The Texas Legislature is back to work for a special session that’s set to tackle key conservative issues and renew the fight over voting rights. Texas Democrats walked out on a session in May to block a bill that would have overhauled the state’s election laws. Governor Greg Abbott and …

Macy’s will host its annual Independence Day fireworks celebration in New York City next month, marking another sign that American life is returning to some sort of normal as local COVID restrictions are relaxed across the nation.  Macy’s has organized a fireworks celebration every July 4 since 1976, but this …

Although gymnast Simone Biles hasn’t competed in more than 18 months, the four-time gold medalist showed in a video Friday that she’s still just as talented as ever. During podium training for the U.S. Classic, the 24-year-old was seen successfully landing a Yurchenko double pike — a dangerous and difficult …

Winston Marshall, the banjoist of Mumford & Sons, is “taking time away” from the band after he was criticized for supporting a book written by controversial right-wing writer Andy Ngo. “Over the past few days, I have come to better understand the pain caused by the book I endorsed,” Marshall …

Former President Barack Obama has become a content creator following his presidency, launching a production company, Higher Ground, with his wife Michelle. Mr. Obama’s newest project is a podcast with an “unlikely” friend — Bruce Springsteen. The former president and the rocker launched the Higher Ground-produced “Renegades: Born in the …

“Law & Order: SVU” has been filming in New York City for more than 20 years, and now the show is aiming to help actors in the city who have been impacted by the pandemic. The efforts came to light when showrunner Warren Leight tweeted news about two new guest …

A federal judge on Tuesday again delayed R. Kelly’s trial in Chicago on child pornography and other charges because of concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, postponing it to next year. The 53-year-old R&B star has been behind bars since his arrest in July 2019 and two trial dates, for April …

Ileana Cabra Joglar, more commonly known by iLe, is no stranger to fusing politics and music together. The Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist’s collaboration with her brother Residente and reggaeton star Bad Bunny became an anthem for protesters in Puerto Rico, which led to the resignation of former governor Ricardo Rosselló. …

Rapper Jay-Z has posted bond for several protesters who were arrested in Wisconsin after authorities declined to charge the officer who fatally shot 17-year-old Alvin Cole. The teen’s mother, Tracy, was one of the dozens of protesters arrested in Wauwatosa on Thursday night.  Jay-Z and Team Roc, the social justice …

Wilford Brimley, who worked his way up from movie stunt rider to an indelible character actor who brought gruff charm, and sometimes menace, to a range of films that included “Cocoon,” “The Natural” and “The Firm,” has died. He was 85. Brimley’s manager Lynda Bensky said the actor died Saturday …