Amber Raiken

New York

U.S. Lifestyle Reporter at the-independent.com

Articles

Young people aren’t drinking alcohol - instead, they’re sipping cans of THC

1 week ago | independent.co.uk | Amber Raiken

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. US LifestyleTHC drinks are making a name for themselves in the US beverage industry. Amber Raiken speaks to three young people about why they prefer these drinks to an ice cold martiniDinner and drinks might be the go-to for a night out with the girls, but Gen Z is removing alcohol from the equation.
JCPenney is closing stores in seven states May 25 - see the full list of locations

2 weeks ago | independent.co.uk | Amber Raiken |Caitlin Hornik

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. A representative for JCPenney previously said a ‘handful’ of stores are expected to close by the middle of the yearTime is running out for JCPenney shoppers as multiple stores are set to close over the weekend. Seven stores in as many states are set to close on May 25, according to a spokesperson for JCPenney.
TikTok’s protein obsession has us lacking another key nutrient

2 weeks ago | independent.co.uk | Amber Raiken

Amid the protein craze on social media, are we neglecting the need for fiber in our diets? Amber Raiken speaks with dietitians and nutritionists about how protein has dominated the conversation too muchAs health and wellness influencers and recipes gain traction online, one macronutrient outshines the rest: protein. Protein-rich foods are celebrated as the golden answer — the key to keeping you feel full with less calories, helping both weight loss and muscle gain.
Young people aren’t drinking alcohol - instead, they’re sipping cans of THC

2 weeks ago | independent.co.uk | Amber Raiken

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. THC drinks are making a name for themselves in the US beverage industry. Amber Raiken speaks to three young people about why they prefer these drinks to an ice cold martiniDinner and drinks might be the go-to activity for a night out with the girls, but Gen Z is removing alcohol from the equation.
How the social media protein craze is harming people’s health

2 weeks ago | independent.co.uk | Amber Raiken

Experts are warning that people are neglecting their fibre intake amid the social media-driven protein craze. While protein is important, consuming too much of it can be bad for the human body, while demonising carbohydrates can lead to fibre deficiency. Fibre is crucial for digestion and overall health, but is often overlooked. Examples of high-fibre foods include whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Everyone’s obsessed with protein but what we’re actually lacking is fiber

3 weeks ago | independent.co.uk | Amber Raiken

Amid the protein craze on social media, are we neglecting the need for fiber in our diets? Amber Raiken speaks with dietitians and nutritionists about how protein has dominated the conversation too muchAs health and wellness influencers and recipes gain traction online, one macronutrient outshines the rest: protein. Protein-rich foods are celebrated as the golden answer — the key to keeping you feel full with less calories, helping both weight loss and muscle gain.
Hocus Pocus child star looks unrecognizable at Cannes 32 years after film’s debut

3 weeks ago | independent.co.uk | Amber Raiken

The actor’s iconic Halloween film was released in 1993Amber Raikenin New YorkFormer Disney child star Thora Birch looked all grown up at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Her appearance came 32 years after the release of her hit movie, Hocus Pocus, where she played headstrong eight-year-old Dani Dennison, who successfully escapes from the Sanderson witch sisters in Salem.
Disney child star looks unrecognizable on Cannes red carpet 32 years after hit film’s debut

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Amber Raiken

Former Disney child star Thora Birch looked all grown up at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Her appearance came 32 years after the release of her hit movie, Hocus Pocus, where she played headstrong eight-year-old Dani Dennison, who successfully escapes from the Sanderson witch sisters in Salem. Now 43, Birch, who’s starring in a new film with Kristen Stewart, attended the event in France on Friday wearing a classic black jacket and pants, adorned with silver buttons.
Poison hemlock is spreading across the US. Here’s how to get rid of it

3 weeks ago | independent.co.uk | Amber Raiken

The plant can cause symptoms leading to death in mammalsAmber Raikenin New YorkA roadside plant is posing a potentially deadly risk to Americans after it was found to be growing rapidly in unmanaged areas. Poison hemlock, also known as Conium maculatum, is poisonous to humans when ingested through the eyes, nasal passages or cuts in the skin. It contains highly toxic compounds known to cause respiratory failure and death.
Bahama Breeze suddenly closed 15 restaurants this week — here’s where

3 weeks ago | ca.finance.yahoo.com | Amber Raiken

Bahama Breeze unexpectedly closed 15 restaurants in the U.S. this week. A spokesperson for Darden Restaurants, the owner of Bahama Breeze, confirmed the restaurant closures Thursday in a statement to USA Today following reports that locations in Tennessee and Florida had shut down. "We continually evaluate the performance of all our restaurants,” a Darden Restaurants spokesperson said. “Closing a restaurant is a difficult choice because it impacts our team members and guests.