Judge Slams Abusive Workplace; Gaza Families Crowdfund

Former NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen reflected on the state of Europe-U.S. relations, while also on February 10, 2026, a federal judge acknowledged an "abusive workplace" in a court order. Simultaneously, mothers in the U.S. utilized crowdfunding to aid families in war-torn Gaza, and border closures between Pakistan and Afghanistan continued to paralyze trade. In Beirut, Lebanon, cats found refuge on a university campus.

According to NPR, former NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen spoke with Mary Louise Kelly ahead of the Munich Security Conference. The interview touched upon the evolving dynamics between Europe and the United States. Rasmussen's insights provided context on the current political climate.

In the U.S., an unnamed federal judge admitted to investigators that the environment in their court chambers "at times resulted in an abusive workplace," as reported by NPR. The judge agreed to take corrective actions following a law clerk's complaint of bullying. The order, made public by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, detailed allegations of harassment, verbal abuse, and erratic behavior during the COVID pandemic. The judge expected clerks to provide weekly updates on numerous cases.

Meanwhile, an informal network of mothers in the U.S. used crowdfunding to support families in Gaza, as reported by NPR. The mothers connected through social media to raise funds for food and shelter. A ceasefire agreement reached in October brought a tentative peace to Gaza, but many residents still lived in difficult conditions.

The Pakistan-Afghanistan border closures continued to disrupt trade along a key route. According to NPR, the Torkham border had been closed for over three months, affecting truck drivers and businesses on both sides. Afghan truck driver Anwar Zadran had been waiting for months due to the blockade.

In Beirut, Lebanon, cats found a haven on the American University of Beirut campus. NPR reported that the university's code of conduct protected the animals. The campus provided a peaceful environment for the cats amidst the city's challenges.