The City Built on a Lake is Now Fighting for its Life Against the Water Below

MEXICO CITY – Just as 48,000 nervous new students began their academic journey at Mexico's prestigious National Autonomous University (UNAM) this week, university officials issued an urgent warning: DON'T FALL FOR THE SCAM!

According to UNAM's official social media channels, fraudulent emails have been circulating, tricking incoming students into believing they need to make immediate tuition payments. The university has gone on high alert, emphasizing that "UNAM does not send emails or messages requesting payments for enrollments and services."

The warning comes with specific instructions that should be required reading for any international student considering Mexico's top university: "Avoid clicking on suspicious links, verify that any communication comes from official domains, and immediately report any suspicious cases to the university email."

What makes this scam particularly devious? The fraudulent messages appear to come from legitimate university channels, preying on the anxiety of new students eager to complete their enrollment. University officials stress that "no such message is real, so it's fundamental not to make any payments or respond to these fake emails."

Always verify university communications through official channels. If in doubt, call the university directly using contact information from their official website—not from any email you receive.

Lottery Homage to Migrants

TIJUANA – In a heartwarming tribute that's equal parts patriotism and social justice, Mexico's National Lottery recently launched a special draw with a powerful message: "Mexico does not forget its migrants; it honors them, embraces them."

The "Mexico se escribe con M de migrante" (Mexico is written with M for migrant) lottery ticket was unveiled at Tijuana's iconic lighthouse—the symbolic starting point of the Mexican nation. Olivia Salomon, director general of the National Lottery, called it "an act of social justice for those Mexicans who decided to migrate to the United States."

Salomon emphasized that Mexico recognizes migrants as heroes who "drive the national economy and have been pillars of prosperity in the United States." The special draw (number 303) will take place on September 15th, coinciding with Mexico's Independence Day celebrations.

While many countries take migrants for granted, Mexico is literally putting its money where its mouth is, creating a national symbol that celebrates the diaspora. For visitors, it offers a window into Mexico's complex relationship with its citizens abroad—a relationship that's far more nuanced than the simplified narratives often presented north of the border.

Can't Keep the Rain Out

MEXICO CITY – The sky has been weeping over Mexico City, and locals say it’s a total tear-jerker. The capital is drowning under a flood, with officials calling it the most intense rainfall in the north-central area since 1952.

The city's head of government, Clara Brugada, is saying what everyone is thinking: “Every day we break a record. We always think this is the strongest rain, and the next day an even worse one comes out.”

The floodwaters have turned the metropolis into a water park from hell, with the deluge seeping into the Palacio del Ayuntamiento, Balbuena General Hospital, and dozens of Metro stations, leading to a system-wide shutdown and even a mini-explosion. The chaos has left between 50 and 75 homes, and five hospitals, affected. On-the-ground photos show a man in hip waders trying to navigate a major flooded roadway near Viaducto and Churubusco.

President Claudia Sheinbaum recently addressed the city's perennial flooding problem with brutal honesty: "When it rains with such intensity, like last Sunday, it's difficult for the drainage system to function with such efficiency."

The problem? Mexico City sits on what was once Lake Texcoco, and despite having the Deep Drainage System and the Eastern Drainage Tunnel (Túnel Emisor Oriente), heavy rains overwhelm the infrastructure. The president acknowledged that "what's needed are drainage works that connect to this system, like at the Vaqueritos roundabout in the southern zone of the capital."

If you're planning to visit Mexico City between June and October (rainy season), pack waterproof shoes and check the weather forecast religiously. The city's flooding isn't just an inconvenience—it's a historical lesson in urban planning gone wrong. Pro tip: Avoid low-lying areas during heavy rains, and never underestimate how quickly a dry street can become a river.

The Doctor Who Paints

MEXICO CITY – Meet Dr. Juan Antonio Lara Flores—a man who literally has two hands worth of talent. By day, he's a respected plastic surgeon who trained at Mexico's General Hospital. By night? He transforms into an artist who can complete a meter-by-70-centimeter canvas in just three to six hours.

"I lose myself when I start painting and don't stop until I finish a piece," Lara Flores revealed in an interview. "I can do it in one day... I use gesso for both canvas and cardboard."

This medical maestro's artistic journey began in the 1960s when, after studying medicine, he chose to specialize in plastic surgery while simultaneously nurturing his passion for art. Today, over a hundred of his works are showcased on his website elbisturialpincel.com.mx—proof that you can have your scalpel and paint with it too.

His art has graced prestigious venues including the Jaime Sabines Cultural Center, the Museum of León in Guanajuato, and even the Mexican Embassy in Cuba. He's also designed book covers and album art, proving that Mexico's creative spirit flows through professionals in the most unexpected places.

Lara Flores' story embodies Mexico's rich tradition of maestros—artisans who master multiple disciplines. His dual career represents the perfect blend of precision and passion that defines Mexican creativity. Check out his work online or catch one of his exhibitions—just don't expect him to be available during surgery hours.

World Cup Volunteers Wanted

MEXICO CITY – Calling all soccer fanatics and hospitality enthusiasts! FIFA is assembling what could be "the largest volunteer program in FIFA history"—and Mexico needs 65,000 warm bodies to make it happen.

The requirements? You must be at least 18 years old, have legal permission to volunteer in Mexico, and possess good English skills (Spanish is especially valued). Bonus points if you speak multiple languages—the global nature of football means visitors will come from every corner of the world.

While many visitors come to Mexico for beaches and culture, few realize the country is positioning itself as a major player in international sports. This isn't just about football—it's about Mexico showcasing its legendary hospitalidad to the world. For travelers planning future trips, mark your calendars: major sporting events mean special infrastructure, enhanced security, and a festive atmosphere that transforms ordinary Mexican cities into global villages.

Drones Over Mexico

MEXICO CITY – When asked about reports of US drones flying over Mexican territory, President Sheinbaum delivered what can only be described as a diplomatic contortionist act.

Her response? "If there's an issue with an aircraft and they request our support for something, it's done. It's not new; it's something that's always been done, or has been done; in very special conditions, it's not done always, I said it wrong—it has been done on some occasions for a particular matter."

Translation? It's complicated. While Sheinbaum later emphatically stated that "we would never, never allow the US military or any other US institution to set foot on Mexican territory, never," her initial response suggests some level of cooperation that's not fully transparent.

If you're traveling to northern Mexico near the US border, you might literally be under surveillance—not just from Mexican authorities, but potentially from American ones too. While this likely won't affect your vacation plans, it's a reminder that Mexico's relationship with its northern neighbor operates on multiple levels, some visible, others not.

Lone Star Scam

HOUSTON — The long arm of American law has reached deep into a massive Mexican corruption scandal. The U.S. Department of Justice has unsealed an indictment charging two Mexican businessmen, both residing in Texas, with running a sophisticated bribery scheme to score fat contracts from Pemex, Mexico's state-owned oil behemoth.

The accused, Ramón Alexandro Rovirosa Martínez and Mario Alberto Ávila Lizárraga, are alleged to have paid hefty "mordidas" (bribes) to officials between 2019 and 2021. The goal, according to the indictment from the Southern District of Texas, was to "retain and obtain business" with Pemex and its exploration and production subsidiary, PEP. The case puts a harsh spotlight on cross-border corruption, leaving one question hanging in the Mexican press: just who was in charge of the oil giant when these alleged bribes were being paid?

Tomato Truce

A potential food fight with the U.S. has been averted. To dodge a punishing 17.09 percent American tariff, the Mexican government, at the urging of its own growers, has established minimum export prices for its famous tomatoes. With 7 out of every 10 tomatoes eaten in the U.S. coming from Mexico, it was a crucial move to keep the peace and the salsa flowing. President Sheinbaum has promised to help smaller producers navigate the new financial rules required to keep exporting.