Itâs more than good news. Points of progress are the moments when humanity takes another step forward. This year, we covered 274 concrete ways the world got better. That includes 29 moments the world shared together â scientific breakthroughs in outer space, heartening reports on reforestation efforts, and international commitments to defend human rights â and even more stories that were unique to specific regions, countries, or cities. In case you missed it, hereâs a recap of some of the headlines that brought us hope this year. North America Racial justice was the top theme of progress observed in the United States this year, as communities worked to address past mistakes and combat racism today. Black Americans were appointed to higher roles in academia and the Catholic Church, and Black women in particular made gains in sports, politics, and the armed services. Symbolic gestures recognized individual Black Americans who were posthumously honored with a Pulitzer Prize, the naming of a new naval supercarrier, and the renaming of NASA headquarters in Washington.