Free Republic

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush said Friday the national anthem should be sung in English - not Spanish - in a blunt rejection of a new Spanish-language version. He also expressed opposition to a national work stoppage called for Monday to dramatize the importance of immigrants to the U.S. economy. ``I'm not a supporter of boycotts,'' Bush said, while restating his support for a comprehensive overhaul of immigration laws. Bush made his comments at a Rose Garden news conference as a Spanish-language version of ``The Star-Spangled Banner,'' hit the airways featuring artists such as Wyclef Jean, hip-hop star Pitbull and...

DURHAM -- Long-awaited DNA testing failed to link Duke lacrosse players to the alleged gang rape of an exotic dancer at an off-campus party last month, lawyers defending the athletes announced Monday. None of the men's DNA was on the inside or outside of the woman's body or on her clothing or belongings, the lawyers said. "This test clears these young men conclusively," Durham lawyer Bill Thomas said. "It is our hope that none of these young men will have to face criminal charges resulting from these allegations." But District Attorney Mike Nifong, who has said he is "convinced" a...

WASHINGTON - The Senate sidetracked sweeping immigration legislation Friday, leaving in doubt prospects for passing a bill offering the hope of citizenship to millions of men, women and children living in the United States illegally.A carefully crafted compromise that supporters had claimed could win an overwhelming majority received only 38 of the 60 votes necessary to protect it from weakening amendments by opponents.Republicans were united in the 38-60 parliamentary vote but Democrats, who have insisted on no amendments, lost six votes from their members.An alternative bill by Majority Leader Bill Frist — with no provision to let illegal immigrants...