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Market Volatility: Stocks Flatten as Powell's Remarks Weigh on Gains

The stock market experienced a turbulent session on Wednesday, ultimately closing near flat after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's comments on monetary policy and inflation concerns. The S&P 500 ended nearly unchanged , giving back earlier gains as investors digested Powell’s remarks on the Fed’s stance regarding interest rates and economic restraint. Powell reiterated that the central bank remains cautious about inflation, particularly in light of tariff-driven price increases expected over the summer. While the Fed signaled that borrowing costs are likely to decline this year, the pace of future rate cuts appears to be slowing.  Following Powell’s speech, U.S. Treasury yields reversed their earlier declines , influencing market sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 43.83 points (0.10%) , while the Nasdaq Composite managed a slight gain of 23.66 points (0.12%).  Investors also kept a close eye on geopolitical developments, particularly tensions in the Midd...

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Ontario Expands Teacher Training to Address Shortage

Ontario is taking a significant step to combat the ongoing teacher shortage by adding 2,600 new spaces to teachers' colleges across the province. The initiative, backed by a $55.8 million investment over two years, aims to train new educators by 2027.

Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn emphasized that the funding will support all institutions offering a Bachelor of Education program, with spaces becoming available as early as September. The expansion prioritizes northern and rural areas, technological education, and French-language instruction, which have been identified as areas of heightened need.

While teachers' unions welcome the move, they stress that recruitment alone will not solve the problem. Retention remains a key issue, with many qualified teachers opting out of the profession due to challenging working conditions, overcrowded classrooms, and deteriorating infrastructure. The Ontario Teachers’ Federation estimates that 48,000 certified teachers are not currently working in the province’s education system.

The government is also exploring shortening the length of teachers' college, which was extended to two years a decade ago when Ontario faced a teacher surplus. As the province braces for a worsening shortage starting in 2027, officials continue to seek solutions to ensure a stable and well-supported teaching workforce.

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