Topic: Progress Watch

Progress Watch Developing countries lead the way in deploying mobile technology

Some three-quarters of the world now has access to mobile networks. What does this mean for those in the developing world?

Progress Watch Smoking bans: Tobacco-free college campuses on rise in US

Many US college campuses are becoming tobacco-free as US schools institute total bans, indoors and out, on cigarettes and related products. Some smokers say the bans infringe on their choices.    

Progress Watch Kids 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 Watch How US aid lifts Afghans

Development agency points to social gains.

Progress Watch US sees progress and touts 'heroes' in fight against slavery worldwide

More countries are taking modern-day slavery seriously and more people are being prosecuted, says the annual State Department report on Trafficking in Persons.

Progress Watch Racial gap in life expectancy reaches new low in US

Between 2003 and 2008, the gap in life expectancy between white and black men fell from 6.5 years to 5.4, Canadian researchers found. For women, it fell from 4.6 years to 3.7. 

Progress Watch US 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 Watch Millennium Development Goal met: 2 billion access water

Some 89 percent of the global population is now using 'improved' water sources, that are protected from outside contamination. But the finding is controversial.

Progress Watch As 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 Watch In 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 Watch Saudi 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 Watch For Saudi ex-jihadis: a stipend, a wife, and a new life

A Saudi 'rehabilitation' program originally established to help ex-Guantánamo detainees is being expanded to include five centers around the country.

Progress Watch Why 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 Watch US 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 Watch Fatal 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 Watch Behind 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 Watch How 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 Watch US 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. 

Why the US teen birthrate hit a record low in 2010

US sees renaissance in energy efficiency, led by Congress and big business

Hurt by war in Iraq, a Baghdad museum reemerges

Kenya finds cleaner government is just a keystroke away

Tunisia's democracy blooms as model for Arab Spring