Morning Roundup: So long, Ed edition

Good morning, Houston. We can't remember a time when Ed Brandon wasn't on KTRK — so it'll be odd when he's not on TV anymore. As we learned from Mike McGuff yesterday, Brandon plans to retire in mid-April after 35 years in front of the weather map. McGuff has a long (and fascinating) interview with Brandon; once you've checked that out, you can leave a comment for Ed on Channel 13's website.

>> Lampson recovering: U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson (D-Stafford) is getting back on his feet after undergoing a quadruple coronary artery bypass Sunday morning at St. Luke's hospital here. He'll be in the hospital for observation for several days, but should be released within the week; afterward, he'll have to stay in the area for three or four weeks. "The physicians have indicated that the surgery proceeded well and that Congressman Lampson will make a full recovery," Lampson spokesman Bobby Zafarnia said in a press release. "Though this was a serious procedure, Congressman Lampson has his family with him, his spirits are high, and he looks forward to returning to his office and serving his constituents as quickly as possible."

>> The weight of the weight: Obese workers cost Texas employers an estimated $3.3 billion in 2005, according to a new report from the state comptroller's office. The cost, which comes from health care, absenteeism and other weight-related expenses, is high enough now, but it could skyrocket to $16 billion by 2025 if the nearly two-thirds of Texans who are overweight don't shed a few pounds. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like the state is getting much slimmer: Between 1999 and 2005, Texas had a nearly 120 percent increase in the number of obese adults, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Looks like it's time to call Jenny.

>> Another skyscraper downtown: Trammell Crow Co. has bought a block downtown that will become the site of Discovery Tower, a new office building expected to be between 600,000 and 1.2 million square feet. The block — bounded by McKinney, La Branch, Walker and Crawford streets — sits at the northern edge of Discovery Green, the new downtown park that's expected to open early next year; construction should begin on Discovery Tower about the time the park is finished, when construction expected to be completed in early 2010.

>> Today's weather: The forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of rain today, but the bulk of the storms should have moved through the area by 10 a.m., leaving us with a partly cloudy afternoon, potentially gusty winds and a high around 78. Things should clear off tonight — look for a low of 64 and a southerly breeze.

Now, get a little breezy with the rest of this morning's news ...