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Ellie Muir
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The Independent
Aug 2026
I paid an Etsy witch $4.08 to tell me when I’d find love again. I think she maybe healed me
A recently heartbroken writer pays $4.08 for an Etsy witch’s spell and detailed reading about when she will find love again. The reading offers unexpectedly resonant relationship advice, warning her not to fall for a person’s potential before they demonstrate emotional availability, consistency and commitment in the present. The experience provides reassurance and a reality check amid declining partnership rates, ghosting and widespread anxiety about modern dating. Although Etsy banned supernatural services in 2015, such offerings continue under the category of entertainment services. The writer remains uncertain whether the seller is a genuine witch, a perceptive stranger or using ChatGPT, but considers the reading money well spent and requests ongoing sessions.
The Independent
Aug 2026
NSYNC member gives candid answer about why boy band won’t reunite
Joey Fatone said NSYNC is unlikely to reunite for a full tour soon because the members are at different stages of family life. He noted that he has older daughters and more availability, while Lance Bass, Justin Timberlake and Chris Kirkpatrick have younger children and competing responsibilities at home. Bass suggested a summer tour with families brought on the road as a possible solution. NSYNC has reunited sporadically, including appearances at the 2023 MTV VMAs, a 2024 Timberlake show and a song for Trolls Band Together, but no new full reunion has been confirmed.
The Independent
Aug 2026
Popular peanut butter brand gets refresh for first time in 30 years
Jif is updating its packaging for the first time in more than 30 years, introducing brighter colors, clearer lettering, a simplified logo and recipe ideas on the front of its jars. The redesign will roll out to stores from October through the fall and early winter, while the peanut butter’s familiar taste will remain unchanged. Jif is also expanding its squeezable range with products including Peanut Butter & Chocolate and an unsweetened, no-sugar-added Jif Simply version.
The Independent
Aug 2026
Oprah Winfrey addresses criticism for making two pro-Trump TV personalities famous
Oprah Winfrey defended her decision to give Dr. Phil McGraw and Dr. Mehmet Oz prominent roles on The Oprah Winfrey Show, saying she believed both had useful expertise and that their later political paths were independent of her. She credited McGraw with supporting her during her 1997 beef-industry defamation trial and said Gayle King introduced her to Oz. McGraw and Oz have since become prominent allies of Donald Trump, with McGraw serving on Trump's Religious Liberty Commission and Oz leading the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Both have also faced scrutiny from health professionals over their medical claims, including McGraw's COVID-19 commentary.
The Independent
Aug 2026
Taylor Swift’s husband Travis Kelce breaks silence on their blowout wedding
Travis Kelce described his July wedding to Taylor Swift as the “best night” of his life while speaking to reporters at Kansas City Chiefs training camp. The New York City celebration reportedly featured numerous celebrity guests and performances, although the couple has kept many details private. Kelce has since returned his attention to football, with coach Andy Reid rejecting claims that he has lost fitness after an AI-generated clip suggested otherwise.
The Independent
Aug 2026
18 meat products recalled after link to jalapeño salmonella outbreak
Federal officials recalled 18 meat and poultry products containing jalapeños amid a salmonella outbreak that sickened at least 345 people across 27 U.S. states and hospitalized 36. The outbreak was linked to jalapeños grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, with many patients reporting that they had eaten at Mexican-style restaurants. Chipotle and Qdoba removed jalapeños from their restaurants, while Albertsons recalled four additional items. Health agencies said further downstream recalls could follow and advised consumers to check affected products and monitor for symptoms.
The Independent
Aug 2026
‘Mormon Wives’ Star Taylor Frankie Paul Breaks Silence After Domestic Violence Probation: ‘Villain or Victim’
Taylor Frankie Paul said she had completed the terms of a three-year probation stemming from her 2023 arrest after pleading guilty to aggravated assault. She described the experience as extremely difficult and said she had previously not understood domestic violence, while also rejecting concern over whether viewers saw her as a villain or victim. The case involves her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen, with both parties making competing abuse claims and obtaining mutual protective orders. Their custody dispute over their son continues, while ABC shelved Paul’s planned season of The Bachelorette after footage of the altercation became public. Paul remains a central figure in Hulu’s successful reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
The Independent
Aug 2026
The Simpsons star Nancy Cartwright reveals when she thinks the 38-year-old show will finally call it quits
Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson, says The Simpsons may end after its 40th season, while remaining open to continuing if the cast and crew agree. The series has reached 800 episodes, has four additional seasons ordered by Fox, and is preparing a second feature film. Writer and producer Mike Reiss also recalled that the show nearly ended in 2011 because of escalating costs, but a 30 percent pay cut by the cast and crew allowed it to continue.
The Independent
Aug 2026
Travis Kelce’s coach defends ‘dad body’ claims after wedding to Taylor Swift
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid rejected online claims that Travis Kelce had developed a “dad body” after marrying Taylor Swift, saying the tight end returned to training camp in good shape and remained focused and eager to play. Reid also recalled attending the couple’s July 3 wedding, which was officiated by Adam Sandler, and praised Sandler’s advice to the newlyweds. Kelce is preparing for the 2026–27 NFL season, with the Chiefs scheduled to play preseason games against the Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks.
The Independent
Aug 2026
Influencers Who Attended OpenAI Brand Trip Slammed as ‘Tone Deaf’: ‘Should Have Gone to a Data Center’
OpenAI hosted its first luxury retreat for influencers at Wildflower Farms in upstate New York, featuring farm-to-table dining, beekeeping, outdoor activities, networking and ChatGPT workshops. The event drew online criticism for presenting the company as eco-friendly while its AI data centers consume substantial energy and water and can contribute to noise, traffic and other disruptions for nearby communities. Attendees Grace McCarrick and Megan Lieu defended or praised the experience, while OpenAI said creators help people learn about its products and that it welcomes debate. Researchers and critics questioned the retreat’s messaging in light of AI’s environmental and social costs.
The Independent
Jul 2026
I put my love life in the hands of a New York City photobooth
A New York City photobooth pairs singles using a personality questionnaire and gives each participant a photo strip of their anonymous match. Although visitors are drawn by the novelty and an escape from dating-app burnout, the lack of surnames or contact details makes finding matches nearly impossible. The project, created by Matchbox and @meetcutesnyc, is criticized as an opaque potential marketing stunt, with participants also questioning the questionnaire and the imbalance between male and female users. After failing to identify her own match, Ellie Muir concludes that the experiment creates more inconvenience and uncertainty than romantic possibility.
The Independent
Jul 2026
The Little-Known Toy Story 5 Partnership Having a Big Impact on Sick Children
Disney and Starlight Children’s Foundation brought Toy Story 5 screenings and themed experiences to more than 400 children’s hospitals worldwide, including over 300 in the United States. The partnership distributed more than 18,000 toys and 34,000 character-themed gowns, while cast messages, character visits, animator-led activities and gift packages provided hospitalized children and their families with moments of comfort. The film, which has earned $957 million, follows Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie as they confront children’s growing attachment to technology, represented by the frog-shaped Lilypad tablet.
The Independent
Jul 2026
Woman turns to bee venom therapy to treat Lyme disease symptoms
Savannah Spoor, a 23-year-old Seattle content creator with debilitating Lyme disease symptoms, says she now uses bee venom therapy after other treatments failed. She gradually increased the number of bee stings to 10 per session, three times a week, while carrying an EpiPen because of the risk of anaphylaxis and other complications. Spoor attributes improved mobility, reduced pain and less frequent dizziness to the therapy and documents her experience online. Although bee venom has historical uses and laboratory research has suggested that venom or melittin may act against Lyme-causing bacteria, the account does not establish the treatment as clinically proven or safe.
The Independent
Jul 2026
William Shatner, 95, Reveals the Key to Living a Long Life
At 95, actor William Shatner says his ability to remain aware of everyday beauty and maintain an optimistic mindset helps him endure serious health challenges. Diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in 2023 after the cancer spread to his lungs and brain, he also underwent shoulder surgery following a horse-riding accident. His daughter Melanie Shatner Gretsch faced stage 4 breast cancer, and both were declared cancer-free by late 2024. Shatner credits effective doctors, gratitude and conscious attention to life’s small moments with helping them cope.
The Independent
Jul 2026
Jimmy Kimmel thanks CBS for record-breaking June ratings after network axed Stephen Colbert’s show
Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show achieved record ratings in June following CBS’s cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s program, drawing many former Colbert viewers. Kimmel credited CBS for the surge as his show saw significant year-on-year growth, dominating its time slot when new episodes returned. The article also recounts CBS’s cancellation of Colbert’s show after his criticism of Paramount and notes a licensing issue in Colbert’s final episode that led to a payment later donated to World Central Kitchen.
The Independent
Jul 2026
Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s widow is suing his mother a year after the star’s death
Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s widow, Tenisha Warner, has filed a lawsuit against his mother, Pamela Warner, seeking more than $1.2 million from the actor’s estate. The suit alleges that Warner failed to fulfill several financial obligations outlined in their prenuptial agreement, including maintaining a life insurance policy, annual payments, retirement contributions, and a monthly salary. Tenisha states that she attempted to resolve the matter privately and pursued legal action to avoid missing the statute of limitations. Pamela marked the one-year anniversary of her son’s death with a public post reflecting on grief and personal challenges, while Tenisha discussed the family’s strained dynamics in an upcoming CBS interview.
The Independent
Jul 2026
MLS team apologizes after JJ Watt called them out for snubbing his soccer star wife
Real Salt Lake apologized after referring to Kealia Watt only as JJ Watt’s wife in a social media post, prompting JJ to highlight her extensive soccer accomplishments. The club issued a detailed statement recognizing her achievements, including multiple championships, national awards, and a successful professional and collegiate career. Kealia is a former USWNT player and current analyst, while she and JJ also hold a stake in Burnley F.C.
The Independent
Jul 2026
Birkenstocks for ballet? Sandal brand launches unlikely collab with iconic French dance shoemaker
Birkenstock and Repetto have launched a collaborative collection blending Birkenstock’s classic silhouettes with Repetto’s ballet‑inspired design elements, including bows, ribbons and signature linings. The premium-priced styles sold out shortly after release, drawing mixed reactions from fashion followers. The collaboration reflects the continued popularity of ballet‑inspired fashion, which has dominated recent runway seasons.
The Independent
Jul 2026
Everything I’ve eaten as a paranoid vegetarian to avoid the explosive diarrhea parasite sweeping the US
A vegetarian describes adopting an extreme, self-imposed diet to avoid a widespread cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated produce in the United States. Despite public health guidance that produce need only be washed and prepared properly, fear of infection leads to avoiding raw fruits and vegetables altogether and replacing them with dairy and carbohydrates, affecting both physical well-being and social interactions.
The Independent
Jul 2026
‘Like Brad Pitt’s children, I decided to drop my father’s last name’
Several individuals recount their decisions to drop the last names of estranged parents, reflecting a desire for emotional independence and identity formation. Expert commentary describes name changes as a response to trauma rather than retaliation, emphasizing the careful thought typically involved. Rising estrangement statistics in the U.S. and U.K. highlight broader social patterns as stigma and family expectations continue to influence perceptions. Despite potential family backlash, those who changed their names express no regrets, viewing the decision as a meaningful step toward personal stability and self-definition.
The Independent
Jul 2026
Zendaya leaves fans lost for words after stunning The Odyssey premiere with angelic feathered look
Zendaya captivated audiences at the New York premiere of The Odyssey with a feathered white gown evoking a Greek goddess aesthetic, drawing widespread praise online. The appearance follows several high-profile fashion moments during the film’s promotional tour. Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of the epic poem has received strong early reviews, with critics highlighting its scale and visual ambition. The star-studded cast includes Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Tom Holland, and the film is considered a major awards season contender.
The Independent
Jul 2026
Britney Spears addresses fans’ concerns after photos show her hanging out of a sunroof in moving car on LA freeway
Britney Spears responded to fan concerns after photos showed her standing through the sunroof of a moving SUV on a Los Angeles freeway, telling followers on Instagram that appearances can be misleading. The incident followed her guilty plea for driving under the influence earlier in the year and a period of voluntary treatment. Spears has recently discussed personal growth and a spiritual journey, while her sons made their modeling debuts at Paris Fashion Week. She remains largely removed from her music career since the end of her conservatorship in 2021 and the release of her memoir.
The Independent
Jul 2026
Rosie O’Donnell reveals how much money she’d saved up before quitting her talk show
Rosie O’Donnell says she chose to end her talk show in 2002 once her savings reached $100 million, turning down an equivalent offer from Warner Bros. to continue. She explained that financial security allowed her to prioritize raising her children and focus on philanthropy. O’Donnell, now living in Ireland with her youngest child, described political developments in the United States under Donald Trump as distressing and has been engaged in a long-running feud with the former president, who recently mocked her in an AI-generated video. She criticized Trump’s mental fitness and invoked the 25th Amendment in response to his attacks, while also noting past threats he made to revoke her citizenship.
The Independent
Jul 2026
Dwayne Johnson reveals he’s been trying to make his Broadway debut for years
Dwayne Johnson has been working for several years to make his Broadway debut in a new adaptation of The Odd Couple, originally intended to co-star Kevin Hart, whose packed schedule has prevented the collaboration. Johnson plans to continue pursuing the project with producer Jeffrey Seller and director Thomas Kail, potentially even as a musical. As he explores stage opportunities, he is also facing unusually poor reviews for Disney’s live-action Moana, criticized for offering a repetitive performance compared with the animated original.
The Independent
Jul 2026
Luke Wilson, 54, turns heads after welcoming first child with 24-year-old girlfriend
Luke Wilson and Kendall Yates have welcomed their first child and introduced their newborn at an event for Wilson’s upcoming Netflix series. The couple, who began dating in 2023, have kept their relationship mostly private. Wilson’s past comments about wanting children and details about his family and previous relationships are highlighted alongside references to his notable acting career.
The Independent
Jul 2026
All the things Jack Antonoff’s ex Lena Dunham said about him in her memoir
Details from Lena Dunham’s memoir describe tensions in her relationship with Jack Antonoff, including his close working relationship with a young pop singer, a major argument in which he disposed of her pain medication, and mutual infidelity during a period of separation. Dunham also reflects on her emotional reaction to Antonoff’s later relationship with Margaret Qualley and recounts the couple’s acknowledgment that they had grown apart before ending their six‑year relationship.
The Independent
Jul 2026
Ashley Tisdale turning ‘toxic mom group’ drama into Netflix comedy
Ashley Tisdale is developing a Netflix comedy, Toxic Moms, inspired by her viral essay about toxic behavior in her former Hollywood mom group. She is collaborating with Sabrina Jalees and Ali Wong, who may direct if the project becomes a series. The article recounts reactions from celebrities speculated to be part of the group, including Hilary Duff, Mandy Moore, and Meghan Trainor, all of whom denied involvement or expressed disappointment over the controversy.
The Independent
Jul 2026
Will Taylor Swift sign a prenup? What it could look like
Legal experts anticipate Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will finalize an extensive and highly detailed prenuptial agreement ahead of their expected wedding, designed to protect their respective assets and future earnings. With Swift’s multibillion‑dollar music empire, extensive real estate holdings, and intellectual property, attorneys predict the agreement will include comprehensive disclosures, carve‑outs, and appreciation clauses. Kelce is expected to safeguard income from his NFL career, endorsements, and podcast ventures. Lawyers note the complexity of addressing future creative work and emphasize transparency as key to successful negotiations, suggesting further contractual agreements between the pair are likely in the future.
The Independent
Jun 2026
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding destination may have just been confirmed
Reports and city permit filings indicate that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are expected to wed at Madison Square Garden on July 3, with extensive preparations underway including street closures, security coordination, and hotel bookings. Multiple performers are rumored, and more than 1,000 guests are expected. City officials have signaled readiness for the large event, which coincides with July 4 celebrations and increased tourism. Speculation about an alternative Rhode Island location has been dismissed after a tent there was linked to a separate event.
The Independent
Jun 2026
Stevie Nicks and Tim McGraw to perform at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding
Reports indicate that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are planning a July 3 wedding at Madison Square Garden, with Stevie Nicks and Tim McGraw expected to perform. Permit filings, hotel bookings, and statements from New York City officials support speculation about the venue and timing. The event is anticipated to be a large, high-profile celebration coinciding with July 4 festivities, with security preparations underway and notable musicians tied to Swift’s career reportedly involved.