Marco Rubio

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution condemning the United States' economic embargo on Cuba, passing with 130 votes in favour, 17 against and 25 abstentions. The vote marks the lowest level of support for the measure since 1995, with Western nations such as Germany, Italy and Latvia abstaining for the first time in 34 years. Cuban President Miguel Diaz‑Canel and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez accused Washington of coercion and attempts to seize Cuba’s wealth, while U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz denied any blockade and said U.S. ports remain open.

A University of North Florida poll released last week found 61 percent of likely Florida voters want state and local officials to prioritize the environment, even if economic growth is curbed. Registered Republicans backed the environment 48 percent to 35 percent. In the U.S. Senate race, Republican incumbent Ashley Moody leads Democrat Angie Nixon 49 percent to 45 percent, down 8 points for Moody since July. Moody and her affiliated committees held about $7.1 million on 1 Oct, against about $4.5 million for Nixon, though Nixon outraised Moody by nearly $2 million in the third quarter.

María Corina Machado landed in Caracas on Sunday, 25 Oct, after nearly a year in exile, and was greeted by thousands of supporters along highways and streets. She wore a white T-shirt and blue jeans and said she is ready to meet interim president Delcy Rodríguez. Her spokesperson said she is willing to sit down with Rodríguez and others with full transparency and an agenda. The European Union said her return contributes to a wider opening of political space in Venezuela. She had tried to return at least seven times since early September.