Mexicanist: Your Source for Mexico News

Visual representation of a cartoon chicken running from an explosion.

Nuevo Leon

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.

A stylized illustration of Mexico's ID system (CURP) transforming into a searchlight.

Politics

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.

From corrupt cops to stolen crops, 'Big Mama's' criminal enterprise unravels.

Guanajuato

"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.

A DNA sequencing machine, symbolizing the desperate need for better genetic identification.

State of Mexico

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.

"El Lastra," the CJNG's recruiter, stares blankly.

Crime

How a Mexican Cartel Lured Recruits to "Ranch of Horrors" with Fake Job Ads

CJNG "kill ranch" exposed in Mexico. Recruits allegedly tortured, murdered if they resisted training. 1 Arrested recruiter confessed. Human remains found. Mothers of the disappeared discovered the site.

Mugshot of Jose Gregorio "El Lastra," a.k.a. the cartel's HR nightmare.

Crime

Cartel Boss 'El Lastra' Busted for Recruiting College Kids Into Killer Army

"El Lastra," CJNG recruiter, busted for luring teens with fake jobs and torturing resisters at a "training" ranch. Accused of drug crimes, gun possession and student kidnappings.

Cancun

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

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!

Aguascalientes

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.

A faded, overgrown railroad track slowly transforming into a modern, brightly lit one.

Business

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.

Photo of a man, likely "El Lastra," being processed by police.

Mexico City

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.

An evocative image of a red sun setting behind ancient Mayan ruins, casting long, menacing shadows.

Tulum

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.

Yucatan

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.

Chichen Itza's pyramid next to an airline, suggesting the potential for direct flights.

Yucatan

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.

A stoic cactus wearing a rain slicker, standing defiantly in front of a stormy sky.

Hurricanes

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.

Merida

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.