This year saw the US presidential election, a looming recession, wars abroad, natural disasters, and other world-changing events. But there were also less divisive — and downright positive — news stories about good things that happened this year. Here are our top uplifting stories from 2024.
1. An NBA player fulfilled his dream of becoming a teacher
New York Knicks player Mikal Bridges wanted to become a teacher when he grew up. It was his own second grade teacher, Mrs. Porter, who inspired him. But at 6' 6″ tall and possessing superstar basketball skills, Bridges found himself selected in the first round, 10th overall, in the 2018 NBA Draft.
He gave up his dream of becoming a teacher to pursue his other dream – playing in the NBA. But earlier this year, Bridges — then a Brooklyn Nets — reached out test his dream for a day When he taught at PS 134 in Brooklyn. He told CBS News that basketball is his career path for now, but he hopes to become a teacher – or even a principal – one day.
2. Paralyzed teen runs his first marathon
Mason Branstreiter's life changed when he was paralyzed in a skiing accident at the age of 17. but that That hasn't stopped him from playing sports and competing in marathons. Mason, 20, completed a wheelchair race at the Grandma Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota this year.
CBS News caught up with Branstreiter at the University of Denver, where she's a student, and she showed us how she trained for the race — and shared how the adaptive sports community has uplifted her after her accident.
3. Theater hires people with disabilities and highlights their talents
The Prospector Theater in Ridgefield, Connecticut, hires people with disabilities for a variety of roles – from serving popcorn to taking tickets. theater says They look for each employee's “shine” – Their individual talents that they can use at work. Some of the glitz includes painting custom movie posters and giving pre-movie rap performances to theatergoers.
4. “Guardian Angel” Gives Rides to Needy Strangers
Lynn Story, a 64-year-old retiree in Fort Worth, Texas, She uses her free time to help people in need. Story met April Goodwin, 46, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, on the Nextdoor app. Goodwin needed someone to treat him, and Story volunteered.
Not only did she drive Goodwin regularly, but she also started giving rides to Kevin Horrigan, another local resident who is legally blind, who she also contacted on the app.
After David Begnaud shared his story last April, a Philadelphia car dealer wanted to honor his selfless act of kindness and surprised him with a new car.
5. The first black astronaut candidate went to space in more than 60 years
In 1961, Ed Dwight was selected by President John F. Kennedy for entry into the Air Force training program, known as the NASA Astronaut Corps Pathway. After completing the program in 1963, the Air Force recommended him to join the Corps, but he was not selected and entered private life in 1966.
he was refused Opportunity to become the first African-American astronaut – But after more than 60 years, at the age of 90, His dream of going to space came true When he landed on a seat on a Blue Origin flight.
Dwight and five crewmates blasted off on a New Shepard rocket in May. Jeff Bezos, who founded Blue Origin, has invited many history-makers onto his rockets – which fly in Earth's lower atmosphere – including wally funk And William Shatner.
6. WNBA stars are teammates — and engaged
Devanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas are highly competitive with each other during head-to-head games. But WNBA stars usually work out a combination on the court and at home.
Two players from the Connecticut Sun have joined forces and become a WNBA power couple. Before becoming a couple, they played against each other. This year, they got the chance to play against each other again during the WNBA All-Star Game — and they spoke to CBS News ahead of the event about their goals on the court and with each other.
7. Long drive-thru in Southern California serves free food
It may be the longest drive-thru line in Southern California. But when these drivers pull up to the front, there is no window, fast food or even a cashier.
Instead, each car has a contingent of volunteers, who expertly stuff bundles of fresh produce and two weeks' worth of groceries into the trunk – all for free.
it is service mass food store In Santa Ana, California, there is an area known as a food desert. There, residents struggle to consistently access nutritious food, so volunteers started Scrappy Operation to distribute food and toys purchased by organizers, as a way to help a community dealing with food insecurity. Is.
8. Mother opens café to provide employment to disabled people
Maureen Stanko always felt that her son Nick had a lot to offer. Nick is 20 and has autism, and despite knowing he has a lot to offer, his mom wakes up at night worrying about what he'll do after graduation.
So, he decided to create a job for him – and opened a restaurant in Skippack, Pennsylvania. he named it appropriately Cafes with a lot to offer, Because his goal is to employ other disabled people who, like his son, have a lot to offer.
CBS News visited the bustling café, where 63 people – 80% with disabilities – work as greeters, food servers, assistant chefs, dishwashers and servers.
9. Photographer adds nature to classrooms through rooftops
Some classrooms at Taft Elementary in Santa Clara, California have one flaw in common: They don't have windows. This is true for Logan Earnest's fifth grade class, and he felt it was having an impact on his students.
A local photographer had a solution – Project images of tree tops on the ceiling, So that children feel close to nature.
Former school psychologist Ernesto Rodriguez told CBS News that the lack of windows affects children because research shows to be in and around nature Reduces anxiety and benefits students. So, he used his photography skills to capture 365 views of tree canopies and then installed them in classrooms to help children and teachers.
10. Judge Frank Caprio recognized for making decisions from the heart
Judge Frank Caprio Has become a recognized figure throughout the world. because like 88 year old When reviewing traffic cases and misdemeanors, he always approaches them with compassion.
The Rhode Island judge gained recognition for his popular TV show “Caught in Providence” and on social media. When David Begnaud visited him in 2023, Caprio had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was undergoing treatment.
The kindness and compassion that Caprio showed in the courtroom were returned by thousands of people by sending letters and gifts.
Earlier this year, Begnaud visited Caprio again — and this time, the judge had even more positivity than usual to share. Celebrating his recovery from cancer, he had the opportunity to ring the bell at the Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute.