JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1037

Las Vegas — Nvidia and partners announced initiatives this week to accelerate AI deployment and address labour shortfalls. At CES on Jan. 7, Nvidia said its October revenue forecast for data‑centre chips—about US$500 billion by end‑2026—has brightened as large customer deals and new AI model uptake increased orders. Lenovo unveiled an AI Cloud Gigafactory programme with Nvidia to speed deployment of gigawatt‑scale AI infrastructure, and Supermicro showcased AI workstations. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang described robots as “AI immigrants” that could ease workforce shortages. Officials, company statements and public filings provided details during events. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that interim Venezuelan authorities will turn over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States. He said the oil will be sold at market price and that proceeds will be controlled by him to ensure funds benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States. Trump asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute the plan immediately, with shipments moved by storage ships to U.S. unloading docks. Reports also note Delcy Rodríguez’s 2017 outreach to U.S. officials. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, U.S. and Venezuelan officials engaged in discussions and, according to presidential statements on Jan. 6, announced a deal to export Venezuelan crude to U.S. refineries worth up to $2 billion. Reports cited diversion of cargoes from China, 30–50 million barrels held in tankers or storage, and coordination with U.S. oil firms. The move follows U.S. sanctions and an export blockade imposed in mid-December and would require logistical, legal, and commercial arrangements to execute deliveries. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Sacramento, California. Federal officials froze ten billion dollars in childcare funding this week amid allegations of fraudulent programs in multiple states nationwide. President Donald Trump announced an investigation into alleged fraud in California on Truth Social, and the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed funding freezes affecting California, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois and New York. Governor Gavin Newsom said he welcomed the probe and offered cooperation in an interview, while his office criticized the president's rhetoric on social media. Local officials warned families could face higher childcare costs because of the freeze. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Cheyenne, Wyoming. The state Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that two laws banning abortion, including the nation's first explicit pill ban, violate Wyoming's constitution and therefore cannot take effect. The court sided with Wellspring Health Access, Chelsea's Fund and four women who cited a 2012 health-care amendment protecting competent adults' decisions. State attorneys argued abortion is not health care. Governor Mark Gordon urged a voter constitutional amendment. Separately, Ohio lawmakers have proposed restrictive bills despite a November 2023 amendment protecting abortion rights. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — U-Haul's 2025 Growth Index shows ongoing population shifts toward Sunbelt states, with Texas ranked first, followed by Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee and South Carolina. The report, based on more than 2.5 million one-way transactions, lists California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts among states with the largest net outflows. Cities such as Myrtle Beach and parts of Utah recorded increased inbound moves; Tennessee noted job-related growth from companies expanding in region. U-Haul cited political trends among top and bottom states. Local outlets reported year-over-year percentage changes and regional impacts. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Corpus Christi, Texas — Opening statements began Tuesday in the trial of former Uvalde school police officer Adrian Gonzales, who faces 29 counts of child endangerment tied to the May 24, 2022, Robb Elementary shooting that killed 19 students and two teachers. Prosecutors told jurors Gonzales failed to engage or delay the shooter, while defense attorneys said he acted on available information and sought help. Testimony from teacher Stephanie Hale prompted defense objections about undisclosed evidence, and a judge dismissed jurors for the day as attorneys prepare motions, including possible mistrial arguments. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, House Democrats held an unofficial hearing this Tuesday marking five years since supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The forum, led by January 6 committee members, examined pardons granted to rioters, alleged ongoing election threats, and the delayed installation of a memorial plaque honoring police. Republicans instead gathered with Trump at the Kennedy Center, while convicted rioters returned to Washington. Lawmakers and officials released reports naming lawyers involved in post-election legal strategies. The events underscored partisan disagreement over the attack’s history and commemoration. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Las Vegas: Nvidia, AMD and Intel announced new chips and AI platforms Tuesday at CES 2026, while attendees crowded exhibits for robots and Star Wars-themed demonstrations that drew widespread attention. Nvidia described physical AI, unveiling Cosmos, an AI foundation model trained on massive synthetic datasets, and Alpamayo for autonomous driving; it said its Vera Rubin superchip is in production and announced a partnership with Siemens. AP reporters covered keynotes and show-floor booths this week across the event. Companies presented AI-driven consumer devices and robotics demonstrations built from virtual training and synthetic data. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON, President Donald Trump addressed House Republicans at a daylong retreat Tuesday, seeking to align the party ahead of a critical midterm election year. GOP leaders convened at the Kennedy Center, whose board recently voted to rename the venue, and discussed priorities including health care and votes to extend expired insurance subsidies expected this week. Trump defended his actions, criticized opponents, and offered messaging but provided few new legislative proposals. The assembly followed reports of reduced GOP margins after the death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa and member absences, underscoring narrow House control. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.