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Futures Steady as Tech Selloff Eases; Amazon Drops on AI Spending Surge

U.S. stock futures held steady in early premarket trading after a sharp tech-led decline earlier in the week, giving investors a moment to reassess the sector’s rapid pullback. Major index futures hovered near flat, suggesting a more measured tone after days of volatility. While sentiment remains cautious, some traders appear to be stepping back in following the recent selloff in high‑growth names. Amazon shares slipped in premarket action after the company signaled a significant increase in capital expenditures tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure. The planned investment highlights Amazon’s push to expand its AI capabilities, but the scale of spending raised concerns about near‑term pressure on margins. Market attention now turns to upcoming economic data and corporate earnings, which could help determine whether tech stocks regain momentum or continue to face headwinds. For the moment, futures point to a steadier start as investors look for the next catalyst.

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Ontario Introduces Comprehensive Plan to Limit Cellphone Use and Ban Vaping in Schools

 

In a groundbreaking move, the Ontario government has unveiled an ambitious plan to reduce distractions in classrooms and enhance student well-being. The plan, which aims to standardize and strengthen provincewide measures, addresses the rising concerns related to cellphone usage and vaping among students.

Key Measures:

  1. Cellphone Restrictions:

    • Students in kindergarten through Grade 6 will be required to keep their phones on silent and out of sight for the entire school day, unless explicitly permitted by an educator.
    • For students in Grades 7 to 12, cellphones will not be allowed during class time unless explicitly directed by the educator.
    • The policy emphasizes “out of sight and out of mind,” restoring focus, safety, and common sense in Ontario schools.
  2. Social Media Removal:

    • Social media websites will be removed from all school networks and devices. This step aims to minimize distractions and promote a more focused learning environment.
  3. Vaping Ban:

    • Vaping will be banned in all Ontario schools.
    • Students caught using or carrying vaping devices will be required to surrender them, with parents immediately notified of the situation.
    • The government has allocated $30 million in the 2024 budget to install vape detectors and enhance security in schools.
  4. Supports for Mental Health and Parent Engagement:

    • The government will invest $17.5 million in new wrap-around supports for student mental health and parent engagement.
    • Initiatives include providing support for students at risk of addictive behaviors and developing webinars and resources for parents and students to address the adverse effects of vaping and excessive cellphone usage.

This comprehensive plan reflects Ontario’s commitment to prioritizing student learning, safety, and well-being. By addressing distractions head-on, the province aims to create a more conducive environment for education and growth. 

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