When I was in Middle School, I checked out a copy of Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 to see what all the fuss was about. I'd read some of Bradbury's work previously, but I figured this would just be another lightly veiled political commentary.

The cover of Fahrenheit 451
Credit: Ballantine Books
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I couldn't have been more wrong. 451 is a riveting tale of oppression and censorship, and far more relatable today than it ever was when it was written.

Book Bans May Be Back

The question of what should be filling our school libraries has been a controversial topic for decades now, and it's finally coming to a head in Arizona. The question came to the forefront in 2022, when former Governor Dough Ducey pushed forward a bill to require parents permission before students receive "sexually explicit material".

A book locked in a chain
Credit: Canva
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The issue with this bill is, it's begun locking up perfectly normal books found in schools, like The Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Great Gatsby. So what happens if teachers decided they do want to teach this material?

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Orange is the New Black and White

In more recent days, the bill has taken on new life under Senator Jake Hoffman of Queen Creek. He intends to add a penalty to this bill, as there was none for the past three years. It seems like a bit of overkill.

A man is handcuffed against a fence
Credit: Canva
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The new proposition would place a Class 5 Felony label on violating the statute. This means any teachers found guilty of breaking it will be facing anywhere from six months to two-and-a-half years in prison.

[Phoenix New Times]

How Did Your Arizona County Vote in the Last Election?

Find your county and see how it voted in the last election.

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM

15 Arizona Jobs That Could Disappear In 10 Years

With automation and apps driving the gig-economy, these 15 jobs could disappear from Arizona in the next ten years.

Is this a good thing for the Grand Canyon State, or will these mostly-entry level occupations cause trouble in our economy?

Only time will tell.

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson

These 9 Things are Illegal in Arizona

Which laws make sense? Which Arizona laws are just strange? You decide!

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson

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