‘Politics as usual’ complicate push for bi-partisan stimulus bill, expert says

Smith As the White House pleads for bipartisan support of a massive federal stimulus plan, congressional Democrats and Republicans are maneuvering, strategizing, nervously seeking partners in an awkward legislative first dance that may determine whether Barack Obama makes good on his promise to bring change to Washington, suggests Steven S. Smith, a congressional expert at Washington University in St. Louis.

Researchers image brains of infants at risk for autism

Autism researchers at the School of Medicine are joining other scientists to image the brains of infants and attempt to identify anatomical and behavioral changes that may be linked to the onset of autism. The $10 million, NIH-funded Infant Brain Imaging Study allows investigators to analyze early brain development in children at risk for autism spectrum disorders by virtue of having an autistic sibling.

Jazz at Holmes launches spring 2009 concert series

CoplandWashington University’s Jazz at Holmes will present internationally acclaimed musicians Marc Copland, Gary Peacock and Bill Stewart in concert at 8 p.m. Feb. 13 in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center in University City.

Economists object to Obama stimulus plan

Boldrin In a full-page ad published in major newspapers Jan. 29, more than 200 economists — including two from Washington University in St. Louis — politely reject President Obama’s stimulus package calling for increased government action to jumpstart the economy.

Olin Business School gears up for Super Ad Bowl IX

The most watched 33 and one half minutes on television will be celebrated, critiqued and analyzed on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009 when the Olin Business School hosts its ninth annual Super Ad Bowl. Marketing professors and students will gather for the Super Bowl Sunday ritual of rating and ranking the commercials while raising funds to benefit Meds and Food For Kids, an organization dedicated to curing child malnutrition in Haiti.

Celebrating the works of Finnish architect Eero Saarinen

From Jan. 30 through Feb. 2, the official flag of Finland will fly with the U.S. flag on top of Brookings Hall, Washington University’s signature building on the Danforth Campus. This is in recognition of the opening of “Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future” and “On the Riverfront: St. Louis and the Gateway Arch,” exhibitions celebrating the work of the late Finnish architect, Eero Saarinen, who designed the St. Louis Gateway Arch.

Hundreds of Washington University physicians rank among nation’s best

Several hundred physicians at Washington University School of Medicine are among the nation’s finest, according to two surveys of thousands of U.S. doctors. More than 300 Washington University physicians have been named to The Best Doctors In America for 2008. The number is nearly three times that of any other physicians’ group in St. Louis and more than any other physicians’ group in the Midwest.

Monthly outdoor siren testing begins today

The first test of the University’s outdoor warning sirens, located on the roofs of Brookings and Seigle halls, will take place Monday, Feb. 2, at 11 a.m. Tests will occur on the first Monday of each month thereafter in conjunction with St. Louis County’s outdoor warning siren test.