Entertainment
Oil Trades Surge Minutes Before Donald Trump Iran Announcement
Oil markets were jolted by a wave of unusually timed trades just minutes before Donald Trump revealed that the United States would postpone planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, raising fresh questions about possible foreknowledge among traders.
According to market data hundreds of millions of dollars were rapidly committed to oil contracts shortly before the president’s announcement on Monday. The surge occurred roughly fifteen minutes before Trump disclosed via his Truth Social platform that Washington had engaged in “very good and productive conversations” with Tehran, hinting at a potential easing of tensions.
The market reaction was immediate and dramatic. Oil prices plunged by as much as 14% within minutes of the post, rewarding traders who had positioned themselves ahead of the unexpected development. The sharp move also triggered a rebound in global stock markets, which had earlier been under pressure from escalating fears surrounding the Middle East conflict.
Analysts have pointed to the timing and scale of the trades as highly unusual. Activity in New York Mercantile Exchange crude oil contracts spiked sharply at 06:49 Eastern Time, when 733 trades were placed. Just one minute later, that figure surged to over 2,000 trades—representing roughly $170 million in positions.
A similar pattern unfolded in Brent Crude contracts, where trading volume jumped from just 20 transactions to more than 1,600 within the same one-minute window, amounting to approximately $150 million.
Such activity stands in stark contrast to typical trading patterns observed on previous Mondays, when volumes at that time of day are usually far lower. The anomaly has prompted speculation among market watchers that some participants may have acted on advance knowledge of the president’s decision.
The developments come against the backdrop of heightened volatility driven by tensions in the Middle East. Just days earlier, Trump had warned Iran of severe consequences, including threats to “obliterate” its power infrastructure if the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz was not reopened within 48 hours.
Although markets were closed over the weekend, the impact was felt when trading resumed in Asia on Monday, with equities declining and oil prices climbing on fears of escalation. However, optimism sparked by the announcement of diplomatic progress quickly reversed those trends, sending oil prices lower and boosting investor confidence.
Entertainment
Zayn Malik cancels US tour Plans After Hospital Recovery
Zayn Malik has cancelled his upcoming U.S. solo tour dates and reduced several UK performances after revealing he had recently been recovering from a hospital stay.
The former One Direction star shared the update through his Instagram page, explaining that he needed to reassess his schedule as he focuses on his health and recovery.
Malik said he was working to return “better and stronger than before” but would need to reduce the number of performances on his upcoming Konnakol tour, which is named after his latest album.
Although he did not specify the exact reason behind the latest cancellations, fans had already become concerned after a photo showing him in a hospital bed was shared on an official updates page around two weeks earlier.
A week after that image appeared, a message attributed to Malik said it had been a “long week” and that he was still “unexpectedly recovering,” raising further concern about his condition.
In his latest post, Malik thanked supporters for the encouragement they had sent during his recovery.
“I’ve felt it and it’s meant the world,” he wrote.
“I’ve been at home recovering and I’m doing well and will be better and stronger than before.”
Earlier in February, Malik had announced what was set to be his biggest-ever solo tour, featuring 31 dates across multiple countries and beginning at AO Arena in Manchester on 12 May.
However, the revised schedule now means the tour will begin on 23 May with only nine remaining dates.
His first UK performance will now take place at The O2 Arena in London on 23 May, followed by a Manchester show at the AO Arena the next day.
Concerts scheduled for Glasgow, Birmingham and Dublin have been cancelled, while performances across Latin America—including dates in Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Brazil—are still expected to go ahead.
Malik has previously postponed or cancelled performances due to struggles with extreme anxiety, particularly around live appearances, though no connection has been confirmed between that history and the current situation.
Entertainment
MrBeast’s Company Faces Lawsuit Over Sexual Harassment Allegations
MrBeast’s media business is facing legal action from a former employee who alleges sexual harassment and gender discrimination within the company.
The lawsuit was filed by Lorrayne Mavromatis, who worked at Beast Industries between 2022 and 2025. In court documents, she claims that harassment of female employees was “condoned” and that complaints were routinely dismissed or not taken seriously.
Mavromatis, who initially joined as head of Instagram before being promoted, alleges she was dismissed after raising concerns about what she described as a workplace lacking basic employment protections. She also claims she was treated differently from male colleagues and subjected to a hostile work environment.
Among the allegations detailed in the filing, Mavromatis says a former CEO of the company, James Warren, made inappropriate remarks suggesting her appearance affected her working relationship with Jimmy Donaldson. She further claims she was later demoted to a marginalised role within the company and ultimately fired shortly after returning from pregnancy-related leave.
The lawsuit states she has suffered emotional distress, reputational harm, and financial losses, and is seeking compensation including lost wages, benefits, and reinstatement.
In response, a spokesperson for Beast Industries strongly denied the allegations, describing the case as “categorically false” and a “clout-chasing complaint.” The company says it has substantial evidence, including internal communications and witness testimony, which it claims refutes the accusations.
Entertainment
Singer D4vd Pleads Not Guilty to Murder Charges in Teen’s Death
American musician D4vd has pleaded not guilty to multiple murder charges in connection with the death of a 14-year-old girl whose remains were discovered last year.
The 21-year-old artist, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, appeared in court in Los Angeles on Monday for his arraignment, his first appearance since his arrest. He did not speak during the hearing, with his legal team entering the plea on his behalf.
Burke is accused of murdering Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was reported missing in April 2025. Prosecutors allege she visited his home in the Hollywood Hills on 23 April and was never seen again.
According to court documents, her dismembered remains were discovered on 8 September 2025 in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke. Investigators said the body had been severely decomposed, with limbs found separated inside a bag.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, led by Nathan Hochman, has filed several charges against the singer. These include first-degree murder with special circumstances, as well as allegations of murder for financial gain and killing a potential witness.
Prosecutors claim Burke acted to protect his music career, alleging the teenager posed a threat to his reputation. They also allege she was a witness in an investigation involving sexual misconduct.
Hochman said the case includes allegations of serious offences involving a minor, as well as the mutilation of a body. He added that the prosecution could pursue the death penalty.
Burke’s defence team strongly rejected the accusations, maintaining that evidence will show he did not kill the teenager and was not responsible for her death. They also pushed for a more transparent legal process after months of closed-door grand jury proceedings.
In a notable move, the court ordered the release of the coroner’s report, which had previously been sealed—an uncommon step in such cases.
The family of Rivas Hernandez said in a statement that they remain committed to ensuring her voice is heard and her memory honoured throughout the legal process.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell also addressed criticism over the handling of the investigation, defending the limited release of information in the months following the discovery of the body.
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