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A United States judge has ruled that he will not dismiss the drug-trafficking and weapons possession charges brought against former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.In a Thursday court hearing, Judge Alvin Hellerstein questioned whether the US government has the right to bar Venezuela from funding Maduro's legal expenses. The hearing was the first for Maduro and his wife since a brief January arraignment, where they pleaded not guilty.Maduro and Flores have sought to have the charges against them thrown out. Hellerstein declined to do so, but he pressed the prosecution on some of the issues Maduro's legal team raised in its petition to dismiss the case. Among them was a decision by the administration of US President Donald Trump to prevent the Venezuelan government from financing Maduro's defence.Federal prosecutors argued that national security reasons prevented the US from allowing such payments. They also pointed to ongoing sanctions against the Venezuelan government. But Hellerstein pushed back against that argument, noting that Trump had eased sanctions against Venezuela since Maduro's abduction on January 3. He also questioned how Maduro might pose a security threat while imprisoned in New York.“The defendant is here. Flores is here. They present no further national security threat,” said Hellerstein. “I see no abiding interest of national security on the right to defend themselves.”Hellerstein emphasised that, in the US, all criminal defendants have the right to a vigorous defence, as part of the US Constitution's Sixth Amendment. Maduro, who led Venezuela from 2013 to 2026, has been charged with four criminal counts, including “narco-terrorism” conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine, the possession of machine guns and the conspiracy to possess machine guns and other destructive devices.He and his wife were taken into US custody on January 3, after Trump launched an attack on Venezuela. The Trump administration has framed the military operation as a “law enforcement function”, but experts say it was widely considered illegal under international law, which protects local sovereignty.Trump himself weighed in on the proceedings during a Thursday US Cabinet meeting, hinting that further charges could be brought against Maduro. “He emptied his prisons in Venezuela, emptied his prisons into our country,” Trump said of Maduro, reiterating an unsubstantiated claim. “And I hope that charge will be brought at some point. Because that was a big charge that hasn’t been brought yet. It should be brought.”

The ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has created a significant disruption in the global helium supply chain, affecting approximately one-third of worldwide production. This critical resource, essential for both medical diagnostics and advanced manufacturing, faces unprecedented challenges as shipping restrictions and production halts impact markets worldwide.The disruption stems primarily from Qatar, the world's largest helium producer, which accounts for about 63 million cubic meters of the roughly 190 million cubic meters of helium produced globally annually. Following Iranian attacks on Qatari energy infrastructure, QatarEnergy has announced a 14% annual reduction in helium exports, citing damage to its LNG facilities that also produce helium as a byproduct.The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint, has seen traffic nearly grind to a halt after Iranian officials announced new transit restrictions. This waterway serves as the primary export route for Qatar's helium, with no viable alternative maritime outlet available.The impact of this helium shortage extends across multiple sectors. MRI machines, which rely on helium's unique cooling properties, face potential operational delays, while the semiconductor industry—a cornerstone of modern technology—also depends on this irreplaceable resource for chip manufacturing. South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and China stand as the most vulnerable economies, being the largest consumers of Gulf-sourced helium.Market analysts project that helium prices could surge by 10-50% depending on the duration of the supply disruption, with buyers lacking long-term contracts experiencing the most immediate price increases. The medical industry, in particular, has been attempting to develop alternatives, including helium-free MRI technologies and helium recycling systems, though most current systems remain dependent on liquid helium.The United States, as the largest global helium producer at over 40% of worldwide supply, cannot fully compensate for the Gulf shortfall. Even North American consumers face challenges, with major distributors like Airgas already cutting shipments by half and parent company Air Liquide reallocating its supply chain to access helium from other regions.This helium crisis represents the fifth significant supply shortage since 2006, highlighting the vulnerability of global supply chains for critical industrial materials with no artificial substitutes. The situation underscores how geopolitical conflicts can have far-reaching consequences beyond traditional energy markets, potentially impacting healthcare accessibility and technological innovation worldwide.

A recent study conducted by researchers at Adelaide University has revealed that sperm in microgravity environments become disoriented and struggle to navigate through a simulated female reproductive tract. This finding has significant implications for the future of human reproduction in space, particularly as plans for lunar and Mars settlements gain momentum. The researchers used a machine to mimic microgravity, similar to the conditions experienced by astronauts on the International Space Station. They found that sperm tumble around like untethered astronauts, unable to determine their direction. This disorientation resulted in a 40% reduction in the number of microgravity-exposed human sperm that successfully navigated the maze compared to the control group. The study, published in the journal Communications Biology, highlights the challenges of reproduction in space. Dr. Nicole McPherson, the lead researcher, noted that understanding the effects of microgravity on sperm navigation is crucial for the success of future space missions. The study also found that adding progesterone helped overcome the sperm's disorientation, suggesting a potential solution for improving fertility in space. The research has broader implications for both space exploration and earthly reproductive science. As NASA's Artemis mission and private companies like SpaceX plan for human habitats on the moon and Mars, understanding the effects of microgravity on reproduction becomes increasingly important. The study's findings also contribute to the ongoing discussion about the feasibility of human settlements on Mars and the need for sustainable reproductive technologies. The Adelaide researchers collaborated with the university's Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources to conduct the study. Their work builds on a history of research into reproduction in space, including NASA's 2018 mission to study the effects of weightlessness on human sperm. As space exploration advances, the need for further research into reproductive health in space becomes increasingly urgent.

The US-Israel war on Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for materials used in the production of various everyday products. As the conflict enters its fifth week, global oil shortages are forcing countries to take severe measures to conserve their reserves. While US gas prices have surged to their highest level in years, the impact of rising oil prices extends far beyond drivers. Oil is a crucial component in the supply chain, powering machines that manufacture goods and fueling trucks that transport them to stores. The price increases come at a time when many Americans are already strained by rising housing costs, grocery bills, and electricity statements. A recent Gallup poll found that a third of Americans have had to skip meals and forego other needs to afford their healthcare. Oil and Gas The average cost of gas in the US has jumped about 30% over the last month, with the national average hitting $3.97, the highest since 2023. Diesel, which fuels many trucks transporting goods, has increased by about 50%, or $1.69 more than it did a year ago. Higher diesel costs could soon affect transportation costs and grocery prices, as roughly 85% of agricultural goods are transported by trucks. The impact of oil and gas shortages on the supply chain can be categorized as first-order effects, such as higher prices at the gas pump, and second-order effects, including potential price increases for crops, semiconductor chips, and medical devices. Fertilizer Farmers are struggling as the spring growing season approaches, facing higher fertilizer costs and falling commodity prices. A third of global urea trade, a solid nitrogen fertilizer, passes through the Middle East region, with about 20% of imported fertilizer to the US coming from Qatar. Nitrogen fertilizer is critical to grow corn, which is cultivated by about 500,000 farmers in the US. The White House has promised to minimize disruptions to the US economy, with alternative sources of fertilizer being sought from around the world. Helium The conflict has disrupted the global helium supply after Iranian attacks in Qatar, the second-largest producer of helium after the United States. Helium is a key import used in aerospace, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and semiconductor chips that power AI. Jet Fuel Increases in oil prices could result in higher airfare and shipping costs. The price of jet fuel has doubled since the start of the war, according to the International Air Transport Association. United Airlines announced last Friday that it would have to cut flights due to the surging cost of fuel. < h2>Mortgage Rates Just as US mortgages were starting to fall in February, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate ticked up to its highest level in months, reaching 6.22%. Mortgage rates are closely tied to the overall state of the economy, and the US Federal Reserve's decision to leave rates unchanged last week cited uncertainty in the economy, particularly with conflict in the Middle East.

The UK government has taken a significant step in its ongoing efforts to counter Russia's attempts to evade Western sanctions. Armed forces have been authorized to board Russian oil tankers in British waters, a move aimed at disrupting Moscow's 'shadow fleet' of vessels.This fleet, comprising over 600 vessels targeted by sanctions from the EU, UK, and US, uses tactics such as false national flags and opaque ownership structures to export Russian crude oil while avoiding Western sanctions. The new rules apply specifically to vessels sanctioned by the UK.The Royal Navy has previously collaborated with allies to take action against these vessels. For instance, last week it helped track a sanctioned Russian oil tanker in the Mediterranean, which was subsequently boarded by the French navy.The UK's move is part of a broader strategy to hamper Russia's economy and, consequently, its war efforts in Ukraine. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized that the goal is to 'starve Putin's war machine of the dirty profits that fund his barbaric campaign in Ukraine.'However, Russia has warned that direct action against shadow fleet vessels could lead to direct conflict. A senior Russian official, Nikolai Patrushev, suggested that Moscow could deploy its navy to protect Russian-linked vessels from potential European seizures.The UK's defense secretary, John Healey, previously suggested using 'military options' against sanctioned vessels, with any seized oil potentially being sold and the proceeds sent to Ukraine.Before any ship is boarded, its situation will be examined by law enforcement, military, and energy market specialists, with a recommendation made to ministers. Seizure could be followed by criminal proceedings against the owners, operators, and crew for breaches of UK sanctions legislation.

Tracy Kidder, an award-winning narrative nonfiction writer, has passed away at the age of 80. Kidder was known for his ability to transform unlikely subjects into bestsellers, captivating readers with his in-depth research and storytelling skills. Throughout his career, Kidder immersed himself in various worlds, producing richly researched books on topics that may not have seemed like light reading. His work included The Soul of a New Machine, which explored the inner workings of a fledgling computer company in Silicon Valley and earned him the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award in 1981. Kidder's other notable works include Among Schoolchildren, which highlighted the dedication of an inner-city teacher in Holyoke, Massachusetts, and Old Friends, which chronicled the lives of two friends in a nursing home. His book Mountains Beyond Mountains, about a doctor's efforts to bring healthcare to Haiti, introduced his work to a new generation of readers and inspired numerous universities to add it to their reading lists. Kidder's approach to storytelling was rooted in his belief that small things can have a significant impact. He avoided focusing on his personal interests, such as fishing or baseball, to maintain his objectivity and enthusiasm for his subjects. Kidder saw himself as a storyteller, not a 'literary journalist' or 'creative nonfiction' writer, and believed that nonfiction should not be limited by traditional techniques. Born in New York City in 1945, Kidder attended Harvard University and served in Vietnam, where he documented his experiences in My Detachment, a memoir that offered insights into the lives of support troops.

The traditional cold war diplomacy of brinkmanship, characterized by carefully balanced standoffs and rules-based international order, has given way to a world in freefall. This shift is exemplified by the ever-widening conflict in the Gulf where strategic objectives remain as unclear as the potential endpoint of hostilities.Approaching a month since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, the stated objectives of removing the country's nuclear threat and destroying its ballistic missile capability appear increasingly disconnected from the disproportionate impact on civilians and neighboring Gulf nations. Despite these consequences, the Iranian regime's willingness to escalate the conflict shows no signs of diminishing.The Guardian Weekly's coverage examines this critical juncture through multiple perspectives. Patrick Wintour recounts the pivotal week when global tensions reached a tipping point, while Richard Partington analyzes the long-term economic implications of a prolonged conflict, from oil price fluctuations to inflationary pressures and economic growth impacts. From South Lebanon, William Christou reports on healthcare professionals caught in the crossfire of Israeli airstrikes, highlighting the human cost of the escalating violence.Emma Graham-Harrison provides insight from Jerusalem, examining Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategy of attempting to rehabilitate his image through what he frames as destruction of an 'axis of evil.' Meanwhile, Simon Tisdall poses a critical question: when US President Donald Trump eventually seeks to halt the conflict, will any parties be willing to heed his calls for de-escalation?Beyond the primary geopolitical focus, this week's Guardian Weekly edition explores several significant developments across different sectors. The UK political landscape features an examination of the upcoming local elections, where voter sentiment appears increasingly focused on rejecting established parties rather than actively supporting alternatives. The scientific section explores innovative approaches to addressing snoring disorders through CPAP machines, while the culture section features an in-depth interview with Dave Grohl discussing Foo Fighters, personal challenges, and grief following the loss of bandmate Taylor Hawkins.In sports, the publication celebrates the remarkable achievement of British athletes Keely Hodgkinson, Georgia Hunter Bell, and Molly Caudery, who each secured gold medals at the world indoor athletics championships in Poland, showcasing British excellence in track and field events.

Robyn, the self-proclaimed Fembot, has always been known for pushing boundaries with her music. Her latest album, Sexistential, is no exception. The Swedish pop star's ninth album is a collection of songs that explore a new philosophy on love, relationships, and emotions.The album's lead single, Dopamine, sets the tone for the rest of the record. With its glittering, arpeggiated synths and introspective lyrics, the song finds Robyn questioning the nature of love and emotions. “I know it’s just dopamine, but it feels so real to me / I’m tripping on our chemistry,” she muses.Sexistential is a departure from Robyn's previous work, with a focus on electronic sounds and lyrics that challenge traditional notions of romance. The album's title track is a case study in Robyn's new mentality, with Robyn rapping about hooking up while undergoing IVF as a solo parent. The song's counterpart, Blow My Mind, is a revamp of her 2002 single, made psychedelic and faster, with lyrics that focus on loving her young son.The album's themes of love, relationships, and emotions are explored through a variety of songs, each with its own unique sound and style. From the thumping, claustrophobic drum machine of Really Real to the retro vocoder and Ministry of Sound piano of Talk to Me, each song showcases Robyn's ability to craft catchy, thought-provoking pop music.The album's finale, Into the Sun, is a surging electro-ballad with tangled religious imagery that makes it tricky to parse. However, the album's defining moment falls on Dopamine, where Robyn finds a way to hold two truths at the same time: feelings are chemical, and some feelings feel amazing. “When I let go, it’s so easy,” she spins, giddy, before hitting a high note that comes straight from the gut.

NASA has announced a significant shift in its lunar exploration strategy, cancelling plans for a lunar orbit space station known as Gateway. Instead, the agency will utilize the station's components to construct a $20bn base on the moon's surface over the next seven years.The decision was made by NASA's new chief, Jared Isaacman, who was sworn in at the agency in December. Isaacman outlined the changes to the agency's flagship moon program, Artemis, at an event at NASA's Washington headquarters."It should not really surprise anyone that we are pausing Gateway in its current form and focusing on infrastructure that supports sustained operations on the lunar surface," Isaacman told delegates at the event.The Lunar Gateway station, largely already built with contractors Northrop Grumman and Lanteris Space Systems, owned by Intuitive Machines, was meant to be a space station parked in a lunar orbit. Repurposing the craft for a lunar surface base is not simple, but Isaacman emphasized that the agency can repurpose equipment and international partner commitments to support surface and other program objectives.The changes imposed by Isaacman on the flagship US moon program in recent weeks are reshaping billions of dollars' worth of contracts under the Artemis effort, sending companies scrambling to accommodate the extra urgency as China makes progress toward its own 2030 moon landing.