The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (pronounced ) is a state in the eastern part of the United States. One of the original Thirteen Colonies that founded the country, it is known as the Keystone State, which is appropriate given its central location among the original colonies, or the Quaker State. With industry making Conestoga wagons and rifles, and tobacco farms, it was a transitional area bearing characteristics of both the heavily industrialized North and the agrarian South.

Consequently, three Keystone State cities—Philadelphia, Lancaster, and York—served as capital of the new nation, with the Founding Fathers drawing up and signing the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia is known as the cradle of the American Nation.

Pennsylvania has two coastal areas: 63 miles (100 km) of coastline along Lake Erie and 57 miles (92 km) along the Delaware Estuary. Philadelphia is home to a major seaport and shipyards on the Delaware River.

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Inquirer front page

Bob Ford: Surging Phillies take command
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:01:00 -0000
Bob Ford: The ghosts of Octobers past will have to work overtime to mess up the Phillies this time. After 15 seasons of waiting to return to the World Series, the Phils are halfway there.
N.J. authority raises tolls on two highways
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:01:00 -0000
Tolls will increase by nearly 50 percent on the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway in about six weeks following unanimous approval yesterday by the Turnpike Authority board.
Thrift stores booming in slow economy
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:01:00 -0000
Lindel Richardson smiled as she dropped a pair of shoes into her shopping cart. They were new, the brand was Unisa, and they cost all of $3.99.
U.S., global stocks drop as leaders seek ideas
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:01:00 -0000
ASSOCIATED PRESS Stock markets jolted still lower in the United States and around the globe yesterday despite efforts to slow the selling stampede, and world industrial powers in Washington urgently debated new steps to prevent an economic catastrophe. And a plan for the government to invest in U.S. banks moved forward.
Palin probe finds abuse of power
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:01:00 -0000
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Sarah Palin unlawfully abused her power as governor by trying to have her former brother-in-law fired as a state trooper, the chief investigator of an Alaska legislative panel concluded yesterday. The politically charged inquiry could imperil her reputation as a reformer on John McCain's Republican ticket.
Refunds for Phila. motorists clocked improperly by red-light cameras
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:01:00 -0000
The Philadelphia Parking Authority will give $100 refunds to 4,390 motorists ticketed this year, because its red-light cameras were a little too quick on the draw.

Today's Tribune-Review

Palin defends firing of Alaska official
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0400
In Pittsburgh for a fundraiser, Sarah Palin defended her firing of the official shortly before a report was released alleging her action was an abuse of power and a violation of state ethics law.
Friday's high school scores
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0400
Here are the high school scores from games played Friday, Oct. 10.
2 more sought in South Fayette bomb case
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0400
Police are searching for an 18-year-old South Park man and a minor in connection with the case of a teen accused of attempting to kill his family with homemade bombs.
New Mexico balloon crash kills Butler man
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0400
Stephen Lachendro of Zelienople died when a hot air balloon crashed into power lines and burst into flames during Albuquerque's annual balloon fiesta.
High-tech explorers search Mon for elusive B-25
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0400
Divers and scientists are trying for the third time in 14 years to find the remains of the bomber that splashed into the Mon in 1956.
Hill District pastor finds niche in city
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0400
Macedonia Baptist Church in the Hill District honors its minister, the Rev. Jason Aristotle Barr Jr., for his service to faith and community.

Centredaily.com: Local

Man draws from past to help Indiana family
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:42:00 -0400
As a kid, Lefty McIntyre batted left, threw left and kicked left.
LB Bowman follows 'first instinct'
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:56:00 -0400
How is he always there?
WWII hero to be laid to rest in Zion
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:41:00 -0400
Centre County’s tie to a famous World War II squadron has returned home.

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