Drunken astronauts alleged

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A panel studying NASA astronauts found "heavy use of alcohol" before launch, a published report said Thursday. The report said the committee found on at least two occasions, astronauts were allowed to fly after flight surgeons and other astronauts said they posed a safety risk. Story on Page 1.

Gates seeks to calm feud:

WASHINGTON -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates wrote to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton that a top Pentagon official did not intend to impugn her patriotism by suggesting that her questions about U.S. planning in Iraq boosts enemy propaganda. At the same time, Gates defended the author of the letter. Story on Page 8.

Sharpton raps GOP hopefuls:

ST. LOUIS -- Civil rights leader Al Sharpton said Thursday black voters should punish Republicans who fail to show for presidential candidates' forums hosted by the National Urban League and the NAACP. "Republicans have to lay out their policies and court the African-American vote," Sharpton said. Story on Page 8.

Duke prosecutor apologizes:

DURHAM, N.C. -- Disgraced former prosecutor Mike Nifong acknowledged Thursday there is "no credible evidence" three Duke lacrosse players committed any of the crimes he accused them of more than a year ago, offering for the first time a complete and unqualified apology. "We all need to heal," he said. Story on Page 9.

General faces demotion:

WASHINGTON -- Army Secretary Peter Geren is expected to recommend a retired Lt. Gen. Philip Kensinger be demoted for his role in providing misleading information about the death of Army Ranger Pat Tillman, military officials say, in what would be a stinging and rare rebuke. He headed Army special operations. Story on Page 10.

TB patient leaves hospital:

DENVER -- The tuberculosis patient who created a global health scare when he flew to Europe for his wedding was released from a hospital Thursday after completing inpatient treatment, officials said. Andrew Speaker underwent surgery on July 17 to remove a diseased portion of his right lung. Story on Page 11.

Court hits immigration law:

HAZLETON, Pa. -- A federal judge Thursday struck down Hazleton's tough anti-immigration law, ruling unconstitutional a measure copied around the country. The city's Illegal Immigration Relief Act sought to fine landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and deny business permits to companies that give them jobs.

Senate beefs border watch:

WASHINGTON -- Senate Democrats and Republicans agreed Thursday to devote an additional $3 billion to gaining control of the U.S.-Mexico border. This puts Congress on a path to overriding President Bush's promised veto of a $38 billion homeland spending bill that resurrects parts of Bush's failed immigration bill.

Bush urges Congress to act:

PHILADELPHIA -- President Bush said Thursday the Democratic-run Congress shouldn't leave Washington for its August recess without at least finishing a spending bill covering the Defense Department. "In a time of war, one spending bill ought to take precedence over all the rest," Bush said.