By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
JAMAICA
Jamaicans went to the polls today in the country’s 19th General Election, facing a high-stakes choice between Dr. Andrew Holness’ Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), which is seeking a historic third consecutive term, and Mark Golding’s People’s National Party (PNP), aiming to return to power.
A total of 190 candidates are contesting across 63 parliamentary seats, with 32 seats needed to form a government. In addition, six candidates are vying in three local government by-elections. The JLP and PNP are contesting all constituencies, while smaller parties, including the Jamaica Progressive Party and the United Independence Congress, are also participating.
Of the 190 candidates, 136 are men and 54 are women, marking one of the most competitive elections in recent Jamaican history.
MEXICO
The U.S. National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm warning for parts of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula after Hurricane Lorena formed off its coast.
The storm, expected to strengthen within 24 hours, could bring up to 15 inches (38 cm) of rainfall, raising the risk of life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, particularly in higher terrain. As of Wednesday, Lorena was located about 195 km southwest of Cabo San Lucas.
CHINA
China staged its largest military parade on Wednesday, showcasing an upgraded nuclear-armed missile with near-global reach, hypersonic weapons, advanced air defense systems, and sea drones designed to project dominance across its nearby waters.
President Xi Jinping used the event to signal China’s growing military and technological strength to both domestic and international audiences, including the U.S., India, Russia, and potential global buyers of Chinese defense technology.
Security analysts say the parade underscores Beijing’s efforts to demonstrate deterrence and self-sufficiency, while raising questions for rival defense planners about the pace of its military modernization.
