Hundreds Feared Dead in Mediterranean Crossing During Cyclone

As many as 380 people are feared to have drowned in the Mediterranean Sea last week while attempting to cross during Cyclone Harry, according to the Italian coastguard. The cyclone, which generated large waves, battered southern Italy and Malta. Maltese authorities confirmed a shipwreck that resulted in the loss of 50 lives.

The shipwreck had only one survivor, who was hospitalized in Malta. The incident occurred on Friday, according to The Guardian.

The perilous journey coincided with Cyclone Harry lashing Sicily's eastern coast, creating treacherous conditions for those attempting the crossing.

In other news, Northern Ireland is set to become the first part of the UK to introduce graduated driver licensing reforms in October. The new rules are aimed at 17 to 23-year-olds and will change how people learn to drive. These changes, described as the most significant in 70 years, aim to reduce fatal road crashes involving young people, according to BBC Business. The rules include a six-month wait for learner drivers before taking a practical test.

Separately, in the technology sector, California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced an investigation into TikTok over claims of censorship. The investigation follows reports that TikTok censored content critical of the Trump administration. According to BBC Technology, a deal was concluded last Thursday to split off the US operation of the app. Shortly after, thousands of American users reported problems, including "zero views" on new posts and an inability to see political content. TikTok has blamed the user problems on a "major infrastructure issue."

Meanwhile, in China, a "crying horse" plush toy has gone viral ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations. The toy, which features a frowning expression, was originally made in error by a worker who sewed a smile upside down, according to Reuters. Zhang Huoqing, the owner of Happy Sister, a shop in Yiwu, told Reuters that the toy's gloomy expression resonates with young workers in China. "A lot of customers like it, and they said it makes sense: that it suits the spirit of today's corporate slaves," Zhang said.