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 man and woman sit on stage for an interview in front of a blue banner with white lettering that reads Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy;

    ‘Music is about people — it’s not about music’

    Musician Branford Marsalis spoke at the Ford School of Public Policy between a pair of gigs in Ann Arbor this week, noting he seeks harmony between art and activism. While he is adamant his job is ‘to make music,’ he understands the power it can possess beyond the notes. 

  2. Explorers, circa 1920s, aboard a ship en route to Greenland.

    How Michigan planted its flag on Greenland — or tried to

    When U-M researcher William Herbert Hobbs traveled to Greenland in the 1920s, he set off on a spree with a map and a pencil, planting Michigan-connected names on practically any feature of the landscape that caught his eye.

  3. An illustration of a mobile clinic under development through a major project coordinated by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). The University of Michigan is leading one of two efforts to build AI guidance that can enable medical generalists to perform like specialists for common conditions. Clinic includes chairs, computer monitors, and cabinets.

    Bridging gaps in rural health care with AI-powered mobile clinics

    It’s like “Knight Rider” meets “Northern Exposure” in a future where AI-equipped mobile clinics help guide medical generalists through unfamiliar diagnoses and procedures. The goal is to widen access to quality health care for rural populations.

  4. Graphic image of government building with classic greek architecture, columns, etc., with male figures in silhouette observing dollar bills flying around the sky.

    Consumer sentiment down amid disagreements on new government policies

    While Americans’ assessments of personal finances inched up for the fifth consecutive month in January, both the short- and long-run business outlook weakened, says economist Joanne Hsu, director of the University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers.

  5. Two young men, former Michigan Wolverines, Brandon Graham and Trevor Keegan celebrate their win as Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.

    From the Big House to the Big Game

    Wolverines Brandon Graham and Trevor Keegan recently helped their Philadelphia Eagles upset fellow Wolverine Mike Danna and his Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. Playing against alumni is thrilling enough, agree the veterans. But winning the Super Bowl with a MIchigan Man on your team delivers an even greater kick, says first-timer Keegan.

  6. Water color painting of sun and clouds.

    Listen to your mother—especially if your mother is a climate scientist.

    Sierra Petersen, associate professor of earth and environmental sciences, studies what Earth’s climate was like millions of years in the past. She also is a member of Science Moms, a group of mothers who are scientists who study climate change. They hope to make climate change a normal topic of conversation—and therefore one that deserves action and attention.

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.