Samsung announced that they are creating an app for its televisions, where owners of Apple content will be able to watch it on Samsung televisions. They will also add ‘Apple Airplay’ software that will let iPhone users stream their content on Samsung televisions. Apple is trying to integrate itself into other businesses like music, television, and movies. This is because iPhone sales have been low, as people are keeping their older devices instead of buying new ones. Apple already has deals on the table for their new original television service, one of which features Oprah Winfrey.

Outrage has broken out on social media and in the news, after Lifetime released a six-part docu-series on singer, R. Kelly. The documentary, “Surviving R. Kelly,” aired for three nights, spanning from January 3 to January 5. The documentary detailed his sexual misconduct with underage black girls, most being between the ages of 12 and 14. The documentary also revealed that he married singer, Aaliyah, when she was 15 years old and he was 27. Many other artists have taken their songs with R. Kelly off of streaming services, and people have said they no longer support Kelly.

On January 12, the government shut down reached 22 days, the longest in United States history. President Trump decided to shutdown the government after he did not receive funding for his border wall, which was the staple of his campaign. Trump is requesting $5.7 billion for this wall. Associates and supporter of Trump have started a “GoFundMe,” campaign to raise the money for the wall budget. The campaign raised about $20 million, but “GoFundMe” refunded the money to those who donated.

A protest was held at Paterson City Hall on January 8th, in demand for justice of 27 year old, Jameek Lowery. Lowery walked into the Paterson police headquarters sweating and foaming at the mouth, asking for water and help. The police refused to give him water and Lowery died 48 hours later. The Paterson police said they were following protocol, as they were not allowed to give him water, in case it harmed him. The police department is being investigated by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, and the officers involved with this case have been placed on leave until the investigation is over.

Black-ish star, Marsai Martin, has become the youngest black executive producer in Hollywood history at only 14 years old. At 11, Martin dreamt up the idea for her movie, Little, inspired by Tom Hanks’ 1988 film, Big. The movie is about a successfull businesswoman being cursed and turned into a younger version of herself. Tracy Oliver, writer of Black-ish, lead Martin to this opportunity after she heard the idea and set up a pitch for Universal. Little comes out in theaters on January 12th, and it stars Martin, Issa Rae, and Regina Hall.

Shots were fired at Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City on Friday night. Shots rang out in the food court, which caused the mall to go on lockdown. The shooting was allegedly planned by two possible gang members. No bystanders were killed or injured. It is assumed that the two men involved were both shot, one being shot in the arm and the other in the abdomen.

Jayme Closs was found alive after being missing for months. Closs has been missing since October 15, when her abductor killed her parents and kidnapped her. Closs escaped when her kidnapper, Jake Thomas Patterson, was not home. It is still unclear how she escaped, as she was on foot, and was saved miles away from Patterson’s home. Closs was reunited with her aunt on Friday, who was obviously very happy to see her, she said “I’m so happy. Lots of happy tears and so thankful. And I thank everyone that didn’t give up hope and for all the prayers!”