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.
All Stories

Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez, Elon Musk and Ivanka Trump partied like oligarchs
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner exchanged greetings with Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez and Elon Musk at the candlelight dinner for Donald Trump at the National Building Museum Sunday night.

Justine Bateman slams ‘disaster tourists’ Harry and Meghan for Pasadena ‘photo op’
The 'Family Ties' star has sparked a fierce online debate about Harry and Meghan's visit to Pasadena, which started out 'anonymous' but ended up making headlines.

Why FBI sought Ben Affleck’s help amid Los Angeles fires
The 'Batman' star received a visit from FBI and police at his Brentwood home, which he was forced to evacuate last week to escape the Palisades fire.

What’s that picture on Melania Trump’s collar at Jimmy Carter funeral?
The past and incoming first lady has a history of wearing outfits at public events that grab attention or even stir controversy.

From Elphaba Thropp to Britney Spears: Jon M. Chu preps for singer’s biopic
While enjoying ‘Wicked’s’ box office and pop culture success, the filmmaker also opened up at the Golden Globes about his splashy future project: a Britney Spears biopic.

Angelina Jolie uncomfortably avoids Brad Pitt drama on Golden Globes red carpet
A reporter at the Golden Globes strangely asked Jolie how her life has become different in the 25 years since she won an award for 'Girl, Interrupted.'

Demi Moore ‘clearly’ ignored Kylie Jenner in new Golden Globes snubbing drama
In viral video clips, Moore seemed to have little time for Jenner at the awards show as she eagerly chatted with her boyfriend Timothee Chalamet and Elle Fanning.

With Netflix show, Meghan Markle seeks ‘clean slate’ after ‘Duchess Difficult’ years
Meghan's 'purity' styling for her return to Instagram on New Year's Day also was 'a textbook example' of someone signaling a new era for their personal brand, experts say.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s White House nanny was wrongfully convicted
The story of the Carters' loyalty to Mary Prince is seen as an example of the couple's reputed decency and commitment to social justice.

Gal Gadot’s dangerous blood clot reveals health risk for pregnant women
The 'Wonder Woman' star said she required 'weeks' of care after suffering a blood clot in her brain during her eighth month of pregnancy.