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

Phils take businesslike approach
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:01:00 -0000
Shane Victorino sat in the middle of a horde of reporters yesterday at Dodger Stadium and tried to make sense of everything. The scene seemed fitting. The centerfielder has been in the middle of everything since the Phillies made the playoffs.
Baseball-distracted Phila. may ignore debate
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:01:00 -0000
What if they held a presidential debate and hardly anyone watched? That could be the case in the Philadelphia area tonight as the third and final meeting between Barack Obama and John McCain goes head-to-head with the Phillies' attempt to win a spot in the World Series.
Envisioning a Centennial District in western Fairmount Park
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:01:00 -0000
Not much disturbs the red-bellied turtles slowly carrying on, as turtles do, around Centennial Lake. Wind puffs down George's Hill, rippling murky water, buffeting the crust of lily pads. A stately row of rehabilitated historic houses across Parkside Avenue stands watch over lonely pond and empty field.
Ex-Marine charged in road-rage shooting
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:01:00 -0000
To his South Philadelphia neighbors, Christian A. Squillaciotti is a "gentle giant." To associates in the martial-arts world, the 275-pound former Marine is a mystery.
McCain floats tax plan to ease market losses
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:01:00 -0000
Republican John McCain yesterday proposed a $52.5 billion package of tax cuts aimed at cushioning the blow of stock-market losses for senior citizens, helping the unemployed and encouraging investment.
Big banks belly up to federal bailout
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:01:00 -0000
Big banks started stepping up yesterday for a revamped bailout plan that will see the U.S. government fork over as much as $250 billion in exchange for partial ownership - putting the world's bastion of free markets squarely in the banking business.

Today's Tribune-Review

Two homeless after fire engulfs buildings, church
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:40:07 -0400
A dozen people are homeless after a fire destroyed two buildings, a house and a church in the 1800 block of Seventh Avenue in Beaver Falls this morning, Beaver Falls Fire Chief Mark Stowe said.
Police charge man in connection with fatal Penn Hills stabbings
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:43:15 -0400
Keith Scott, 40, is accused of fatally stabbing two people and wounding a third Tuesday night at a home in the 1600 block of Relative Drive in the Hulton Estates Housing Plan, Penn Hills and Allegheny County police said.
Adams Twp. allows pole dancing studio to open
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:22:20 -0400
A Pittsburgh suburb will allow a pole dancing studio to open, ending a federal lawsuit that accused town officials of violating the First Amendment rights of the prospective business woman.
Body of New Kensington man found in river
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0400
Police are continuing to investigate the death of Michael J. Karpinski, 42, of the 1300 block of Woodmont Avenue. They said there was no evidence of foul play but they are still looking for Karpinski's wallet.
Barden's company may sell assets
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0400
Don Barden's Majestic Star Casino company, once the developer of Pittsburgh's casino, is saddled with debt and could sell all its assets, according to a report the company filed Tuesday with federal regulators.
Cranberry woman accused of Halloween decoration thefts
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:58:12 -0400
The woman was arrested Friday night after she led police on a chase throughout Cranberry. The thefts occurred over at least two weeks at homes in Seven Fields, Cranberry and Jackson.

Centredaily.com: Local

Man walks for cancer research
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:45:00 -0400
A 60 year-old Indianapolis man walking across the county to raise money for cancer research passed through Centre County this week.
Philipsburg looks at partnering in regional police force
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:50:00 -0400
PHILIPSBURG ‚ Lawbreakers in Philipsburg, beware. A new police presence could be on the way.
Police busy at Dead concert
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:42:00 -0400
The parking lot looked like on a football Saturday, except dreadlocks and tie-dyed clothing replaced Penn State T-shirts, as Grateful Dead fans drank beer and waited for former members of the band to reunite on stage Monday.

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