Entertainment
Taylor Swift’s love of the color orange sets social media branding ablaze
Taylor Swift‘s upcoming album release and her love of all things orange isn’t lost on her fans — or brands that are seeking a ride on what has become an enormous economic tailwind.
On Wednesday after Swift went on the “New Heights” podcast co-hosted by her boyfriend, NFL football star Travis Kelce, to announce the imminent release of her 12th studio album “The Life of a Showgirl,” major companies went into marketing overdrive.
Numerous corporations, from United Airlines to Olive Garden, began posting orange hued memes on their own social media accounts soon after the new album was announced. Shake Shack, FedEx, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cinnabon, Walmart and Netflix did, too.
That is because Swift appeared onstage wearing orange numerous times toward the end of her Eras Tour and she discussed her feelings about the color on the Wednesday podcast.
“It feels like energetically how my life has felt,” the 14-time Grammy winner tells co-host Jason Kelce.
Lewis Joly / AP
Many, it seemed, saw value in tying their brand to Swift.
More than a dozen NHL teams followed with posts on social media acknowledging Swift’s new album, both north and south of the Canadian border.
Even X got in on the action, declaring that it had a new profile pic: a glittery orange X. The post has garnered 5.5 million views so far.
Google is using its search engine to celebrate the October release of Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl.” Users search for “Taylor Swift,” are greeted with a stream of orange digital confetti, along with a flaming orange heart and the phrase, “And, baby, that’s show business for you.”
Swift’s tour appearances have become economic events. The singer’s Eras Tour two years ago was the first such tour to cross the billion-dollar mark, according to Pollstar’s 2023 year-end charts. Cities and their surrounding areas registered a sizeable economic boost after Swift appeared, with thousands of fans making the pilgrimage and spending money at hotels, restaurants and elsewhere.
Swift also mentioned during the Wednesday podcast that she had Lasik eye surgery. In response, the X account for LASIK.com wasted no time promoting the fortuitous namedrop. The post currently has more than 389,000 views and 15,000 likes.
About 500,000 Americans undergo Lasik every year, CBS News recently reported. And while the American Refractive Surgery Council says the complication rate is less than 1%, side effects are not uncommon and should not be taken lightly by those considering the procedure.
Swift’s two-hour chat with the Kelces’ marks the singer’s first ever podcast interview, a milestone moment for the medium.
By Thursday afternoon, Wednesday night’s talk had already been seen more than 11.7 million times on YouTube. Clips distributed on Instagram, TikTok, X and elsewhere have received more than 400 million views, and the episode was also available for streaming on audio platforms.
It has further to go to be a record-setter, though. The most-watched podcast episode ever on YouTube, and likely the most-consumed podcast ever, is by a company called Thmanyah, a Saudi Arabian Arabic podcast network and independent journalism platform, according to its website. The video has racked up 144 million views in two years.
Swift, who infrequently gives interviews to journalists, revealed key information about her upcoming album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” and talked about her relationships with Travis Kelce and her family, and her joy of gaining full control of her past work — a yearslong quest.
Entertainment
US revokes over 100,000 visas, targeting tourists, students, workers
In its ongoing anti-immigration move, the US has revoked over 100,000 visas, affecting tourists, international students, and skilled workers.
Marking a substantial uptick from the 40,000 revocations in 2024, the figure reflects stricter enforcement measures under US President Donald Trump’s second term.
Officials from the Trump administration stated that the crackdown is aimed at improving public safety and ensuring compliance with US immigration laws.
“US authorities are increasingly using court and police data to ensure visa holders comply fully with the law,” a State Department official stated.
Who’s affected by ongoing US visa cancellations?
The largest group affected by the current halt in US visa processing comprises those holding B1, B2, and B1/B2 visas, many of whom faced cancellations due to overstays or unauthorised work.
Around 8,000 student visas were revoked, of which nearly 500 were linked to drug offences. 2,500 cancellations impacted skilled professionals, including H-1B visa holders.
The US authorities are also targeting travellers with criminal records, including DUI, assault, theft, fraud, and drug-related offences.
This revocation campaign is part of a stricter policy aimed at improving data-sharing between government agencies.
An executive order signed on Trump’s first day in office allows authorities to cancel visas even after entry. Officials emphasised that visas are privileges, not guarantees, and that even minor violations will no longer be ignored.
Travellers within the US may face deportation, and those abroad are barred from entry. Affected individuals are advised to consult immigration lawyers, review revocation notices, and maintain transparency in future applications.
Entertainment
Prince Harry’s cousin Amelia Windsor tries to be his replacement in royal family
King Charles has one big royal seat empty since Meghan Markle has left for America with her family.
Trying to be the fit for this role, Prince Harry’s cousin Lady Amelia Windsor has stepped out to catch attention in black.
The 30 year old was at the premiere of Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials, wearing a gown by Percy Langley that was as elegant as it was intentional.
Fashion followers were quick to spot that this wasn’t the dress’s first outing.
Known for championing sustainable style long before it became a buzzword, Lady Amelia has worn the gown on multiple occasions, reinforcing her belief that true luxury lies in rewearing.
Whispers are now swirling that she could be stepping into a whole new chapter of her life .
Although neither she nor her rumored partner have confirmed anything yet but according to insider she may soon be engaged to her long-term boyfriend, property developer Ollie Lewis.
Amelia is currently 44th in line to the throne and has been linked with Lewis for several years, and fans of the couple have enjoyed watching their relationship grow from festival flings to public appearances on major social stages.
Their story first attracted attention at Glastonbury 2023, where the pair were photographed hugging and kissing amid the crowds even alongside her sister Lady Marina and her now-fiancé, Nico Macauley.
Entertainment
Timothée Chalamet surpasses Leonardo DiCaprio milestone
Timothée Chalamet has settled into a spot previously occupied by Leonardo DiCaprio, less than a week after beating him to best actor glory at the 2026 Golden Globes.
The newly stamped winner’s film, Marty Supreme, has surpassed the DiCaprio-starrer One Battle After Another at the box office this week.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, the latest news was recorded on Tuesday, with Chalamet’s release “passing up Leonardo DiCaprio’s rival Oscar contender One Battle After Another to end the day with an estimated cume of $72.27 million.”
With the action thriller grossing “slightly north of $71.6 million” at the US box office, the A24 sports drama is currently the highest earner.
Furthermore, despite One Battle being ahead at the global turnover with an estimate of $154.5 million, Marty Supreme is also eyeing competition along the same territory.
“Based on early returns, box office experts believe Marty Supreme could do substantial business overseas and end up north of $170 million to $180 million globally, if not higher,” THR’s report claimed.
Timothée Chalamet’s latest achievement in his Leonardo DiCaprio competition comes just days after the younger star beat his formidable peer at the Golden Globes.
The American-French actor bagged Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy award, defeating the Titanic actor, who was one of his competitors in the same category.
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