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US stocks surged on Wednesday after the Trump administration announced a one-month reprieve on auto tariffs for Canada and Mexico, reversing steep declines from earlier in the week. The announcement eased investor fears about a global trade war, leading to notable gains in major indices and prominent automakers.

President Trump's sweeping tariffs have impacted not only economic superpowers but also small, remote territories with virtually no economy or population, such as the uninhabited Heard Island and McDonald Islands and the Norwegian island of Jan Mayen. These tariffs could have significant consequences for these vulnerable regions.

US employers pulled back on hiring in February, while federal government layoffs surged to their highest level in over four years, signaling potential economic uncertainty ahead. The slowdown in hiring and the rise in federal layoffs are attributed to President Donald Trump's policies, which are expected to impact both the public and private sectors.

Newsmax, the pro-Trump news channel, has seen its stock price skyrocket since its IPO, making CEO Chris Ruddy a billionaire on paper. However, experts remain skeptical about the long-term sustainability of this surge, citing concerns about the company's small audience size, weak financials, and upcoming legal challenges.

Former Facebook executive Sarah Wynn-Williams claims Meta is blocking her from speaking to Congress about her experiences at the company, including details about the company's interactions with the Chinese government and alleged harms to teen girls. This comes as Meta faces increased scrutiny and regulatory pressure over issues such as teen safety and election misinformation.