MSNBC is reporting that U.S. racial minorities accounted for roughly 85 percent of the nation's population growth over the last decade — one of the largest shares ever — with Hispanics accounting for much of the gain in many of the states picking up new House seats. Preliminary census estimates also suggest that the number of multiracial Americans jumped roughly 20 percent since 2000 to more than 5 million.
The findings, based on fresh government survey data, offer a glimpse into 2010 census results that are being released on a state-by-state basis beginning this week. New Jersey, Mississippi, Virginia and Louisiana are the first to receive the census redistricting data, which will be used in the often contentious process of redrawing political districts based on population and racial makeup. Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa and Maryland are among the states scheduled to receive their data next week. By law, all states must receive their redistricting data by April 1.
Let the drama begin, because those who wield power don't give it up so easily. In states like Mississippi and Virginia, there will definitely be a struggle over redistricting.
Read more at MSNBC.
In other news: Egypt: Another Day of Chaos.