Beating the Odds: How a Navy veteran overcame his demons

By John Klyce Michael Sasseen slides into a chair in the Pan-Hellenic building, his eyes weary but focused. It’s the early afternoon, and the graduate assistant is prepping for tutoring. In May, the 62-year old will graduate with a master’s degree in business administration and a 3.76 GPA. The completion of his college career is close, but for Sasseen, it’s only the middle of his … Continue reading Beating the Odds: How a Navy veteran overcame his demons

The Memphis Massacre: looking back on a forgotten time in the city’s history

By John Klyce Austin Cotton plodded home in the summer heat, exhausted. As a bead of sweat trickled down his cheek, the carpenter raised his coarse, blue-collar hands to his head, shielding his eyes from the sun’s unforgiving rays. It was May 1 of 1866 in Memphis, Tennessee, and Cotton, a former slave, struggled through his first year of freedom. As he passed Hollowell’s Grocery, … Continue reading The Memphis Massacre: looking back on a forgotten time in the city’s history

Buyer Beware On websites like Craigslist, criminals lure unsuspecting victims offline with cheap deals — only to take their money and run.

By John Klyce Andy Fong saw his brother in his 2004 Honda Accord, frantically honking the horn. He took off in a sprint, leapt into the backseat and they raced away. Leaning back and sighing in relief, Fong noticed he sprained his ankle and cut his knee. He had only wanted to buy a television. Fong is one of 25 million Americans who lose more … Continue reading Buyer Beware On websites like Craigslist, criminals lure unsuspecting victims offline with cheap deals — only to take their money and run.

U of M crossing guard brightens students’ day

By John Klyce It’s a torrid Tuesday afternoon on the corner of Goodman and Southern. Crossing guard Bob Jones stands on the side of the road as a bead of sweat trickles past his mustache and meets the toothpick dangling from his mouth. The temperature is 91 degrees, and the bright neon vest covering his buttondown isn’t doing him any favors. But Jones isn’t complaining. … Continue reading U of M crossing guard brightens students’ day