPT) - “My research experiences have shown me that, in spite of what statistics say about women in science, any girl with a passion for exploring unanswered questions can and should be persistent in pursuing that work,” says Sara Volz, 17. “Being female should not hold anyone back from science or engineering.”

(NAPSI)—If your family is like some 75 percent of households across the United States, you want to get at least one piece of furniture for your outdoor living space this year, reports furniture design expert Jackie Hirschhaut.

(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.