Washington University students defaulted more often on federal student loans they started repaying in fiscal 2008 than on those they started repaying a year earlier, echoing a nationwide rise in defaults brought on by the economic downturn.

President Obama on Tuesday pushed for widespread improvements to the nation’s education system in laying out his vision for improving the country’s future and keeping the economy competitive with growing global powers.

Washington University stopped taking money from Bank of America whenever the bank sold a special credit card to students here, just three months after universities had to start disclosing credit card agreements under a new law.

The three new residential buildings on the South 40 have won the second highest level of environmental certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, Washington University announced Thursday.

The tiara-wearing Miz MetroLink became a familiar face on Washington University’s campus last year. Urging people to support the sales tax measure Proposition A to fund more transit service, the crowned figure was actually Liz Kramer, a University administrator.

A former Washington University law professor who served in several high posts under the Bush administration is making a major bid to win the state’s financial watchdog position from the incumbent Democrat in November.

Junior Claire Voris and sophomore Olivia Cook each picked up two complete-game wins as the No. 12 Washington University softball team swept two doubleheaders over the weekend. Voris’ complete game highlighted the Bears’ 4-2 comeback win in the first game, while Cook also tossed a complete game as the Bears cruised to a 6-1 win in the second game.

Metro will gradually phase in expanded transit service following St. Louis County voters’ approval on Tuesday of a sales tax increase for Metro, top Metro officials said late last week. Chief Operating Officer Ray Friem said service will be restored in phases over the next 12 months. The first changes will come June 28 after a series of public hearings in the coming weeks.

The No. 2 Washington University men’s tennis team extended its winning streak to four with a 7-2 win over Division II University of Missouri-St. Louis on Wednesday, as the University Athletic Association tournament approaches. The Bears eked out two of three doubles matches against the Tartans before winning five of six singles matches in the road match.

The No. 12 Washington University softball team swept a doubleheader against Harris Stowe State University on Saturday behind strong starting pitching and clutch hitting to begin an eight-game home stand. […]