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United States
California School System
As the world begins to slowly reopen in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the nation’s largest state by population is lagging behind. According to a recent analysis of 1,200 school districts across the United States, California is in 49th place for proportion of public schools open for in-person instruction. The Golden State saw an increase in COVID-19 cases over the winter, but recent analyses show the positivity rate has substantially declined to the point where in-person classes can slowly begin to resume. While Governor Gavin Newsom has not provided any dates or timelines for the reopening of schools, he expressed a desire to open them safely and cited the winter surge as a reason for the delay. Many believe that distance learning has been a poor substitute for in-person instruction, thus increasing the pressure from many Californian parents to reopen schools.
This map depicts the proportion of districts open for in-person instruction across the United States. Click on the map to learn more.
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China
Pro-Democracy Activists Protest
On Sunday, Hong Kong authorities formally charged 47 pro-democracy political figures with conspiracy to subvert state power under Hong Kong’s national security law. The first hearing for the 39 men and eight women lasted more than ten hours at the West Kowloon Magistrates Court. If convicted, they face up to life in prison. After last year’s pro-democracy protests, Beijing implemented the national security law for Hong Kong that took effect on June 30, 2020. The law prohibits secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, and its details can be widely interpreted. The law has caused sweeping changes in the city: street protests have stopped and slogans have been banned. Most of the pro-democracy activists and political figures are now in jail, while others have fled in self-exile. Outside the court building, protesters held banners that read “release all political prisoners” while others chanted, “Free Hong Kong, Revolution Now”. Several pro-Beijing supporters also showed up, holding China’s national flag and calling for activists to go to jail without bail.
This interactive map depicts the location of the activists supporting the 47 pro-democracy political figures highlighted in green. Click on map to learn more.
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United States
Amazon Workers’ Union Push
The last attempt to unionize by Amazon employees took place in 2014. Now, a vote on whether to form a union at Amazon’s warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama has become a labor showdown, grabbing the attention of National Football League (NFL) players and the White House. Despite the unfavorable weather, a crowd totaling about 50 people came together for about an hour before dispersing. Athletes from the NFL, a league with a strong players union, were among the first to voice their support for the Amazon workers who rallied near Amazon.com Inc.’s fulfillment center in Bessemer on Saturday. President Biden voiced strong support for the workers now voting on warehouse unionization and collective bargaining rights in Alabama and across America. The employees are asking for $15 an hour, plus benefits. The minimum wage in Alabama is currently $7.25 an hour.
This map depicts the location of Bessemer, Alabama, home to a warehouse of 5,800 employees. Click on the map to learn more.
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Q: Stretching over 5,700 miles (9,200 km) and spanning eight times zones, what is the longest railway-line in the world?
A: Trans-Siberian Railway
In 2016, the Trans-Siberian railway celebrated its 100th anniversary. This track is the longest in the world at more than 5,700 miles (9,200 kilometers) long. The railway took the effort of an estimated 60,000 workers to complete, many being soldiers, local laborers, and convicts. To this day, Russia relies on the Trans-Siberian railway to move 30% of its exports every year. The railroad is also the longest direct rail route in the world, connecting over 80 cities and towns and crossing 16 major rivers. The longest bridge on the Trans-Siberian railway, the Amur Bridge, stretches to a length of over 85,000 feet (26,000 meters).
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Q: Covering 360,000 sq. mi (930,000 km²) at the height of its influence, what was the largest empire in 15th Century Europe?
Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in tomorrow’s DailyGeo.
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