This is nicely done!
Random question: do you happen to know what data visualizations tools/technologies are used by NYT? I have read in various places that R is one of tools that they use. Their tables and charts all have a very unique NYT feel, so clearly they are not applying anything "off-the-shelf"...guessing lots of customizations.
From the article, their choropleth map at the beginning and the line-with-circles near the end are very effective bits of data viz as well.