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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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Unexpected Oasis: The Buddha Statue in New Jersey Unites Faiths

 

Just off a bustling state highway in Franklin Township, New Jersey, stands one of the largest Buddha statues in the United States. Rising 30 feet high from the woods near Princeton, this statue has become an unexpected interfaith hub and spiritual home for many.

Built a decade ago under the leadership of a Sri Lankan monk ordained in Theravada Buddhism, the statue is part of the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara and Meditation Center. The monk's dream was to unite people of all faiths, and today, that vision is a reality.

The center has become a gathering place for practicing Buddhists, Hindus, and Christians, reflecting New Jersey's diverse religious landscape. Among the regular visitors is Daniel Choi, a Princeton University professor who grew up in a Korean Christian church and now follows Tibetan Buddhism. He has been meditating in front of the Buddha statue since 2015 and describes it as a "public shrine" where people from various backgrounds come together.

The center also hosts interfaith gatherings and maintains a peace garden, tended to by a leader of the local Nepali community. Visitors often find themselves surrounded by colorful Tibetan prayer flags and an interfaith peace mural painted by local students.

"It's uniquely New Jersey," Choi said, noting the mix of people and the untraditional location of such a shrine. "You hear traffic, you hear people chatting, and yet, there's a sense of peace and connection here."

The New Jersey Buddhist Vihara follows Theravada Buddhism but welcomes all Buddhist traditions and other faiths. This inclusive approach has made it a beloved spot for curious tourists and passersby who come to sit in front of the statue, take in the moment, and soak in the vibe.

In a world where finding common ground can be challenging, this unexpected oasis in New Jersey offers a place for people of different faiths to come together, find peace, and connect.



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