Free Republic

Nearly four decades after he filled the Astrodome for a pair of championship fights, then relinquished his heavyweight boxing title by placing principles ahead of profession, Muhammad Ali will return to Houston next Tuesday to throw out the first pitch for the All-Star Game at Minute Maid Park. Ali's selection was disclosed Wednesday by Ed Goren, the president of Fox Sports, which will broadcast the game Tuesday night. "It should be one of the most historic moments fans will ever see at an All-Star Game," Goren said. This will not be the first time Ali has participated in the opening...

Metro's board approved a resolution Thursday to name the agency's new downtown headquarters for Mayor Lee Brown, who many credit for spearheading the construction of Houston's first light rail line. The Metropolitan Transit Authority's headquarters -- under construction at 1900 Main St. -- is adjacent to the Downtown Transit Center stop on the light rail line. The 14-story structure, which should be completed in early 2005, will be christened the "Lee P. Brown Metro Administration Building." A resolution unanimously passed by the board of directors states that Brown "has been unwavering in his support of public transit" and efforts "to...

The roof of Minute Maid Park is growing like a Chia Pet. In the three years since the stadium opened, an unidentified organism has overtaken its white plastic roof like an out-of-control biology experiment, turning the top of the $250 million ballpark into what may be the world's largest petri dish. The growth -- which could be anything from mold to bacteria to algae, experts say -- has prompted the Houston Astros to file a warranty claim with the manufacturer, GenFlex Roofing Systems of Maumee, Ohio. "We noticed the discoloration last year," said Rob Matwick, senior vice president of operations...