On Friday, the US Supreme Court delivered a significant blow to TikTok, ruling to uphold a law that could ban the popular video-sharing app in the United States.

The decision, made just days before the scheduled ban on January 19, comes as a result of national security concerns tied to the app’s ownership by Chinese company ByteDance.

READ MORE: TikTok Faces New Wave Of Lawsuits From 13 U.S. States

The court ruled that the law does not infringe on free speech rights, asserting that the government’s national security concerns were valid.

With the ruling, TikTok now faces the prospect of losing access to 170 million American users, potentially marking the end of the app’s operations in one of its largest markets.

More to follow………… 

Dame Joan Plowright, an Oscar-nominated actress and one of Britain’s most revered stage and screen performers, has died at the age of 95.

Her family announced her passing on Friday, saying, “It is with great sadness that the family of Dame Joan Plowright, the Lady Olivier, inform you that she passed away peacefully on 16 January 2025 surrounded by her family at Denville Hall at the glorious age of 95.”

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The family paid tribute to her remarkable life and career, adding, “Her brilliant career will be remembered by many, her wonderful being always cherished by her children Richard, Tamsin, and Julie-Kate, their families, and Joan’s many friends.”

Plowright’s illustrious career spanned decades, beginning in the theatre before she transitioned to notable roles in film and television.

She became a beloved figure in British performing arts, with her work introducing her to audiences of all generations.

Born in Brigg, England, Plowright trained at the Old Vic Theatre School before making her London debut in 1954.

Her breakout moment came two years later when she earned critical acclaim, attracting the attention of theatre royalty.

She first met Sir Laurence Olivier in 1957 when they starred together in the original London production of John Osborne’s The Entertainer.

Shortly afterward, Plowright divorced her first husband, Roger Gage, and Olivier ended his marriage to Vivien Leigh, paving the way for their union in 1961.

Reflecting on her marriage, Plowright once described it as “momentous, earth-shattering for me… a very, very strange experience. It was a great privilege to share in his life, as well as a bit of a nightmare.”

While Plowright was never as glamorous as Leigh, she never felt she was in competition with her. “It wasn’t as though I was competing with her. It might sound arrogant, but I didn’t really think much about it,” she told The Guardian.

Plowright adjusted her career to support Olivier’s directorial work at the Chichester Festival Theatre and the National Theatre. However, she also delivered acclaimed performances, including her Tony-winning role in A Taste of Honey in 1961.

Nigerian music executive Ubi Franklin has recently addressed allegations concerning his financial obligations, asserting that his total debt does not exceed ₦30 million.

This statement comes amid public scrutiny and disputes over unpaid services and loans.

In April 2023, Franklin was accused by a web designer, known as Orebanz, of failing to compensate her for services rendered.

She claimed that Franklin engaged her to develop a website, but upon completion of 70% of the work, he became unresponsive and did not fulfil the agreed payment of ₦500,000.

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Franklin acknowledged the engagement but contended that the agreed amount was ₦350,000.

He expressed intentions to pursue legal action to address the allegations.

Additionally, in July 2021, Franklin disclosed that he was in debt prior to the COVID-19 pandemic due to unsuccessful business ventures. He revealed that during the pandemic, he engaged in Instagram Live interviews, which attracted sponsorships and helped alleviate his financial burdens.

More recently, Franklin was involved in a public dispute with Nigerian artist Spyro. Spyro alleged that Franklin owed him $5,000 for a performance, while Franklin countered by claiming that Spyro owed him ₦10.5 million for a car purchase. Spyro refuted this claim by sharing evidence on social media, including reminders sent to Franklin regarding the unpaid amount.

Franklin’s assertion that his total debt does not exceed ₦30 million appears to be an effort to provide transparency regarding his financial status amid these controversies. He has indicated a willingness to address and resolve these matters through appropriate legal channels.

Ubi Franklin, born Ubi Ekapong Ofem, is a Nigerian music artist manager, politician, entrepreneur, TV show host and the founder of record label Made Men Music Group (Triple MG) and Instant Apartment. Franklin is the current Special Adviser to Cross River State Governor Benedict Ayade on Tourism.