Chapter 1: What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Corva Coleman. President Trump says he's going to let the U.S.-based chipmaker NVIDIA sell one of its most advanced microchips to China. The chips are used in artificial intelligence. NPR's John Ruich reports the policy shift comes amid worries about U.S. leadership in the AI sector.
Trump says on social media the U.S. will allow NVIDIA to sell H-200s to approved customers in China, quote, under conditions that allow for continued strong national security. He says he told Chinese leader Xi Jinping about it, and Xi responded positively. Trump also indicates that the U.S. would get a cut of sales. The H200 is what's known as a GPU chip.
It hit the market last year, and it's better than its predecessor, the H100 model, which has been a workhorse of AI data centers. NVIDIA's best chips, the Blackwell series, are not part of this deal. The U.S. has imposed a virtual embargo on cutting-edge chips and chip-making equipment going to China out of fear that the U.S. could lose its lead in the AI race.
Chapter 2: What recent policy change did President Trump announce regarding NVIDIA and China?
John Rewich, NPR News.
An environmental group wants a national moratorium on the construction of some new data centers that power artificial intelligence. More than 230 groups have signed on to a letter to Congress. NPR's Jeff Brady reports.
The group Food and Water Watch drafted the letter citing the risk of higher utility bills and environmental concerns. Mitch Jones with Food and Water Watch says a pause is needed so regulation can catch up.
And let's figure out if it's possible to do this in a way that is going to be safe for the environment, that is going to preserve water for communities, that is not going to drive up people's already increasing electricity prices.
The industry group Data Center Coalition said in a statement that halting construction would jeopardize digital infrastructure that's essential to contemporary life. The coalition argues a moratorium would risk U.S. economic competitiveness and national security. Jeff Brady, NPR News.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development is revising controversial changes to funding that is intended to reduce homelessness. NPR's Jennifer Ludden reports the HUD move comes in the wake of two lawsuits.
States, cities and non-profits warned that HUD's overhaul could push 170,000 people back into homelessness. In a surprise move, the agency told the court it will withdraw its changes for now to address such concerns. But a government lawyer said HUD still intends to shift toward more transitional housing and mandated treatment.
The agency has also set new conditions for who can get money based on alignment with Trump administration policies, such as DEI and restricting transgender rights. The two lawsuits allege all those changes are unconstitutional. They say Congress has made clear homelessness funding should be based on need and spent on programs with proven success. Jennifer Ludden, NPR News.
On Wall Street, the Dow is up more than 100 points. You're listening to NPR. Aircraft maker Boeing has reacquired a key supplier that builds the body of Boeing's 737 jets. NPR's Joel Rose reports.
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