Latest news with #SocialImpact
CBS News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Chicago's Boom2Funny talks inspiration behind comedy, teaching kids on content creation
Chicago native Johnta Richmond, also known online as Boom2Funny, has over one million social media followers and is a TikTok sensation. The West Side turned South Sider credits his real-life experience for the success of his videos. "It kinda came from a real-life ex who's always popping up everywhere I go after we broke up, and then she knew everything about me, she knew my whole family, she knew everything, so I'm like I'm going to put in my kinda portrayal," he said. He said he didn't think that the postings would explode the way it has. "The very first time I did it, I did not, but the numbers went up. I got a million in one day, and I was like 'oh, okay,' and then I did one at a graduation with a boy who never met me before, he didn't know what was going on, walked up and di the video, and that video did 14 million," he said. Richmond is not just making content but also teaching kids how to make content safely through a program called Social Impact. "It's here to teach the kids how to use the internet in a safe way. We have so many kids posting with each other and getting into it, fights and killing, so I decided to come in and teach them content creation," he said. He sees the art of teaching content creation as a benefit to young people in the city, as "the internet is the new TV." "Chicago is so creative," he said. I teach from first grade all the way to 12th grade, so I get so many personalities." As for his videos, being accurate is key. "If you get a chance, check out any of the videos. I try to make it as accurate as possible, relative. Everybody has some kind of boom in them," he said. His videos can be found on YouTube and TikTok.
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Mohali: GMADA to acquire 713 acres for Eco City 3
In a move towards planned urban expansion, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) is set to acquire 713.375 acres of land from multiple villages for the development of Eco City 3 in New Chandigarh. The villages identified for land acquisition include Rasulpur, Salamatpur, Dhodemajra, Takkipur, Rajgarh, Majra, Kartarpur, Kansala, and Hoshiarpur. The land will be acquired under the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. The area has already been declared a Resettlement Zone. 'This project is a key part of GMADA's strategy to transform New Chandigarh into a world-class city. It will not only offer modern living amenities but also boost the region's economic prospects,' an official said. Simultaneously, the Punjab government has initiated the process to acquire 309 acres in Mullanpur Garibdass village for low- and high-density residential development under the New Chandigarh Master Plan. The acquisition process began through a notification issued on November 15, 2022, under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act. A Social Impact Assessment by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, emphasised the project's benefits, stating that 'its social advantages far outweigh the costs'. Expert groups also termed the proposed land as 'minimal and essential', highlighting its focus on balanced development and sustainability. Under the Resettlement Policy, affected families will receive a one-time annuity of Rs 5 lakh, a resettlement allowance of Rs 50,000, and complete waivers on stamp duty and registration charges. This policy was officially approved on February 29, 2025.
TimesLIVE
12-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Collective Action for a More Equitable Mzansi
South Africa remains one of the most unequal countries in the world where economic disparity manifests in numerous social challenges, including poverty, unemployment and inadequate access to basic services. The burden of addressing these issues has traditionally fallen on government institutions, but in a progressive society, the responsibility must be shared across all sectors. Corporates, civil society and individuals alike must actively participate in fostering social change and uplifting communities. In this edition of Social Impact, we explore the tangible contributions businesses are making to create a more equitable society. While philanthropy and corporate social investment are often spoken about, we delve deeper into how these initiatives can be structured for long-term sustainability and meaningful change rather than short-term relief efforts. One of the critical issues highlighted in this issue is hunger – an ever-present challenge that disproportionately affects rural communities and young children. Many children attend school on an empty stomach, making it difficult for them to concentrate and absorb knowledge. Hunger is not just about food insecurity; it directly impacts educational outcomes, future employment prospects and economic participation. We shine a light on various corporate initiatives that address this issue, from food banks and soup kitchens to sustainable agricultural projects aimed at creating food security for vulnerable communities. The intersection between economic growth and social responsibility is becoming more apparent. Beyond food security, education remains a cornerstone of social development. Investment in education – whether early childhood development, STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) or vocational training – can break the cycle of poverty and provide young people with opportunities for a better future. Many businesses support education through bursaries, skills development programmes and technology-driven solutions to enhance learning. In this issue, we showcase the companies making strides in ensuring South Africa's youth are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy. The intersection between economic growth and social responsibility is becoming more apparent. More corporates, governments and individuals recognise that economic stability cannot be sustained if social inequalities persist. The rise of environmental, social and governance (ESG) frameworks is a testament to this shift as companies now integrate sustainability and ethical governance into their core strategies. We look at businesses leading the way in ESG compliance, demonstrating that profitability and social good can go hand in hand. However, true social impact requires more than just well-intentioned interventions – it demands systemic change. Temporary fixes, such as charitable donations or one-off community projects, are no longer enough. The challenge lies in implementing sustainable solutions that address the root causes of societal problems. This means investing in long-term development strategies that empower communities, create jobs and foster innovation. As you read this issue, we encourage you to reflect on how businesses, big and small, can contribute to meaningful and lasting social change. Corporate social responsibility is not merely an obligation; it is an opportunity to rede ne the role of business in shaping a better future for all. We hope that this edition of Social Impact serves as the inspiration for corporates and individuals alike to engage more deeply in conversations and actions that drive meaningful social upliftment. Let us move beyond temporary solutions and work towards sustainable, impactful change that transforms lives and communities for generations to come. Browse through the full magazine below (zoom in or go full screen for ease of reading):
New York Times
18-04-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Under Trump, Kennedy Center Fires More Staff Members
At least a half-dozen staff members at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts were dismissed on Friday, according to two people with knowledge of the changes, as the Trump administration continues to strengthen its control of the institution. The fired employees worked on the center's government relations, marketing, social media and rentals teams, said the two people, who were granted anonymity because the dismissals had not been publicized. They said roughly 20 employees had been dismissed since President Trump took over the institution in February. The Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mr. Trump stunned the cultural and political worlds when he made himself chairman of the Kennedy Center and purged its previously bipartisan board of Biden appointees. He ousted the longtime chairman — the financier David M. Rubenstein, who was the center's largest donor — and stacked the board with his own aides and allies. Deborah F. Rutter, the center's president for more than a decade, was fired and replaced with a Trump loyalist, Richard Grenell. The president's actions have prompted an outcry, leading some artists to cancel engagements there in protest. The musical 'Hamilton' scrapped a planned series of tour performances there next year. Mr. Grenell, a former ambassador to Germany, has moved swiftly to cull the Kennedy Center's ranks, saying the institution faces serious financial problems. He has promised to cut executive pay and reduce the staff 'where possible.' He has also denounced some of the center's efforts to embrace diversity, saying the center should promote 'common sense programming.' Last month, Mr. Grenell fired several employees who had been part of a community outreach program known as Social Impact. The program had worked to expand the audience for opera and symphony performances, to commission works by underrepresented voices and to 'advance justice and equity.' Critics say that the Trump administration is exaggerating the Kennedy Center's financial problems and that the cuts are meant to help advance the president's political agenda. The center has been in relatively stable condition in recent years, though like many arts organizations, it has faced financial woes. While fund-raising has been robust recently, the endowment, at $163 million, is relatively small for an institution of its size.
Forbes
28-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How Privatization Can Impact Individual Investors
Social infrastructure, some functions that were previously in control of the government have moved ... More to private companies Due to the high government deficit, the topic of privatizing certain government functions, like education and healthcare, have been increasingly discussed. Privatization essentially means moving from government ownership to private ownership. The idea behind pushing this is to lessen the financial burden on the government while promoting efficiency and economic growth. Here are the potential impacts of privatization and what a move toward privatization could mean to individual investors. Privatization is a phenomenon we have seen on a global scale in all types of government structures with varying impacts. Examples range from transit systems, to airports, to roadways, to energy, to postal services, to correctional facilities, and more. Here are some reasons for certain businesses and industries shifting to privatization. Private companies are driven by profit motivations. This may mean that they would be inclined to reduce waste and promote greater efficiency, lower costs, and higher quality goods and services. It's worth noting that these phenomena only get observed in situations with healthy competition. When there is an instance of one private power eliminating competition, also known as a monopoly, costs often increase and quality reduces. An International Monetary Fund paper from 1999, titled Privatization, Social Impact, and Social Safety Nets, suggests that privatization does promote economic growth. However, it warns of short-run impacts harming both workers and consumers. With trillions of dollars in government deficit, many worry about how long the government can support all its obligations. An obvious benefit of moving certain functions off of the government's plate is that privatization means the government will no longer be financially responsible for certain functions, allowing it to allocate its resources elsewhere. If that industry is an expensive one, then the deficit levels can be reduced significantly. Because private companies don't have to jump through as many hoops as government-run agencies, they may have the ability to develop quality infrastructure and services more quickly than their counterparts. Having the infrastructure in place could allow public services to be distributed more effectively. Privatization can allow for more investors to participate in these various industries. Take healthcare, for instance. You are not able to invest in the future successes of the Medicare system, but you can invest in non-government companies in the healthcare industry. You can have a voting say through this ownership and participate in profits. There are few potential problems that could arise from services shifting their focus to profit. Very popularly, many health insurers have huge profits that are directly correlated to the rate at which they deny claims, keeping efficiency high but not providing life-saving services to people. The prior example brings me to my first point about drawbacks of privatization. The whole point of the government taking on certain functions is to ensure people have access to essential services. Cities have public transit systems to reduce congestion, lessen their carbon footprint, and give equal access to opportunities to people who may not be able to drive or afford a car. Medicare exists to give access to essential healthcare services for our aging and diminished populations. A private company can choose to hike up transit fares to a point where it becomes cost prohibitive to go into work and deny healthcare claims. Privatization can lead to both job losses and wage cuts. Earlier, I mentioned the IMF paper discussing increased economic growth. That same paper acknowledged that immediate impacts of the transition to privatization often leads to reduction in wages and loss of jobs. For-profit companies may seek to get the maximum productivity out of each worker per dollar paid. The IMF paper also speaks to privatization increasing lasting income inequality. As time goes on, the opportunity gap between those of high incomes and low incomes increases. An additional social impact is tied to access to services. Disproportionately, those with less resources will receive less services. Already in the United States, the Opportunity Atlas, which is a collaboration between Harvard and the U.S. Census bureau, found that a child's zip code at birth is the largest determining factor of success in their adult life. Let's put that data into the hands of a private education provider. They can then choose to allow only children born in a certain zip code into their schools, only give scholarship opportunities to those they deem to have the highest chance of success. So then, children who were born to poorer neighborhoods with less resources would be denied the chance to gain education and higher income and equal access to services like healthcare. Another potential problem with privatization is the fact that the government could seek to raise revenue from the process of privatization. This can include political corruption in the form of transferring valuable public land and assets into private hands at an artificially low price, all under the guise of raising money for the government. The International Journal of Sociology and Anthropology observed that in Nigeria, privatization led to rent-seeking behavior, meaning that authority figures and the economic elite corner specific lucrative sectors for personal gain. Most government systems are subject to voter approval and oversight, but many private companies do not have that same accountability if they can continue to show profits. This can lead to things like disproportionate environmental impact, quality control issues, and negative societal impact. Investors should approach the potential for privatization of further industries in the U.S. with a balanced perspective, recognizing both the potential for financial gain and the broader societal impacts. If your industry may be impacted, consider building a higher emergency reserve to weather financial troubles that could arise. If your job is not personally impacted, there may be a rise of investment opportunities and even potential long-term economic growth. By carefully evaluating the competitive landscape, regulatory environment, and ethical considerations, investors can make informed decisions that align with both their financial goals and social values.
