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In the popular imagination, lethal injection is a slight pinch and a swift nodding off to forever-sleep, it is performed by well-qualified medical professionals, it is regulated and carefully conducted, and it is certainly the most ‘humane’ form of capital punishment. In reality, not one of these statements is true. Lethal injection is nothing like what people think. This is its untold story.

Recommended reading: Secrets of the Killing State: the Untold Story of Lethal Injection by Corinna Lain, 2025.

 

Protest songs were an integral part of the peace and anti-Vietnam War movement and the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s and '70s, and they play an equally vital role in current sociopolitical events. What makes song such a powerful tool in protest movements? Join us for a dive into protest songs both classic and current! Recommended reading: 33 Revolutions per Minute: A History of Protest Songs, from Billie Holiday to Green Day, by D. Lynskey, 2011.

Explore how climate reshapes where wildlife lives. Using real-world examples from North America, this course reveals why species move, how traits and habitats influence their journeys, and what these shifts mean for the future of our natural world.

Economics plays a central role in the functioning of every aspect of society. This course addresses a set of prominent policy issues where economics is at their core. We will explore their origins as policy matters, the underlying data and evidence, and what policy levers are available to deal with them. Lectures will be standalone, taught by a subject matter expert. Potential topics include Climate, Healthcare Economics, Economic Federal Debt, Social Security and many more. The topics presented will be determined by what is most topical at the time of the course

Join scholars from area colleges and elsewhere as they share their specialized knowledge and enthusiasm. It’s like hearing from your favorite college professors again, without worrying about writing papers or taking finals!

June 2: Tshuaj Ntsuab: A Compendium of Hmong Medicinal Plants, Zongxee Lee, Natalie Hoidal, Alex Crum

June 9: Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi, Maggie Lorenz, executive director

June 16: What haven't you checked out at the Library? with Kay Jacobson, Librarian @ Ramsey County Libraries

June 23: Supreme Court Docket 2026, Professor Tim Johnson from the U of M

Cutting-edge research as well as anecdotal evidence shows that psychedelic-assisted therapy can be very effective in treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, alcoholism and more. Learn from local practitioners in this exciting course facilitated by a “psychonaut” who has used psychedelics to heal.

This education series teaches caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia. Topics include Building Foundations of Caregiving, Supporting Independence, Communicating Effectively, Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors, and Exploring Care and Support Services