Do states with political power resemble the US overall?

+ got raw milk? Food scientist explains pasteurization US Edition - Today's top story: Some states' populations are very much like the US overall – including 5 key states in the 2024 presidential election [View in browser]( US Edition | 17 May 2024 [The Conversation] [The Conversation]( Top headlines - [Slovakia’s divisive politics set stage for assassination attempt]( - [Percentage]([of Black teachers lower 70 years after Brown v. Board of Education]( - [Read our stories this week? Check our news quiz to be sure]( Lead story In the presidential election process, some states have more power than others. They have early primaries or caucuses, giving them outsized power in choosing the candidates for November, for instance. Or they are assigned more electoral votes because of the number of people who live there. Some are considered “swing” or “battleground” states and get lots of attention from candidates and their campaigns. But there’s a key question to ask about states with political power, and states without it: How much are their populations like the U.S. population as a whole? It’s a question marketers, entertainers and politicians have been asking since the 1800s. Demographers Rogelio Sáenz and Selene M. Gomez set out to learn which state is most like the U.S. overall. They looked at age, gender, occupation, household income, race and ethnicity, and level of education. Which states are [microcosms of the nation](, and which are outliers, they asked? What they found, I think, will definitely play in Peoria. One last thing: If you value The Conversation’s international coverage, we think you’ll also like the DailyChatter. This daily newsletter covers more than 150 countries by highlighting trusted sources like The Conversation from around the world. Subscribe today and [get the world in your inbox tomorrow](. Jeff Inglis Politics + Society Editor Which state best reflects the nation? Lisa-Blue/iStock / Getty Images Plus [Some states’ populations are very much like the US overall – including 5 key states in the 2024 presidential election]( Rogelio Sáenz, The University of Texas at San Antonio; Selene M. Gomez, The University of Texas at San Antonio Comparing states’ populations on a range of demographic and socioeconomic data reveals similarities and differences across the nation. Economy + Business - [Dow tops 40,000 as stock indexes continue to cross milestones − making many investors feel wealthier]( Alexander Kurov, West Virginia University The latest market breakthrough follows the S&P 500 topping 5,000 in February. But are these markers purely psychological? Environment + Energy - [What is pasteurization? A dairy expert explains how it protects against foodborne illness, including avian flu]( Kerry E. Kaylegian, Penn State Before World War II, pathogens in milk accounted for 1 in 4 cases of foodborne diseases in the US. Pasteurization reduced this figure to less than 1%. - [History says tariffs rarely work, but Biden’s 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs could defy the trend]( Tinglong Dai, Johns Hopkins University The early timing of Biden’s move, changing supply chains and national security fears suggest the tariffs might work this time, at least for a while. Politics + Society - [A silent Trump with eyes closed and a convicted liar on the stand − 2 experienced observers of Trump’s criminal trial discuss what stands out]( David E. Clementson, University of Georgia; John E. Jones III, Dickinson College Lying liars and closed eyes − both played roles in the most recent chapter of former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York City. Arts + Culture - [Newsrooms are experimenting with generative AI, warts and all]( Nir Eisikovits, UMass Boston AI may shore up an industry experiencing economic headwinds. But in a field where professional ethics and public trust are particularly important, it’s a risky endeavor. International - [Attempted assassination of Slovak prime minister follows country’s slide into political polarization]( Alexandria Wilson-McDonald, American University The shooting of Robert Fico was ‘politically motivated,’ authorities say. - [Modi’s anti-Muslim rhetoric taps into Hindu replacement fears that trace back to colonial India]( Archana Venkatesh, Clemson University The Indian prime minister made reference to communities that have “too many children” in a veiled reference to Muslims. Science + Technology - [Bats in Colorado face fight against deadly fungus that causes white-nose syndrome]( Tanya Dewey, Colorado State University Numerous bats have been found in Colorado with white-nose syndrome. The fungus has killed millions of bats in North America, leaving biologists concerned about its impact on bats in the state. Education - [How Black teachers lost when civil rights won in Brown v. Board]( Diana D'Amico Pawlewicz, University of North Dakota; Andrea Guiden Pittman, American University; Andrene J. Castro, Virginia Commonwealth University; Marvin G. Powell, George Mason University As the nation marks the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board, one of its most significant side effects − the large-scale loss of Black teachers − continues to affect America’s schools. - [I served as a college president for nearly two decades – I know choosing the right commencement speaker can be fraught with risks]( Walter M. Kimbrough, University of Southern California The right commencement speaker can create a memorable experience, generate favorable media coverage for the school and inspire donors. So why do colleges miss the mark on this once-a-year decision? - [College sports fandom shows how a shared goal can bring people together]( Amy Parsons, Colorado State University Playing and watching sports can unite people − and provide lessons for democracy. Trending on site - [By not lip-syncing Amy Winehouse’s songs, actress Marisa Abela confronts impossible expectations in ‘Back to Black’]( - [Thirsty in paradise: Water crises are a growing problem across the Caribbean islands]( - [College students in Austin, Texas, have dwelled in windowless rooms for years − here’s why the city finally decided to ban them]( The Conversation News Quiz 🧠- Here’s the first question of [this week’s edition:]( On May 15, the Vatican began hosting a global conference on climate change. In a statement, whom did Pope Francis blame for the world's lack of climate action? - A. "The Devil, the Devil in us all" - B. "The greedy pursuit of short-term gains by polluting industries" - C. "Politicians who care not a fig for the Earth" - D. "The Koch brothers, or Koke brothers, however it's pronounced" [Test your knowledge]( - - More of The Conversation Like this newsletter? You might be interested in our weekly and biweekly emails: • [Weekly Highlights]( • [Science Editors' Picks]( • [Giving Today]( [New!] • [This Week in Religion]( • [Politics Weekly]( • [Global Perspectives]( • [Global Economy & Business]( Follow us on social media: • [Bluesky]( • [Mastodon]( • [Threads]( • [Nostr]( • [LinkedIn]( • [Instagram]( • [Facebook]( • Or [get a daily text from us]( - - About The Conversation We're a nonprofit news organization dedicated to bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to [help you make sense of our complex world](. We can give away our articles thanks to the help of foundations, universities and readers like you. 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