Each year, the WUSTL community has the opportunity to hear presentations by public intellectuals, historians, authors, academics and major figures in today’s cultural milieu thanks to the acclaimed Assembly Series. This spring’s lineup — so far — includes CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien and 11 other prominent speakers. FULL STORY

URL: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/21776.aspx

Beginning Friday, Jan. 28, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum will present Ghost: Elizabeth Peyton, the most extensive critical survey to date of Peyton’s work as a printmaker. Peyton is among today’s foremost contemporary figurative artists and a renowned chronicler of modern life. FULL STORY

URL: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/21694.aspx

When the U.S. Senate convenes today, it is expected to weigh a resolution to reform the filibuster rule and eliminate secret holds — protocols that many have blamed for encouraging congressional gridlock. WUSTL congressional expert Steven S. Smith, PhD, says although the proposal is put forth by Democrats, there’s appeal for Republicans, too. FULL STORY

URL: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/21777.aspx

Henry S. Webber, executive vice chancellor for administration, will participate on a panel to discuss strategies for economic development in the St. Louis region in the second installation of St. Louis Great Debates at 7 p.m. tonight at the Missouri History Museum. FULL STORY

URL: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/21766.aspx

Three faculty from the School of Medicine recently received grants from the Children’s Discovery Institute to advance their research into childhood diseases. FULL STORY

URL: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/21548.aspx

• 4 p.m. Sixth Faculty Fellows’ Lecture and Workshop Series. “On the Art of Contemporary Slowness.” Lutz Koepnick, prof. of German and of Film and Media Studies. Sponsored by the Center for the Humanities’ Faculty Fellowship Program. Free and open to the public. Women’s Bldg. Formal Lounge. (314) 935-5576.

• University-wide blood drive Feb. 1. The third university-wide blood drive of the academic year will be held at multiple locations Tuesday, Feb. 1. All students, staff and faculty are encouraged to participate to help replenish the region’s blood supply. Appointments are strongly encouraged.

• Men’s basketball stops skid. The men’s basketball team had lost six straight road games heading into last weekend, but it won at New York University, 80-76, and at Brandeis University, 70-36, to stop the skid. The Bears (8-8) return home to face Carnegie Mellon University at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28.