‘Mutual Interest' carries echoes of Edith Wharton
In her introduction to 'The House of Mirth' (1905), Edith Wharton explained that she was determined to expose New York high society in the late 1800s as a 'hot-house of tradition and conventions.' Olivia Wolfgang-Smith, in her sharp and lively second novel, 'Mutual Interest,' is after much the same thing. The plot, though, turns on matters that Wharton would have blushed to consider.
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Newsweek
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Woman Asks for Sign Her Late Dog Is Okay—Then Visits an Art Fair
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A woman grieving the loss of her beloved dog attended an art fair and encountered a touching tribute that sparked a viral internet moment. Jordyn Smith (@jordynsmith701), 30, a nurse from Indiana, had shared her life with her dog Maizy—a mix of Boston terrier and beagle—since she was 18. In December 2025, Maizy passed away following an unexpected health battle. Shortly after, Smith visited an art fair where she spotted a painting titled "The Starry Night—Maisy at Rest," featuring a dog resting beneath a starry sky. The post about the painting quickly gained massive attention, garnering 1.3 million likes and 5.7 million views. "To say it was hard is an understatement, and we miss her and think about her every day. My other dog still searches for her. When I saw the painting, Maisy at Rest, it did make me tear up, but I was overcome with happiness more than anything. I want nothing more than her to be happy, resting in the sun, wherever her soul may be. This was confirmation that she was doing exactly that," Smith told Newsweek. A split image of Maizy the dog sleeping and the painting of a dog bearing a striking resemblance to her. A split image of Maizy the dog sleeping and the painting of a dog bearing a striking resemblance to her. @jordynsmith701/@jordynsmith701 What happened next surprised Smith—and soon stunned the internet. A complete stranger gifted her the $325 painting. "The fact that a complete stranger bought me the painting not only will remind me of Maizy every time I look at it, but the kindness of humanity too. And, I gained another friend out of it (Thanks Cass!). The whole experience has been amazing and I know Maizy girl is happy, pain free, somewhere among the stars," she added. The artwork is a heartfelt reinterpretation of Vincent van Gogh's famous Starry Night, featuring a peaceful dog resting beneath the swirling night sky. Reflecting on her deep bond with Maizy, Smith shared that the dog had been by her side through many milestones. She said Maizy "came to college with me, nursing school, my first apartment, and my first house. Her and her sister, Kali, are my best friends. She was my cuddle buddy, walking partner, and favorite girl to play fetch with on a cool summer evening." Smith recounted Maizy's health challenges. In 2022, she was diagnosed with cancer in her leg. She recovered after an operation to remove the tumor. She also had a heart murmur that slowly worsened. By October 2024, the pooch had significantly slowed down. In November, they suspected she had come down with a cold after she developed a cough. But they received the devastating news the cancer had spread to her lungs. "She passed at home four days later, on her favorite bed with her favorite toy, a stuffed cow," she said. The TikTok video Smith posted about Maizy took her by surprise with its reach, and users responded with overwhelming support. "Can I buy this for you? I'm being so serious. It's meant to be yours!!!" asked Cass, the generous buyer. "You're such a kind human I hope you're so serious rn. Keep being kind," commented another user, praising the act of generosity. "Someone brought it for her. I'm going to cry that's like 300+ what a lovely person," said Lavender. "That's why art is important. Make your art. Share it. You have no idea who's asked the universe for it," added another user. "I'm pregnant and this video had me emotional, then I came to the comments and saw how a stranger bought you that painting and I'm legit crying. The world CAN be beautiful sometimes," shared a heartfelt viewer. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Yahoo
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Rising country star Conner Smith ‘cooperating with police' after woman killed in car crash
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Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Rising country star Conner Smith ‘cooperating with police' after woman killed in car crash
Country music singer Conner Smith's is cooperating fully with an investigation into a fatal weekend car wreck, his reps have said. Smith, 24, is said to have been driving a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck on Sunday in Nashville when he hit Dorothy Dobbins, 77, as she crossed the road inside a marked crosswalk at around 7:30 p.m. The crash took place on 3rd Avenue North near Van Buren Street. According to Metropolitan Nashville police, Dobbins, who lived nearby, was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she died. 'The preliminary contributing factor for this crash appears to be Smith failing to yield the right of way to the pedestrian,' the police statement said. 'He showed no signs of impairment.' The investigation is ongoing and there are no charges 'at present' against Smith, police said. In a statement shared with People, Smith's lawyer confirmed that the singer was 'involved in a car accident that tragically claimed a life'. 'His heart goes out to Ms Dobbins's family during this incredibly difficult time,' the statement said. 'Mr Smith continues to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.' The crash took place on the final day of the annual Country Music Association Fest, a four-day celebration of country music in Nashville. Smith, who was born and raised in the Tennessee music hub, released his debut album, Smoky Mountains, last year through Big Machine Records' Valory imprint. The album included the single 'Creek Will Rise', which became Smith's first Top 20 hit on the Billboard Country Airply chart in 2023. The musician was nominated for New Male Artist of the Year at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards, and opened for Luke Bryan that same year. His song 'Steal My Thunder' featuring fellow country singer Tucker Wetmore featured on the soundtrack to the 2024 American disaster film Twisters, which charted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. He married surfer Leah Thompson last year.
