The order that launched the Revolutionary War, 250 years later

A portion of a yellowed letter with text written by quill and ink.

The ‘shot heard ’round the world’ can be traced to one manuscript containing the orders for the Concord Expedition on April 18, 1775. The quill-to-paper draft orders, penned by British Army officer Thomas Gage, sparked the Battle at Lexington and Concord the following day. U-M’s Clements Library holds the document.

  1. A graphic of wildfire consuming a forest. Lots of orange and red flames.

    Wildfires, windstorms and heatwaves: How extreme weather threatens nature’s essential services

    How much will strawberry harvests shrink when extreme heat harms pollinators? How much will timber production decline when windstorms flatten forests? These are some critical questions that a new computer simulation, developed by U-M researchers, is helping answer.

  2. Two caucasian kids circa 1955 hold a sign that says Polio Pioneers

    Polio vaccine milestone: Podcast marks 70th anniversary of historic announcement at U-M

    In today’s challenging era for vaccines, the U-M School of Public Health hosted a podcast taping April 11 in recognition of Dr. Thomas Francis Jr.’s announcement that the polio vaccine was safe and effective. U-M epidemiologist Matthew Boulton and Michigan’s chief medical executive Natasha Bagdasarian discuss vaccines, then and now.

  3. Abstract graphic showing the back of a person's head looking out on a busy nighttime cityscape with a flag of China.

    Navigating the fear of DeepSeek and China’s technological advancements

    In recent years, China’s technological advancements have captured the world’s attention, with DeepSeek — a Chinese AI model — emerging as a focal point of both admiration and anxiety. This duality reflects a deeper tension in how the U.S. perceives technological progress from China, revealing complex layers of fear, competition, and reflection.

  4. Michigan Union with a Michigan Flag on the roof against a blue sky with clouds.

    U-M federal research funding fuels innovation, economic growth

    Research universities are not only engines of discovery — they’re also engines of economic vitality. Every federal dollar invested in U-M research generates ripple effects across the country, creating jobs, supporting businesses, and preparing the skilled workforce the nation needs to stay competitive.

  5. The White House

    Federal budget cuts and worker safety

    Cuts to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has workplace safety experts such as U-M’s Richard Neitzel concerned that “without this research, more Americans will suffer preventable injuries and illnesses, businesses will face higher costs, and families will lose loved ones to workplace accidents that could have been prevented.”

  6. The Michigan Micro Mote (M3) computer next to a grain of rice for scale.

    Enabling stroke victims to ‘speak’: $19M toward brain implants to be built at U-M

    Marcus Foundation’s $30 million gift supports a collaboration between Stanford and U-M to help stroke victims regain the ability to read, write and speak. The scientists are using the world’s smallest computers linked up to the world’s most biocompatible sensors.

Creativity and connection across prison walls

One of the world’s largest and longest-running exhibitions of incarcerated artists is back with new programming designed to foster connection and deepen public understanding of incarceration in Michigan. The 29th annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons, curated by U-M’s Prison Creative Arts Project, showcases 772 artworks by 538 artists incarcerated in 26 state prisons. The Duderstadt Center Gallery on U-M’s North Campus is presenting the artwork through April 1.

  • Most Wanted by Samantha Bachynski

    The exhibition features diverse styles and media, including paintings, portraits, tattoo imagery, landscapes, sculpture, fiber arts and found materials. Each fall, volunteers, including students, select the pieces and visit every prison in Michigan to interact directly with the artists. (See original image)

    Colorful night sky shows through tree branches. 2025 PCAP exhibition.

  • Tangerine Dreams by Matisse Bravo

    For over 35 years, PCAP has worked to bridge the gap between incarcerated individuals and the broader community through artistic collaboration, mutual learning and growth. The program has expanded to include undergraduate courses, weekly art workshops in Michigan prisons, an annual literary review and year-round events to foster dialogue and connection. (See original image)

    A plate of tangerines and tangerine slices on a green table with yellow wall. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Peacefulness by Susan Brown

    According to Emily Chase, PCAP’s exhibition and curatorial coordinator, themes of community and mentorship emerged strongly in this year’s collection. (See original image)

    Colorful landscape with stripes and a mountains. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Paths #2 by Kendall Leonard

    The exhibition allows incarcerated artists to have their voices heard beyond prison walls. “Their voices are so often silenced, and this is one of the few areas where they can feel heard,” says Mattie Levy, PCAP community engagement coordinator. (See original image)

    Colorful abstract painting from the 2025 PCAP exhibition.

  • Mountain Honey by Terry Stinebeck

    “We witnessed experienced artists mentoring newcomers and saw how the artistic efforts of one individual can motivate and inspire others,” says PCAP’s Emily Chase. (See original image)

    A serene landscape with a yellow sky and mountains. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • House of Kards by Michael Browning

    Visitors to the Duderstadt exhibition can experience an audio tour that features select stories from some of the artists. (See original image)

    Abstract painting of a face card from a deck of cards. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Happiness Within by Groot

    This year, the exhibition introduced a new event, “Art and Music: A Collaborative Concert,” in which students performed original musical compositions inspired by select artworks. (See original image)

    Abstract image of youth with a surreal balloon. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Garden Escapades by Tim Brownell

    The concert that complemented the exhibition was a way to empower and unite with people impacted by the justice system through a shared love of creativity, says Ty Bloomfield, one of the event’s organizers. (See original image)

    A farm scene with crops growing in rows and red barn. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • DMX by David Hudson-Bey

    The 2025 exhibition was presented with support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the U-M Residential College. (See original image)

    Abstract of DMX painting with blues and greens. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Did I do that? by Daniel Teriberi

    For nearly three decades, the exhibition has provided a platform for incarcerated artists to share their work with the public, shedding light on personal narratives and the power of artistic expression. (See original image)

    Colorful abstract painting in 2025 PCAP exhibition.