Today’s weather forecast is predicting some clouds in the morning which will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon, with a high of 54 degrees and a low of 29 degrees.
Lawyers who represented MSU amid Nassar scandal quietly handling Title IX complaints
Two former attorneys tied to Michigan State University’s handling of the Larry Nassar scandal are quietly back working with the university – this time as outside consultants.
Rob Kent, once MSU’s assistant general counsel and briefly head of the university’s Title IX office, is now leading investigations and compliance efforts for MSU as part of a consulting contract. Kristine Zayko, who once edited Title IX reports to bolster MSU’s legal defense and resigned amid controversy in 2018, is also back — investigating discrimination and sexual misconduct claims.
Both left MSU more than five years ago after public criticism. But internal emails show they’ve resumed influential roles within MSU’s Office for Civil Rights. University officials defend the hires, citing their legal experience, though some experts say their past ties to the university raise questions about impartiality.
While their return hasn’t sparked the same backlash seen in 2018, critics say MSU’s culture of favoring insiders could still undermine trust in its Title IX processes.
Human remains found in East Lansing freezer identified as parents of suspect
A chilling update out of East Lansing — police have identified the two bodies found last November in a freezer at the Coolidge Townhomes, near off-campus Michigan State housing.
According to a statement released April 11, the remains belong to 76-year-old Susan Barbara Weerawat and 72-year-old Pramort Weerawat. The discovery was made after management reported blood on the floor of the residence. Police arrived on November 7 and found the bodies inside the freezer.
The couple’s son, 37-year-old Jason Weerawat, is the suspect. Authorities say he died by suicide in Detroit in July 2024.
Despite identifying the victims, the case remains open. The Ingham County Medical Examiner’s Office is still completing autopsies, and the Michigan State Police Crime Lab has just begun examining physical evidence.
East Lansing Police say they’re continuing to follow leads and ask anyone who had contact with the Weerawats over the past decade to reach out.
Students worry about career; environmental concerns after mass firing of National Park workers
On February 14, 2025, about a thousand National Park Service employees were laid off following an executive order from President Donald Trump. The order also froze federal hiring — a move that’s sparked concern among current workers and students hoping to enter the environmental field.
One of those impacted was Oceana McBride, a Recreation Fee Technician at Devils Tower in Wyoming. After nearly a year of full-time work, she was let go during her probation period. Oceana said she saw it coming and still has deep respect for the park service, saying they’re at the mercy of the Department of the Interior and the current administration.
Here at Michigan State, students in environmental programs are feeling the ripple effects. Fisheries and wildlife junior Makayla Perrault said it’s scary to see the government take actions that could harm ecosystems and biodiversity. Others worry about job security and fewer opportunities in the field.
Despite the uncertainty, students remain hopeful. Applied conservation biology sophomore Zoe Kilbourn said she’s holding out for a government that treats climate change as a top priority.
And Oceana, like many, isn’t giving up — she plans to reapply once the freeze is lifted.
Based on original reporting by Emilio Perez Ibarguen, Robin Han and Reiel Ghiglia.
