Mexicanist Newsletter: Bombs, Bodies, Billions & Our Website Apology

First off, we managed to crash the website. Not just a gentle nudge, oh no. We properly broke it. Three times. Spectacular incompetence, even by our standards. Don't worry your little cotton socks, your data's apparently safe, unlike the poor sods who got in the way of some lunatic in a Tesla Cybertruck down in Tijuana. Seven cars! Poweeeer... gone wrong.

Anyway, as a groveling apology for our digital demolition derby, we've bunged some extra subscription time your way – a year for annuals, six months for monthly folks. Consider it hush money.

Now, onto the real Mexico. It’s the usual glorious cocktail of chaos and questionable decisions. We've got chicken shops being bombed, morgues overflowing like a badly packed suitcase, Cancun battling both seaweed and sewage (lovely holiday combo), cartels recruiting, cops getting shot, and someone called "Big Mama" getting nicked. Oh, and they're building a train. Good luck with that.

All the juicy, baffling, and occasionally terrifying details are inside. Get on with it.

Tesla Cybertruck Driver Goes on Wild Rampage in Tijuana, Leaves Trail of Destruction and Injured Victims

David "N", driving a Tesla Cybertruck, fled police, hit 7 cars, ignored orders, and reversed into a patrol unit, injuring 2 people. He is now in preventive detention facing multiple charges.

How Ensenada's Diverse Events Put it Firmly on the Tourist Map

Over 120 events (whales, wine, races) lure ~260k visitors (MX/US), driving huge economic gains (>332M pesos in Q1). Baja city bets on non-stop action to become a year-round party destination and economic powerhouse.

Nuevo Leon Slashes Payroll Tax to Lure EV Investment & Boost Economy

Nuevo Leon launches major payroll tax (ISN) cuts & subsidies, targeting EV investment (up to 95% off), local sourcing and exporters. Includes significant debt relief on past ISN dues. Aims to attract nearshoring and boost economy.

Mexico Inflation Rate Eases Slightly to 3.67% in Early March

Mexico's annual inflation eased slightly to 3.67% in early March, down from 3.74%. Core inflation also moderated to 3.56%. Despite the dip, both figures remain above the central bank's 3% target, with year-end core inflation expectations rising.

Mexican Chicken Chain Under Siege as Bomb Attacks Erupt

Chicken chain El Pollo Loco in Nuevo Leon is under attack! Five locations torched, 1 guard injured. Authorities investigate, downplaying extortion links.

Data Integration at Heart of Mexico's Push to Solve Disappearances

Mexico's President Sheinbaum proposes reforms to enhance the search for missing persons. Key measures include a unified identity platform (CURP), national databases, and private sector involvement.

"Big Mama" & Crew Arrested in Mexican Truck Theft Operation

Mexican "Big Mama," alleged cartel-linked truck thief, busted with 4 others after offering bribe to cops. Accused of running major auto theft ring and paying CJNG for protection. Ex-cop among those arrested.

Over 5,000 John Does Pile Up as Cartel Wars Rage

Mexico's morgues overflow with 5,348 unidentified corpses, a crisis fueled by drug violence and bureaucratic failures. Families struggle to identify loved ones in the macabre backlog. National database and DNA collection urged.

Cancun's Underground Rivers Choked by Trash and Sewage

Cancun's famed turquoise waters face threat from underground pollution (garbage, sewage) seeping into cenotes and lagoons. This endangers beaches and water supply.

Cancun Seaweed Crisis: What Tourists Need to Know

Cancun battles a sargassum seaweed invasion! Beaches are getting hit hard. Officials deploy brigades to clean up the mess, anticipating even more seaweed. Check official channels for updates!

Mexico Drowning in Sugary Drinks as "Coca-Colonization" Grips Nation

Mexico's hooked on soda! Experts blame "Coca-Colonization" for a health crisis, with 93% consuming sugary drinks. Transnational corporations push unhealthy habits, replacing traditional foods and even infiltrating ceremonies. Time for a change!

Depression Grips the Globe, Mexican Expert Reveals Alarming Trends

Depression affects 280M+ globally, spiking among young women. Mexico sees a 16.3% rise in cases. Expert urges breaking stigma, seeking help and recognizing hormonal factors in women. COVID-19 worsened child/adolescent anxiety. It's not insanity, it's self-care.

Five Narcos Nabbed After Cops Stumble Upon THREE DEAD BODIES in Grisly Hideout

Five alleged narco sicarios, including two women, were arrested in Pabellón de Arteaga after cops found three bodies hidden on the property. The suspects were allegedly found with drugs and weapons.

Mexico City-Pachuca Rail Project Breaks Ground, Promises Economic Boost

Mexico broke ground on the Mexico-Pachuca train, aiming to benefit 1.2M people and create 40K jobs. The line will connect Mexico City and Pachuca, significantly reducing travel time. Construction is led by military engineers.

Cartel Recruiter "El Lastra" Busted in Mexico City After Years-Long Manhunt

Mexican cartel "Commander" "El Lastra" nabbed in Mexico City after vanishing in 2020. Accused of recruiting for CJNG, linked to Izaguirre ranch. Partner also arrested.

Tulum's Top Cop Gunned Down in Brazen Attack

Tulum's security chief assassinated in cartel-linked attack. Violence escalates in Mexican tourist hotspot. Days prior, prosecutor's office also targeted.

Mexican Coastal Town Eyes Aerocommercial Boom with New Heliport Project

Telchac, Mexico aims to become a regional hub with a new helipad and business center project by Grupo Vega Consultores. The initiative seeks to attract investment and boost tourism in the southeast.

Yucatan Airport Eyes Expansion as Tourism and Medical Travel Take Off

Chichen Itza Airport eyes growth as a tourism and private aviation hub. It aims to boost operations, especially in medical tourism and cargo, and anticipates scheduled "Aerus" flights by 2025. Pilot training is also key.

Mexico Weather Service Warns of Hurricane Threat

La Niña threatens Mexico with more frequent, intense hurricanes. The SMN urges aggressive preparedness, citing climate change's impact and the need for societal adaptation. Storms could form faster and outside typical season.

Yucatan's Capital Builds on Cultural Allure with Second Phase of Art District

Merida's Arts District expands with a $67M investment, adding commercial space, a hotel, and a park, aiming to boost the city's economy and culture.

U.S.-Mexico Military Exercise Faces Scrutiny in Mexican Senate

Mexico's President Sheinbaum seeks Senate approval for 155 armed US troops to enter for joint training ("Ejercicio Bilateral Anfibio Fénix 2025"). The request passed the Marine Commission.

Mahahual Launches Early Offensive Against Looming Sargassum Tide

Mahahual faces a sargassum surge. Authorities and businesses fight to protect tourism. Experts predict a dire 2025, exceeding 2018's record. Long-term solutions remain elusive.

Playa del Carmen Bets on Culture as New Museum Takes Shape

Playa del Carmen will transform its former municipal palace into the "Centro Cultural y Museo 28 de Julio." The project aims to boost cultural identity and tourism, with IMCAS managing the space under a 99-year lease.

Armed Forces to Patrol Cancun Shopping Malls as Security Concerns Escalate

Cancun boosts shopping center security with more police and armed forces due to rising crime. "Operativo en Zonas Comerciales" intensifies during peak seasons. This builds on a six-year-old agreement addressing robberies.

Mexico Steps Up Avian Flu Monitoring as Virus Evolves

Avian flu (H5N1) risk is low in Mexico, but vigilance is key due to evolving virus. Experts urge monitoring, especially in farm workers and imported US cattle. Pasteurization of milk is crucial.

Citizen Input Central to Public Space Success, Mexico Forum Argues

Community engagement is key to creating vibrant public spaces. Experts emphasize the need for resident participation in design, promoting social cohesion and addressing diverse needs. Prioritizing community input ensures spaces serve their intended purpose.

That's your lot. From rampaging electric monstrosities and exploding chicken shops to seas choked with weeds and morgues packed tighter than a NY subway carriage at rush hour. Honestly, you couldn't make it up. They're fighting seaweed, fighting cartels, fighting inflation, and apparently drowning in Coca-Cola. Magnificent chaos, as always.

While they're busy building trains and art districts (good luck with that), the rest of the country seems determined to provide us with endless, baffling entertainment. And on that slightly worrying, yet undeniably predictable note, we're done. Try not to get kidnapped or swept away by sargassum before the next issue. See ya.