Trump Pardons Jan. 6 Defendants, Rolls Back Biden Policies, Withdraws from Paris Climate Agreement and WHO

On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at dismantling key Biden administration policies and reinstating his own agenda. Trump reintroduced stricter immigration policies, such as barring asylum seekers at the southern border and attempting to end birthright citizenship. He moved to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the federal government and withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement. Trump also signed an executive order to withdraw from the World Health Organization, citing the organization’s “mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic”. In addition, he declared a national energy emergency to push fossil fuel production and halted offshore wind farm development. Some of these executive actions are likely to face legal challenges, particularly those concerning birthright citizenship and federal hiring practices.

Trump also signed an executive order granting full pardons to individuals convicted for offenses related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The order also directed the attorney general to dismiss ongoing cases against the January 6 defendants. The move was met with celebration by some supporters, while former officials, including ex-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, condemned the decision as an affront to the justice system and law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol. Trump had previously hinted at pardons for January 6 defendants during his 2024 campaign.

Notes: About 1,500 pardons were were issued in total for January 6 defendants. Trump previously attempted to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement in 2017; Biden rejoined in 2021.

Sources: ABC News, Reuters, The New York Times

Colombia Declares State of Emergency as Violence Escalates in the Country

At least 80 people have been killed, and over 18,000 have fled their homes in Colombia due to violent clashes between two armed groups in the Catatumbo region near the Venezuelan border. Fighting between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and a faction of former FARC rebels known as the 33rd Front has escalated, disrupting efforts toward "total peace," a key goal of President Gustavo Petro. Civilians have been caught in the violence, with some fleeing into Venezuela, where President Nicolás Maduro has promised aid. Tensions between Petro and Maduro have also risen, as Petro has accused the ELN of becoming a "mafia" and suspended ongoing peace talks.

Petro announced plans to declare a state of emergency following the attacks. The measure will allow the executive branch to pass laws without congressional approval for three months, though it remains subject to review by Colombia’s constitutional court.

Sources: Associated Press, The New York Times

Phoenix Emerges as a Growing Tech Hub for Semiconductors, Self-Driving Cars, and Drones

Phoenix, Arizona has quietly transformed into a major technology hub, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing, autonomous vehicles, and drone technology. The city’s favorable business climate, strong university presence, and skilled workforce have attracted major tech investments. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has pledged $65 billion in the Phoenix area, replicating Taiwan’s science park model and creating an estimated 62,000 jobs. Phoenix has also become a prime location for self-driving car testing, with companies like Waymo, Uber, and Cruise leveraging its gridded streets and business-friendly policies. In the drone sector, Amazon’s Prime Air received regulatory approval to launch its delivery service in the region, with plans to scale up to 500 million deliveries per year. As investments grow, Phoenix is positioning itself as a key player in the U.S. tech landscape.

Notes: In addition to business friendly policies that make TSMC’s new chip fab possible, Arizona has stable geology and low risk of extreme weather events, reducing potential factory downtime.

Source: CNBC 

The Future of Nuclear Power in America

Nuclear power is experiencing renewed momentum, with increasing public support, economic incentives, and backing from major tech companies seeking reliable, low-carbon energy for data centers. In the U.S., the Inflation Reduction Act and corporate investments have helped keep aging nuclear plants operational, extend reactor lifespans, and even consider reopening decommissioned facilities. However, while these developments benefit emissions reduction, the bigger challenge remains: building new reactors. Historically, nuclear projects have faced high costs and long delays, as seen with the Vogtle plant expansion, which took over a decade longer than expected and more than doubled in cost. Advanced technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs) promise improvements, but they still require significant investment and regulatory reform. The recently passed Advance Act aims to streamline the nuclear approval process, but its success may depend on policy shifts under the Trump administration. The next four years will be critical in determining whether nuclear energy can expand meaningfully and contribute to long-term decarbonization goals.

Notes: The Vogtle reactors, started in 2009, were expected to cost $14 billion but ultimately exceeded $30 billion. Companies like Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Amazon are seeking nuclear energy agreements to power AI and datacenters.

Source: MIT Technology Review