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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Man drowns in Lansing river

Lansing - A man was found dead Tuesday afternoon in the Red Cedar River in Lansing, near Kalamazoo and Clippert Streets. Police were investigating the incident as "a suspicious death," and an autopsy performed Wednesday concluded with inconclusive results. Roberto Martinez, friend of the man he called "Ran Dan," returned after a brief trip Tuesday to the location they were living at - among the trees west of Kalamazoo Street and on the shore of the Red Cedar River - and noticed something wasn't right. Police had taped off the area and were investigating a body found in the water next to their campsite. Martinez said he and a group of men had been "kicking back" at the campsite, where "Ran Dan" had a tent, and "were all drinking." Multiple police and rescue teams swarmed the area after Lansing Police received an anonymous call at about 2:30 p.m.

MICHIGAN

Third annual folk festival expected to bring 80K people to E.L. streets

East Lansing city officials, along with MSU Museum employees and downtown businesses are getting ready for fun, folk music and food during this weekend's third annual Great Lakes Folk Festival. MSU Museum Communication Manager Lora Helou said the 80,000 expected at this year's festival - the same amount as at last year's event - can taste the flavor and cultures of different countries of the world. "Through music, food and arts, it's a chance to experience lots of different cultures in an accessible way," Helou said.

MICHIGAN

2 men die after separate events

Two East Lansing men died in the last two days in separate vehicle-related incidents. Nabi Aslani, 79, died Tuesday in a car accident at the corner of Coolidge and State Roads, and 22-year-old Alexander Zynda shot himself after a high-speed police chase Wednesday.

MICHIGAN

Lansing group to target low-income vote

The streets will be filled this fall with political activists, petitioners and advocates representing the presidential candidates of their choice. Lansing Voters Matter, a new non-partisan voter registration organization, will be targeting a group they say is often overlooked by many of the regular campaigns - Lansing's low-income population. "We realized that all of the 'Get out the vote' drives were politically motivated," co-founder Michelle Johnson said.

MICHIGAN

Parade celebrates African Americans

Lansing - State Rep. Michael Murphy, D-Lansing, watched one of the nation's oldest and largest black parades in Chicago every summer as a child and eventually participated in the parade when he was old enough.

MICHIGAN

Bush to visit Saginaw today

When President Bush stops his "Heart and Soul of America" tour in Saginaw today, it will be his 19th trip to the Great Lakes State since his bid for the presidency in 2000. The Republican has visited Michigan more than any other president in U.S.

MICHIGAN

Parade will float to Lansing

As a little boy growing up on the south side of Chicago, state Rep. Michael Murphy, D-Lansing, would watch one of the nation's oldest and largest black parades march down his street every year.

MICHIGAN

Retired teacher to face Rogers

Democrat Bob Alexander will go head-to-head with U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers on issues such as the Iraq War, health care and jobs when the two compete in November for Michigan's 8th Congressional District. To win the right to take on Rogers, R-Brighton, Alexander beat Democrat Matt Ferguson in Tuesday's primary.

MICHIGAN

E.L. Library to offer computer seminars

The East Lansing Public Library will extend its free adult computer classes throughout the month. All sessions are from 9-10 a.m. "Basic Computer Skills" begins Monday and will teach basics such as how to use the mouse and provide a basic lexicon defining technical computer terms. "Beginner's Guide to the World Wide Web" on Thursday, Aug.

MICHIGAN

Ingham County Fair more than a ride

Mason - Like the methodical rotations of a Ferris wheel, the 150th Ingham County Fair began Monday morning with less of a bang and more of a slow, resounding "moo." As the first of a projected 100,000 total visitors trickled into the park to visit with cows, pigs, horses and even Bengal tigers, the persuasive voices of carnival game hosts were rivaled only by the upbeat dance music playing in the background of slick-moving, head-jerking carnival rides.

MICHIGAN

Coalition to address primary voters

In response to a petition created by the anti-same-sex marriage organization, Citizens for the Protection of Marriage, the Coalition for a Fair Michigan plans to address voters today at primary polls all over the state. Coalition volunteers said they want to educate voters on the proposed Michigan Marriage Protection Amendment's wording, which will possibly be on the November ballot, and the effects of the amendment on residents if it were passed. "The amendment goes really far beyond marriage," said Wendy Howell, campaign manager for the Coalition for a Fair Michigan.

MICHIGAN

Man attempts to abduct woman

East Lansing police received a call at 12:45 a.m. Friday reporting an attempted abduction near Albert Avenue and Milford Street, according to a police report. Earlier in the night, a man described to be in his early twenties allegedly approached a female, grabbed her and placed a cloth soaked with some type of liquid over her mouth, according to the report. East Lansing police Sgt.

MICHIGAN

E.L. boy dead after vehicle, scooter crash

An 8-year-old East Lansing boy, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead late Friday night at Lansing's Sparrow Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in an accident, which had occurred earlier in the evening, East Lansing police Sgt.