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.

Living in Arizona—especially during the hotter months—we are exquisitely aware that drinking water is valuable and life-giving. But even when you spend those hot days basking in air conditioning, getting enough water is one of the best things you can do for your health, at any age and at any time of year.

Northwest Fire District’s governing board approved a contract for Michael J. Brandt to become its fire chief, dropping the “interim” from his current title when the two-year contract kicks in on May 28.

(BPT) - In warmer weather, patios transform into the ultimate gathering space for backyard barbecues, reading, relaxing or even exercising. These outdoor rooms become an extension of the house, seamlessly merging the outdoors inside and vice versa.

(BPT) - Railing can upgrade any deck from drab to fab – adding style, as well as safety and support. In fact, it’s often the one element that truly sets your outdoor living space apart from others in the neighborhood. Here are five steps to create the perfect perimeter for your deck.

(BPT) - As the seasons change, turn over a new leaf and give your home an energy makeover. You can improve your home’s comfort while helping the environment by making your home more energy efficient, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, a variety of compatible technologies are available to help manage your home’s comfort systems more efficiently and economically. Here are some tips to get you started.

(NewsUSA) - According to recent reports, Warren Buffet has identified energy deregulation as the next big financial opportunity to reverberate around the country. Similarly, former GE Chairman Jack Welch described deregulation as "the next biggest thing since the Internet."

(BPT) - Are you killing your pet with kindness? We’re not talking about the compassion that motivates us to vaccinate our pets, or keep them warm in cold weather. Kindness that can be harmful to pets comes in the form of an overabundance of food and treats. The all-too-common result is a pet that becomes overweight or even obese.

(NAPSI)—While some think of North Africa as a region of turmoil and unrest half a world away, one nation has emerged as a leader, demonstrating a commitment to cooperation and regional security that can ultimately benefit the interests of the U.S.

(BPT) - Even as the country moves out of the great recession, many Americans are still in a money-saving mode – looking to conserve wherever possible.

Making the most of your home’s outdoor spaces can do wonders for a property’s overall value. What’s more, some updates can also potentially lower your home’s energy bills while increasing its efficiency.

(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.

(BPT) - While children long for the lazy carefree days of summer, many adults view the season as a reason to be active and get healthy. Whether it's to look good for an upcoming beach vacation or simply to have the energy to enjoy the season to the fullest, setting health goals is a great first step.

(BPT) - There’s nothing like the smell of a home-cooked meal wafting through the kitchen for hours and hours – that is, if you have time to prepare such a meal. Since most of us don’t have that sort of time on a daily basis, many time-pressed cooks are rediscovering pressure cooking: an age-old cooking method that makes mealtime fast and easy.

(NAPSI)How much do you know about the honey bear bottle in your pantry? With recent confusion over pollen and filtration, the National Honey Board (NHB) wants to clarify any misconceptions surrounding this natural ingredient with harvesting, filtration and nutrition facts about honey. With more than 300 varietals of honey in the United States, honey adds its own unique profile to every recipe. Plus, honey has many benefits before and after it gets to the pantry.

(NAPSI)—If you’ve ever thought about taking steps to prepare for a possible disaster, you’re not alone. Nationally, some 8 million Americans are doing some “prepping” to protect their families in case something bad comes their way.

(NAPSI)—Many couples’ romantic problems may be easier to solve than they think. That’s because the trouble, if it’s an intimacy issue, may be due to nothing more than their mattress.

(NAPSI)—Before summer kicks into high gear, consider converting your home into an eco-friendly and energy-saving one. An excellent place to start is with your window coverings. Cooling your house with cellular shades, solar screens or window film provides a multitude of benefits that can not only save you money, but create a more enjoyable home environment as well.

(StatePoint) Whether you are motivated to help the planet or simply want to slash home energy and water bills, there are easy steps to reduce your home’s carbon footprint.

(NewsUSA) - Music and exercise have always complimented one another well, but fitness trends and research indicate real, quantifiable benefits.

“Heartbreaking” was the word described by Marana softball coach George Corona as his Tigers were eliminated from the state playoffs at the hands of the Desert Ridge Jaguars on April 30. 

Senator McCain visited Oro Valley this past week. During his initial remarks on a host of topics, he twice mentioned foreign visitors over-extending their visas, and we are not able to track them.