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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Physicists' 'light from darkness' breakthrough named a top 2011 discovery
The physicists directly observed, for the first time, light particles that flicker in and out of existence in the vacuum of space. They witnessed the long-predicted quantum mechanical phenomenon known as the dynamical Casimir effect. “One of the profound consequences of quantum mechanics is that we know that something can come from nothing,” said U-M’s Franco Nori.
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Mary Sue Coleman's open letter to President Obama
In December, U-M president Mary Sue Coleman called for Obama’s leadership in restoring the United States’ higher education system.
Related: Can the public Ivies be saved? (Washington Post)
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‘Fingerprinting’ method tracks mercury emissions from coal-fired power plant
For the first time, the chemical “fingerprints” of the element mercury can directly link environmental pollution to a specific coal-burning power plant. “We see a specific, distinct signature to the mercury that’s downwind of the power plant, and we can clearly conclude that mercury from that power plant is being deposited locally,” said U-M researcher Joel Blum.
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Ross School to deliver Executive MBA program in Los Angeles
The program will allow West Coast professionals to earn an MBA while still pursuing a full career.
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Surprise reunion
From Ghana to Michigan, a teacher and student meet again.
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The Law School's beautiful new space
Video: With its mix of classic architecture and light, open space, the Law School’s Robert B. Aikens Commons is a gathering spot, a study cove and a place for fortuitous encounters between students and faculty.
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.