Whitney Houston's family has requested that her funeral, which is is taking place in Newark today, be a private ceremony for family and friends only. Although some fans have gathered around the neighborhood where the New Hope Baptist Church is located to pay tribute, most people are respecting those wishes—and that even includes gang members, who have called for a day of nonviolence to honor Houston. more ›

During a major speech on Middle East policy today, President Obama used the opportunity to directly address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and called for the creation of a Palestinian state along the borders which existed before the 1967 Six Day War. As the NY Times notes, it's the first time an American president has explicitly taken that position. more ›

Happy Global BDS Day of Action on Land Day! Today activists like the ones in this video will be calling for a boycott of Israel "until it respects the basic rights of Palestinians living under occupation, within Israel and in exile." To start the festivities early, on Saturday a flash mob of 30 keffiyeh-clad protesters performed a big dance number in Grand Central Terminal to the tune of "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey—but with the chorus "Don't stop boycottin'." Cringing already? Watch the video and get ready to change your name to Cringer Rogers: more ›

The cacophony of New York City will no longer include the noise of tour guides on open-air tour buses, if city officials have their way. The City Council has proposed that open-air tour buses should outfit their tourists with individual headsets instead of blaring tidbits like "This is where John Lennon was shot!" via a public address speakers. According to the Post, yesterday's hearing was "heated," pitting "New Yorkers living in the city's toniest neighborhoods" versus the tour operators. more ›

Posthumously joining an elite circle that includes Jerry Garcia, Stephen Colbert and Phish, ex-Beatle John Lennon has now been honored with his own Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor: Imagine Whirled Peace. Guest of a Guest recites the ingredients: a caramel and sweet cream whirl with toffee and chocolate-covered peace signs. more ›