![Martha Ross, Features writer for the Bay Area News Group is photographed for a Wordpress profile in Walnut Creek, Calif., on Thursday, July 28, 2016. (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group)](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Ross_Martha_2016.jpg?w=85)
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.
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
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![Lopez and Affleck reportedly broke up in March, just after she released her new album and her documentary, which pushed a happily-ever-after message about their romance and marriage.
Certainly, if the truth of Lopez and Affleck's troubled relationship became known in March, it would undermine the happily-ever-after message of "The Greatest Love Story Never Told," Lopez and Affleck reportedly broke up in March, just after she released her new album and her documentary, which pushed a happily-ever-after message about their romance and marriage.
Certainly, if the truth of Lopez and Affleck's troubled relationship became known in March, it would undermine the happily-ever-after message of "The Greatest Love Story Never Told,"](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/bennifer1.jpeg?w=126)
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck hid breakup for months, amid ‘Greatest Love Story Never Told’ release
Lopez and Affleck reportedly broke up in March, just after she released her new album and her documentary, which pushed a happily-ever-after message about their romance and marriage. Certainly, if...
![The 'Pretty Woman' star was seen in a video scratching and tickling Kelce's chest after meeting up with him in a VIP tent at Swift's concert in Dublin Sunday. The 'Pretty Woman' star was seen in a video scratching and tickling Kelce's chest after meeting up with him in a VIP tent at Swift's concert in Dublin Sunday.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SJM-L-HOROSCOPE-02-1.jpg?w=140)
Taylor Swift fans debate Julia Roberts getting ‘handsy’ with Travis Kelce
The 'Pretty Woman' star was seen in a video scratching and tickling Kelce's chest after meeting up with him in a VIP tent at Swift's concert in Dublin Sunday.
![There was 'stunned silence' when Simpson's photo appeared on screen during the 'In Memoriam' segment at the BET Awards Sunday night. There was 'stunned silence' when Simpson's photo appeared on screen during the 'In Memoriam' segment at the BET Awards Sunday night.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Obit_OJ_Simpson_43317.jpg?w=127)
O.J. Simpson included with Willie Mays in awkward awards show tribute
There was 'stunned silence' when Simpson's photo appeared on screen during the 'In Memoriam' segment at the BET Awards Sunday night.
![When visiting one of the beaches in this Northern California county, there's a good chance you'll have miles of white sand and spectacular ocean views all to yourself. When visiting one of the beaches in this Northern California county, there's a good chance you'll have miles of white sand and spectacular ocean views all to yourself.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SJM-L-BEACHES-01_8f7b8d.jpg?w=132)
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Where to find California’s most gorgeous, loneliest beaches
When visiting one of the beaches in this Northern California county, there's a good chance you'll have miles of white sand and spectacular ocean views all to yourself.
![Mary Tillman said she was not consulted by ESPN over its decision to give 'controversial' Harry the 2024 Pat Tillman Award for Service at this year's ESPY Awards. Mary Tillman said she was not consulted by ESPN over its decision to give 'controversial' Harry the 2024 Pat Tillman Award for Service at this year's ESPY Awards.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BNG-L-TILLMAN-0421_259dfd.jpg?w=111)
‘Divisive’ Prince Harry upsets Pat Tillman’s mom by accepting award in war hero’s name: ‘I am shocked’
Mary Tillman said she was not consulted by ESPN over its decision to give 'controversial' Harry the 2024 Pat Tillman Award for Service at this year's ESPY Awards.
![Cruise's absence from his daughter's high school graduation last weekend has again sparked questions and criticism about his alleged choice to not have a role in her life. Cruise's absence from his daughter's high school graduation last weekend has again sparked questions and criticism about his alleged choice to not have a role in her life.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/GettyImages-148477958.jpg?w=132)
After Tom Cruise once denied ‘abandoning’ Suri, she seems to get the last word
Cruise's absence from his daughter's high school graduation last weekend has again sparked questions and criticism about his alleged choice to not have a role in her life.
![According to a new report, Baldwin is struggling to cover mounting legal expenses related to Halyna Hutchins' death, while also supporting his influencer wife and seven young children. According to a new report, Baldwin is struggling to cover mounting legal expenses related to Halyna Hutchins' death, while also supporting his influencer wife and seven young children.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Alec_Baldwin_Set_Shooting_07062-2.jpg?w=132)
Alec Baldwin late on paying settlement to cinematographer’s husband and son
According to a new report, Baldwin is struggling to cover mounting legal expenses related to Halyna Hutchins' death, while also supporting his influencer wife and seven young children.
![Damon 'tried to warn" Affleck about rekindling his romance with Jennifer Lopez, a new report says. Damon 'tried to warn" Affleck about rekindling his romance with Jennifer Lopez, a new report says.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/damonaffleck.jpg?w=116)
Matt Damon’s worst fears for Ben Affleck may be coming true again
Damon 'tried to warn" Affleck about rekindling his romance with Jennifer Lopez, a new report says.
![Though Biel reportedly was 'embarrassed' and 'disappointed' by her husband's DWI arrest, she was among the thousands cheering his show at Madison Square Garden Tuesday night. Though Biel reportedly was 'embarrassed' and 'disappointed' by her husband's DWI arrest, she was among the thousands cheering his show at Madison Square Garden Tuesday night.](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Jessica-09.jpg?w=132)
A ‘not happy’ Jessica Biel still supports Justin Timberlake at concert
Though Biel reportedly was 'embarrassed' and 'disappointed' by her husband's DWI arrest, she was among the thousands cheering his show at Madison Square Garden Tuesday night.
![Travis Kelce and his brother Jason shared details about their exciting royal encounter with the future king and his children, George and Charlotte, during the latest episode of their 'New Heights' podcast.. Travis Kelce and his brother Jason shared details about their exciting royal encounter with the future king and his children, George and Charlotte, during the latest episode of their 'New Heights' podcast..](https://www.mercurynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/William-Kids-Balcony-Britain-Trooping-The-Color.jpg?w=132)
Travis Kelce praises Prince William’s parenting, calls him ‘the coolest’
Travis Kelce and his brother Jason shared details about their exciting royal encounter with the future king and his children, George and Charlotte, during the latest episode of their 'New...