There was a time when Xavier Henry was a top-10 recruit before starring at Kansas. The Memphis Grizzlies then made him the 12th overall selection in the 2010 NBA draft after just one season in the college ranks.

(BPT) - Often, we don’t think about heroism until we see it in action - when disaster strikes and ordinary people exhibit extraordinary courage and compassion to help victims in their time of need. The truth is, however, that the best of human nature is on display every day in the lives of millions of Americans who work in public service jobs across the country. Sometimes all it takes to tap that inner hero is an opportunity – and the education – to serve others.

(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.

(NewsUSA) - Many of the key provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act -- better known as ObamaCare -- are already coming into effect this year.

(NAPSI)—As a young child, Ryan Haass spent much of his time on a tractor in Devine, Texas. The Haass family heritage revolves around farming and tractor restoration. When Ryan was 10, the Texas drought was so bad that his family retired its tractors and turned to cattle ranching. With idle tractors around the farm, Ryan’s older siblings, Randolph and Amie, discovered an interest in restoration and began participating in competitions.

Koko FitClub, located at 10785 N. Oracle Road, is offering parents the opportunity to get their kids active this summer with Camp Koko, a four-week camp where boys and girls, ages 13-18, will learn the proper ways to exercise and eat.  The first camp runs June 3rd through June 27th and the second camp runs July 8th through August 1st.  

When Ironwood Ridge sophomore Brandon McKay decided to learn Japanese to carry on his mother’s heritage, he wasn’t expecting an award to come with it.

Even though “The Great Gatsby” has gotten the movie treatment several times in the past, no film adaptation has ever really stood out as the definitive version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s celebrated novel. Director Baz Luhrmann’s film is certainly the most visually arresting interpretation of “The Great Gatsby” ever produced. Catherine Martin, who previously worked with Luhrmann on “Moulin Rouge,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Australia,” deserves multiple Oscar nominations for her hyper sets and eye-popping costumes. As wonderful as Luhrmann’s “Great Gatsby” is to look at, the enchanting visuals are also ironically the movie’s downfall. In the midst of the art direction, costumes, and music, the story and characters that made Fitzgerald’s book a classic, become a mere afterthought. 

Books for the young adult audience have always had their own charm and adult fans, but recently it seems that many have taken off and found mainstream success that goes far beyond a teen audience. The next one to do that may just be “Flicker” by Melanie Hooyenga.

Sunrise Mountain’s Taylor Nowlin was reliving her last start in ASU’s Farrington Stadium — for two batters, anyway.

Nurses are often the first health care provider a patient meets. Whether they’re helping someone during a health crisis, involving the family in a patient’s care, or assisting with a medical treatment, nurses bring a wealth of medical knowledge, compassion and dedication to their jobs every day. The importance of nurses cannot be overstated, yet there is a shortage of nursing professionals in this country.

(BPT) - Sunnier skies and summertime fun are just around the corner, and with them comes plenty of outdoor activities like long days at the playground, sporting events and barbecues. With so many options, the last thing most people want to think about is household responsibilities … but all that outdoor fun can add up to a lot of laundry.

(StatePoint) Transitioning from high school to the next life stage can be a time of excitement for young people, but it can also be a time filled with uncertainty.

(NAPSI)--Many people might get and keep their hands on more money if they had a better grasp of finances. Consider these statistics from Indiana State University:

(NewsUSA) - Mental illness affects one in four Americans, yet it's often absent from public conversations about health care. Now is the time to raise awareness and build support for the 57 million Americans struggling with mental health issues.

Nineteenth century author Henry David Thoreau kept a journal of his reflections for the last 25 years of his life.

Today’s children grow up in a vastly different technological world than that of their parents or grandparents. While you may fondly recall a favorite storybook stored on your nightstand, many kids today are reading using their parent’s smartphone or tablet. Digital devices are becoming a regular part of a child’s life, and parents should understand what this means for how kids learn and grow.

Northwest Fire District firefighters and paramedics were called to the 8200 block of North Equator Loop just before midnight after receiving a 9-1-1 call indicating that a small child had been found in the backyard swimming pool. The home is near Cortaro Farms and Oldfather Roads. The initial 9-1-1 call was received at 11:43pm. Bystanders reported that the child was pulled from the pool where CPR instructions were given from 9-1-1 dispatchers until Northwest Fire crews arrived 4 minutes later.

Tucson Padres Game Summary

(StatePoint) Do you have treasured childhood memories of spending time outdoors with your parents or grandparents? This summer, take the time to share this experience with your own children. Pack a lunch, put on some sunscreen and take them on your own hiking or fishing adventure.

Several themes are evident in the newly announced UApresents 2013-2014 season, with more shows being offered in the Tucson community and many presentations geared toward young adults and families.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is making it easier for teenage girls to get over-the-counter birth control, by allowing Plan B One-Step emergency contraceptive to be sold without a prescription to women 15 years of age and older.

Recently, several dozen residents came together in front of U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake’s office on Oracle Road in order to protest his vote against a scaled down bill that would have extended background checks to purchase firearms.

As a freshman in high school, Danetta Bronnimann recalls hearing the word “quagmire” to describe the situation of American troops during the Vietnam War.