War, Cheating, Storms, and Swords: World in Turmoil

Kyiv, Ukraine (February 12, 2026) – Russian forces launched a missile attack on Kyiv early Thursday morning, according to Al Jazeera, with witnesses reporting explosions. While the extent of the damage and any casualties remained unknown initially, the attack followed reports of four deaths and three injuries in the Synelnykove area due to Russian attacks.

The attack on Kyiv was one of several significant events on February 12, 2026, marking day 1,449 of the ongoing war, according to Al Jazeera. The news outlet also reported on the situation in Ukraine.

In other news, a school shooting in a small town in British Columbia, Canada, has left residents reeling, as reported by Sky News. Details about the suspect were withheld by police, but the community was left to grapple with grief and the need for answers.

Meanwhile, in the world of sports, Sky News also reported on the fallout from a cheating confession by Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid. Laegreid admitted to cheating on his ex-girlfriend during a live television interview after winning a bronze medal at the Olympics. His ex-girlfriend responded, stating his actions were "hard to forgive." Laegreid later apologized to both his ex-girlfriend and his countryman Johan-Olav Botn, whose gold medal win was overshadowed by the scandal.

Elsewhere, a traditional swordsmith in Japan is experiencing renewed interest in the centuries-old art of katana making, as reported by Euronews. The growing popularity of Japanese pop culture, including anime and video games, has drawn a new generation of fans to the craft. Akihira Kawasaki, a 57-year-old swordsmith in Saitama Prefecture, is among those continuing the tradition. However, the profession faces challenges, including an aging workforce and a demanding five-year apprenticeship.

Finally, Euronews also reported on the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar. The cyclone, which made landfall on Tuesday, caused at least nine deaths and major flooding, according to the Indian Ocean island's disaster authority. The cyclone slammed into Toamasina, the country's second-largest city, with winds reaching 250 kilometers per hour, collapsing houses.