The Best of Mexicanist Newsletter, Issue 10/2023

Welcome to the Best of Mexicanist newsletter, your gateway to Mexico's most intriguing stories and latest developments. In each edition, we bring you a diverse array of topics that encompass the rich Mexican culture, history, business, and society. From the bustling streets of Mexico City to the serene landscapes of the countryside, explore the following stories:

The Airport Shooting That Has Mexico City Rethinking Security

The recent shooting near Terminal 1 of the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) has thrown a spotlight on the pressing challenges facing public security in the metropolis. An agent was seriously injured, an alleged cargo-truck robber was detained, and passengers were thrown into chaos.

The Hat-Tipping Analysis of Mexican States' Revenue

Mexico's states face a revenue challenge, with most heavily reliant on federal funds. A study by IMCO reveals alarming financial opacity, with 88% of states unclear on federal fund usage. Addressing this requires legal reforms, overhauling procurement laws, and tech-driven tax collection.

'El Ratón' Takes a One-Way Flight to a U.S. Cell

Ovidio Guzmán López, known as “El Ratón,” has been extradited to the U.S., reuniting him with his infamous father, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, in a federal prison in Chicago. A former DEA official marked the occasion with a mix of triumph and irony.

How Sargassum Took Puerto Rico by Storm—Literally!

In an alarming first, Puerto Rico's iconic Crash Boat beach has been inundated with sargassum seaweed. This unprecedented event occurred amid the stormy aftermath of Hurricane Lee, complicating cleanup efforts.

Emma Coronel Aispuro Parties After Prison

In a twist of fate that reads like a thriller, Emma Coronel Aispuro, wife of drug lord El Chapo, celebrated her recent prison release at an exclusive California bar. Her stepson, Ovidio Guzmán López, was extradited to the U.S. for drug trafficking.

How Paintings Shaped Perceptions of Gypsies

The captivating saga of the Romani people stretches across centuries and continents, tracing their origins in India to a diaspora that defied borders. The 1018 mass deportation set the stage for their remarkable journey, leading to their presence across Europe and beyond.

The Erotic Self-Discovery and Breaking Free From Taboos

In the pursuit of self-discovery, individuals are breaking free from the suffocating grasp of taboos, daring to embrace the sacred within their erotic experiences—a journey towards liberation and fulfillment.

How Mexico Cleared Its Path Back to FAA’s Good Graces

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has elevated Mexico's aviation safety rating back to Category 1 after more than two years of joint efforts to address safety concerns. This pivotal upgrade unlocks a raft of opportunities: Mexican airlines can now launch new U.S. routes.

Adele’s Heartwarming Tribute to Mexico Sends Fans Into a Frenzy

Adele has once again captivated hearts, this time by paying a special tribute to Mexico during her recent Las Vegas concert. The singer dressed up as the iconic Lele doll, a cultural treasure of Amealco, Querétaro, to celebrate Mexican heritage.

How Bernard Berenson Made Art a Hands-On Experience

Bernard Berenson, the maverick art historian, didn't just see art; he felt it with his hands. He believed in a world where paintings weren't just visuals but tactile gateways to an intoxicating realm of sensations.

Cartels Turn Chiapas into Their Showground with Parade

In San Gregorio Chamic, Chiapas, presumed members of the Sinaloa Cartel paraded openly, met with cheers amid a local turf war with CJNG. The shocking daylight incident exemplifies a region in crisis, with escalating criminal control, violence, and societal disruptions.

How José Revueltas Wrote His Way Through Hell in Islas Marías

José Revueltas remains a seminal figure in decoding the Mexican political landscape, his life a crucible of ideological commitment and struggle. In his gripping novel “Muros de Agua,” he unflinchingly portrays the dark depths of human degradation within Islas Marías' penitentiary system.

What's Cooking in Mexico's 2024 Financial Pot?

Mexico's 2024 Economic Package reveals growth projections, revenue shifts, and spending priorities. With economic stability on the line, lawmakers face critical decisions that will shape the nation's financial future. Stay tuned for in-depth analysis.

How 'El Socialitos' Got Caught in a Web of His Own Making

In a major victory against organized crime, Norberto Valencia González, known as “El Socialitos,” was arrested in the State of Mexico. A linchpin for the notorious Beltrán Leyva cartel, Valencia faces charges of money laundering and drug-related crimes.

Rethinking Obesity Beyond Aesthetic Concerns

Obesity is not merely a cosmetic issue, but a complex disease with devastating health consequences. It spreads through lifestyle factors like diet and inactivity, transcending personal choices to impact entire communities.

How Mexican Newspapers Have Inked Their Way Through History

From the vocal proclamations of pregoneros in colonial squares to today's digital platforms, Mexican journalism has weathered censorship, regime changes, and revolutions to become a cornerstone of the nation's democracy.

The Cool Economics of Colonial Ice Monopoly

In the sweltering heat of colonial cities, the ice monopoly, was far more than a historical footnote. This state-sanctioned enterprise satisfied not just sweet cravings but also met critical health needs, especially during epidemics like yellow fever.

Howl You Doin'? The Comeback of the Mexican Wolf

Deep within Mexico's semi-arid forests, the Mexican wolf, or Canis lupus baileyi, roamed. This striking creature, both in appearance and genetics, was once abundant in regions like Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico. However, European colonization and subsequent challenges led to its near-extinction.

The Eccentric Crimes of Lecumberri's Female Inmates

The Black Palace of Lecumberri, Mexico's infamous prison, held women who defied societal norms. From wrongful convictions to notorious criminals, their untold stories are now being resurrected through a theatrical production, shedding light on a hidden chapter in history.

How Tarantulas Turned Us into Dancers for Cure

The dance of Tarantella spins a tale of venom, passion, and salvation. Originating in the Middle Ages, it was believed to cure tarantula bites, melding music and movement to combat the venom’s fever.

The American Occupation of Mexico City in 1847

In September 1847, Mexico City, deserted by its leaders, fell to American forces, marking a bleak chapter in Mexican-American relations. The occupation witnessed brutal public punishments, violence, and a violation of civilian sanctity by American soldiers.

How the Mighty Peso is Upsetting Mexico’s Apple Cart

The Mexican apple market faces a surprising challenge: the strengthening peso. With the currency gaining nearly 10% against the U.S. dollar this year, imported apples from the U.S. are now cheaper and poised to capture 50% of Mexico's apple market, up from 30%.

As we come to the end of this edition of the Best of Mexicanist newsletter, we hope you've enjoyed the stories and insights that Mexico has to offer. From the complexities of public security to the Mexican culture and history, we've strived to bring you a diverse range of topics. Thank you for being a part of our community. Until our next edition. ¡Hasta luego! (Until next time!)