The order that launched the Revolutionary War, 250 years later

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.
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Hard times in Michigan
Eileen Pollack’s new novel, “Breaking and Entering,” is a story of love, economic dislocation, and political extremism set in a rural Michigan that’s close to everyone’s home.
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Renaissance man
U-M’s first black football player, George Jewett, spoke four languages, was valedictorian of his high school, earned a medical degree, and could wriggle through defenders or break a nose when he had to.
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Editor's farewell
After six years, editor John Lofy is leaving Michigan Today. His goodbye column includes a list of his favorite articles.
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Creative block? Get out of your office and go for a walk
New research by U-M’s Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks and Suntae Kim shows that walking and even gesturing with your hands enhances creative problem-solving.
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Obama visits U-M, calls for education reforms
President Obama spoke at the University of Michigan to several thousand students, where he called on universities and states to do more to reduce the cost of higher education.
Columns
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President's Message
Reaffirming our focus on student access and opportunity
U-M seeks to ensure every student will rise, achieve, and fulfill their dreams. -
Editor's Blog
Peace out
It's a mad, mad, mad, mad world out there. -
Climate Blue
Keeping our focus on climate
As federal support for climate science wanes, Ricky Rood remains hopeful. -
Health Yourself
Are you an ‘ager’ or a ‘youther’?
Why do some people appear younger or older than people born in the same year?
Listen & Subscribe
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MGo Blue podcasts
Explore the Michigan Athletics series "In the Trenches," "On the Block," and "Conqu'ring Heroes." -
Michigan Ross Podcasts
Check out the series "Business and Society," "Business Beyond Usual," "Working for the Weekend," and "Down to Business." -
Michigan Medicine Podcasts
Hear audio series, news, and stories about the future of health care.
In the news
- USA Today US consumer sentiment and expectations fall again in April as tariff uncertainty continues
- CNN Beyond Ivy League, RFK Jr.'s NIH slashed science funding across states that backed Trump
- Detroit Free Press Inflation is slowing. Wages are up. So why does life feel costly for many Michiganders?
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.