The United States of America, also known as the United States, the U.S., the U.S.A., the U.S. of A, the States, and America, is a country in North America. A federal republic, the United States shares land borders with Canada and Mexico, and extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Its capital is Washington, D.C.

The present-day continental United States has been inhabited for at least 15,000 years by Native Americans. After 16th-century European exploration and settlement, the English established new colonies, and gained control of others, in the eastern portion of the continent in the 17th and early 18th centuries. On 4 July 1776, at war with Britain over fair governance, thirteen of these colonies declared their independence; in 1783, the war ended in British acceptance of the new nation. Since then, the country has more than quadrupled in size: it now consists of 50 states, one federal district, and a number of overseas territories.

At over 3.7 million square miles (over 9.1 million km²), the U.S. is the third largest country by area. It is also the world's third most populous nation, with nearly 300 million people.

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L.A. Times - Religious News

Retired judge's recusal will delay release of L.A. clergy sex-abuse files
Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Plaintiffs' attorneys have requested that a new judge be appointed to decide which L.A. Archdiocese personnel documents will be released to the public. A year-old legal agreement requiring the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles to release confidential personnel records of priests accused of sexual abuse has been thrown into limbo by the departure of a retired judge selected to vet the documents.
Rancho Cucamonga's Muslims get new mosque in time for Ramadan
Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700
The city has granted worshipers a temporary occupancy permit for their almost-completed structure for the holy month. From speakers mounted inside and outside the modest stucco house in Rancho Cucamonga, the intoning sound of the call to Friday prayer floated in the muggy summer air.
Palin relied on earmark system she now opposes
Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700
The governor's past practice on earmarks stands in contrast to the views of her running mate, a researcher at a watchdog group says. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin presents herself as an ally of presidential candidate John McCain when it comes to curbing wasteful government spending.

RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY | PBS

2008 Campaign: Update on the Candidates and Religion
Obama and McCain step up efforts to meet religious leaders and reach religious voters.
Pediatric AIDS Corps
Young American doctors are going to Africa to treat patients and train local providers.
Interfaith Wedding
The wedding rituals of a Hindu-Sikh couple honor the religious traditions of both.

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