All Points of Progress
- Progress WatchKids Count report: America's children are advancing despite the economy
The widely-watched Kids Count annual survey on the state of America's children shows gains in health and education despite the poor economy. But advocates say raised poverty rates merit more attention from lawmakers.
- Progress WatchUS violent crime rate down for fifth straight year
Although crime historically spikes during hard economic times, the US is currently bucking that trend. Both the national violent crime rate and murder rate were down in 2011, reports the FBI.
- Progress WatchAs Europe peers into economic chasm, Africa's economy is rising
Reports by the African Development Bank, World Bank, and McKinsey show how Africa continues to offer a bright spot in the global economy.
- Progress WatchIn Saudi Arabia, a quiet tide of reform
Declining the revolutionary model that Egypt established in overthrowing Mubarak, Saudi reformers are working for a shift in mind-sets as well as policies – and making headway.
- Progress WatchSaudi girls find freedom in cleats
A high-energy evening soccer game between two girls' teams is part of a growing female sports movement in conservative Saudi Arabia.
- Progress WatchWhy teen driving deaths have tumbled to historic lows
Traffic fatalities are hitting record lows for all drivers, but the drop among teen drivers is especially important, given that traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for teens.
- Progress WatchUS air pollution hits 10-year low, report finds
A report by the American Lung Association finds that air pollution has fallen to its lowest levels since the group began collecting data in 2000. The ALA credits the Clean Air Act.
- Progress WatchFatal accident rate for US children and teens plunges since 2000
Nationwide, the rate of unintentional deaths for children and teenagers fell 30 percent between 2000 and 2009, a recent report finds. Biggest reason: fewer fatalities per capita due to auto accidents.
- Progress WatchBehind the big drop in euthanasia for America's dogs and cats
Fido and Fluffy are far more likely to survive a stint at the animal shelter today than 40 years ago. Population control and better practices by shelters and pet owners have improved the lot of dogs and cats.
- Progress WatchHow to curb chronic homelessness? First, a home!
Permanent supportive housing, a movement to supply homeless people with housing first and deal with their other issues second, has made big strides in reducing homelessness this decade.
- Progress WatchUS crime rate at lowest point in decades. Why America is safer now.
The crime rate for serious crimes, including murder, rape, and assault, has dropped significantly since the early 1990s in part because of changes in technology and policing, experts say.