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0:00It's March 26, Durham News Today starts now, AI-powered and ready. I'm Cory with the story. Former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro heads back to a New York courtroom today to challenge his drug trafficking indictment. He's arguing that the United States' blocking Venezuelan government money needed for his legal defense, which he says violates his rights. Maduro, 63, and his wife, Silia Flores, 69, both pleaded not guilty back in January and have stayed jailed in Brooklyn without seeking bail. The court issue revolves around a quick reversal by the U.S. Treasury Department. Officials initially approve Venezuela covering the fees on January 9, but pulled back just hours later. Prosecutors say Maduro and Flores can use personal funds instead, but he claims he can't afford top lawyers without government help. In Venezuela, Maduro still has pockets of support, with murals and signs calling for his return in Caracas. But acting President Delsey Rodriguez has sidelined his allies, reshuffled key roles, and

1:03toned down the old socialist style on state media. Meanwhile, Venezuela has warmed ties with the U.S., restoring diplomacy, easing oil sanctions, and even sending a top envoy to Caracas. Still, the hasn't unlocked funding for Maduro's case so far. As their trial date remains unsaid, the couple faces life sentences if convicted on charges tied to cocaine smuggling and related violence from A. January 3rd raid on their home. Life in Venezuela grinds on much the same under new leadership.