Nashville may make English official language

Nashville could become the largest U.S. city to make English the mandatory language for all government business under a measure up being put before voters Thursday, but critics say it might invite lawsuits and even cost the city millions in federal funding.

Though similar measures have passed elsewhere, the idea has ignited an intense debate. Proponents say using one language would unite the city, but business leaders, academics and the city's mayor worry it could give the city a bad reputation, because, as Gov. Phil Bredesen put it, "it's mean spirited."