Features writer
Martha Ross
Martha Ross is a Bay Area News Group features writer for The Mercury News and East Bay Times who covers everything and anything related to popular culture, society, health, women’s issues and families. She has previously reported or edited for Bay Area news and lifestyle publications, including Walnut Creek Patch, and Diablo, Oakland and Alameda magazines, as well as The Nation in Bangkok, Thailand and The Economist. She graduated from Northwestern University with a BA degree in German studies and from Mills College with a MFA degree in creative writing and English.
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![Swift's decision to be seen acting like BFFs with Brittany Mahomes at the U.S. Open has left some of her pro-Kamala Harris fans disappointed. Swift's decision to be seen acting like BFFs with Brittany Mahomes at the U.S. Open has left some of her pro-Kamala Harris fans disappointed.](https://www.bostonherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SJM-L-SWIFT-0909-02.jpg?w=132)
Taylor Swift under fire for embracing Brittany Mahomes amid pro-Trump controversy
Swift's decision to be seen acting like BFFs with Brittany Mahomes at the U.S. Open has left some of her pro-Kamala Harris fans disappointed.
![Sean Spicer, Paula Deen, Ryan Lochte, Olivia Jade Giannulli: Delvey is not the first divisive celebrity to compete on the ABC dance competition show, usually hoping for a chance to rehabilitate their public image. Sean Spicer, Paula Deen, Ryan Lochte, Olivia Jade Giannulli: Delvey is not the first divisive celebrity to compete on the ABC dance competition show, usually hoping for a chance to rehabilitate their public image.](https://www.bostonherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Anna-delvey-.jpeg?w=125)
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Anna Delvey: Most controversial ‘Dancing With the Stars’ contestant yet?
Sean Spicer, Paula Deen, Ryan Lochte, Olivia Jade Giannulli: Delvey is not the first divisive celebrity to compete on the ABC dance competition show, usually hoping for a chance to...
![A Los Angeles-based P.R. firm that represents Kelce has called in lawyers to identify the culprits of a 'fabricated' document that purports to outline the couple's 'gracious' exit from their year-long relationship. A Los Angeles-based P.R. firm that represents Kelce has called in lawyers to identify the culprits of a 'fabricated' document that purports to outline the couple's 'gracious' exit from their year-long relationship.](https://www.bostonherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ENTER-MUS-SWIFT-KELCE-GET.jpg?w=132)
Travis Kelce’s reps deny PR ‘strategy’ for Taylor Swift breakup on Sept. 28
A Los Angeles-based P.R. firm that represents Kelce has called in lawyers to identify the culprits of a 'fabricated' document that purports to outline the couple's 'gracious' exit from their...
![Sources close to the estranged, California-based son of King Charles III deny that he's dealing with a mid-life crisis over his loss of royal status. Sources close to the estranged, California-based son of King Charles III deny that he's dealing with a mid-life crisis over his loss of royal status.](https://www.bostonherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/hypatia-h_81f24afa939bc91a5b5a8cef27062a7a-h_86a753882c027c32a3b308e83b14185b.jpg?w=140)
Prince Harry denies he has no friends or purpose and seeks a return to royal life
Sources close to the estranged, California-based son of King Charles III deny that he's dealing with a mid-life crisis over his loss of royal status.
![The sighting of Donald Trump's 6-foot-7-inch son at New York University Wednesday ends months of speculation about his college choice. The sighting of Donald Trump's 6-foot-7-inch son at New York University Wednesday ends months of speculation about his college choice.](https://www.bostonherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Barron-Trump-2-Election-2024-Trump.jpg?w=132)
Barron Trump starts college in New York with backpack and Secret Service entourage
The sighting of Donald Trump's 6-foot-7-inch son at New York University Wednesday ends months of speculation about his college choice.
![The former WWE wrestler spent Labor Day weekend calling lawyers 'with the intention' of ending her marriage to the 'Dancing With the Stars" veteran, while also co-hosting Joey Chestnut's latest hot-dog eating contest. The former WWE wrestler spent Labor Day weekend calling lawyers 'with the intention' of ending her marriage to the 'Dancing With the Stars" veteran, while also co-hosting Joey Chestnut's latest hot-dog eating contest.](https://www.bostonherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Artem-ChigvintsevNicki.jpeg?w=124)
Artem Chigvintsev has left Napa home as Nicki Garcia talks to divorce lawyers
The former WWE wrestler spent Labor Day weekend calling lawyers 'with the intention' of ending her marriage to the 'Dancing With the Stars" veteran, while also co-hosting Joey Chestnut's latest...
![New details emerged this week about how Affleck took the initiative to leave Lopez, as reports continue to predict that their divorce could get 'ugly' because they didn't sign a prenup before marrying in 2022. New details emerged this week about how Affleck took the initiative to leave Lopez, as reports continue to predict that their divorce could get 'ugly' because they didn't sign a prenup before marrying in 2022.](https://www.bostonherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/bennifer1-2.jpeg?w=126)
Ben Affleck ‘blindsided’ Jennifer Lopez by moving out, then wouldn’t return calls
New details emerged this week about how Affleck took the initiative to leave Lopez, as reports continue to predict that their divorce could get 'ugly' because they didn't sign a...
![As Brittany Mahomes signals her support for Trump, Patrick Mahomes has vowed to keep his political views to himself while people are waiting to find out if Swift will endorse Harris. As Brittany Mahomes signals her support for Trump, Patrick Mahomes has vowed to keep his political views to himself while people are waiting to find out if Swift will endorse Harris.](https://www.bostonherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/TaylorBrittany.jpg?w=132)
Brittany Mahomes ‘doubles down’ on Trump support as Taylor Swift remains mum about Harris
As Brittany Mahomes signals her support for Trump, Patrick Mahomes has vowed to keep his political views to himself while people are waiting to find out if Swift will endorse...
![The 'Dancing With the Stars' regular was arrested in connection with domestic battery in Napa Valley, where he and his wife, former WWE star Nicki Garcia, have a home. The 'Dancing With the Stars' regular was arrested in connection with domestic battery in Napa Valley, where he and his wife, former WWE star Nicki Garcia, have a home.](https://www.bostonherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Artem-ChigvintsevNicki.jpeg?w=124)
‘DWTS’ pro Artem Chigvintsev was rough with celebrity partner on BBC show: report
The 'Dancing With the Stars' regular was arrested in connection with domestic battery in Napa Valley, where he and his wife, former WWE star Nicki Garcia, have a home.
![While it was Alison Carey's 'dying wish' to reconnect with her famous little sister before she died, the singer explained why she cut off contact with her in her 2020 memoir. While it was Alison Carey's 'dying wish' to reconnect with her famous little sister before she died, the singer explained why she cut off contact with her in her 2020 memoir.](https://www.bostonherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/people-mariah-carey.jpg?w=120)
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Mariah Carey felt ‘safer’ not talking to her sister before she died
While it was Alison Carey's 'dying wish' to reconnect with her famous little sister before she died, the singer explained why she cut off contact with her in her 2020...