WASHINGTON — First lady Laura Bush will speak Monday evening at the groundbreaking of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

        Her appearance had been rumored for weeks as organizers planned the guest list for the historic Cincinnati event. The White House is expected to announce Mrs. Bush's visit formally today.

Mrs. Bush

        Mrs. Bush will join former world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali and other entertainment, government and community figures to celebrate creation of the museum and learning center.

        Mr. Ali will light a flame of freedom and a community choir will perform at the event, dubbed “Lighting Freedom's Flame.”

        The Freedom Center, scheduled to open in 2004, will chronicle the struggle to help slaves flee the South before the Civil War through a clandestine route that passed through Cincinnati. The center will be the focal point of a larger effort to link underground railroad sites across the country.

        “We're just tickled to death that she's coming,” said the Rev. Damon Lynch Jr., a co-chairman of the event. “I think (the Freedom Center) is a step in the right direction for what ails our community and what ails our country.”

        Some of the other dignitaries who have confirmed they will attend: Ohio Gov. Bob Taft; Sen. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio; Rep. Rob Portman, R-Ohio; Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, D-Ohio; Andrew Young, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations; and William Gray, national advisory board member for the United Negro College Fund.

Best path to mission is by bus
Bishop's words restore some faith
Priest won't retire, will replace bishop
Flag Day takes on a new poignancy
Add first lady to the guest list
Alleged robber's widow sued over stolen money
City's downside spelled out
Douglas cites his concern for city
Drownings claim two toddlers, woman
Five gardens on display during tour
Minority students' test scores improve
Obituary: Jerry A. 'Jay' Ruberg, 73, founded Jay Tool & Die Co.
River Sweep planned Saturday
Survey: Traffic Blue Ash's one downer
Tristate A.M. Report
BRONSON: Enhance me
SMITH AMOS: Traffic ruckus
WELLS: Keep printing
City works to shape image
Sewer plan survives - for now
W. Chester rejects church as too large
Zoning rejection may kill project
Judge pushes back Traficant sentencing
Highlands sports fees may go up
Kentucky News Briefs
Ky. gets three of new federal scenic routes
UK researchers test lung cancer vaccine