Friday, December 12, 2025

North American World Cup or Americana Fever Dream? After watching the 2026 draw, we’re confused

Canadian Mexican Ian Ostroff asks whether the much-vaunted North American collaboration in FIFA's 2026 World Cup was truly on display at last week's US-centric tournament draw.
Tourists swim and lounge on the beach in front of Puerto Vallarta hotels and condos

Despite court ruling, Puerto Vallarta plans to apply a modified foreign tourist tax

0
Municipal authorities are sure they have addressed the concerns of the Supreme Court, which had tossed out the tax law as vague and unconstitutional.
The new and old Basilica de Guadalupe buildings, side-by-side in Tepeyac

Why are there two Basílicas to Our Lady of Guadalupe?

0
As the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe approaches, many worshippers make the pilgrimage to Tepeyac, home to not one basilica in her honor, but two.
Piñatas

Did you know when you hit a Christmas piñata, you’re battling the 7 deadly sins?

0
Piñatas aren't just decorative treats. Throughout their history, they've also had a seasonal religious significance, from the god of war to the seven deadly sins.
Tourists swim and lounge on the beach in front of Puerto Vallarta hotels and condos

Despite court ruling, Puerto Vallarta plans to apply a modified foreign tourist tax

0
Municipal authorities are sure they have addressed the concerns of the Supreme Court, which had tossed out the tax law as vague and unconstitutional.
The new and old Basilica de Guadalupe buildings, side-by-side in Tepeyac

Why are there two Basílicas to Our Lady of Guadalupe?

0
As the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe approaches, many worshippers make the pilgrimage to Tepeyac, home to not one basilica in her honor, but two.
Piñatas

Did you know when you hit a Christmas piñata, you’re battling the 7 deadly...

0
Piñatas aren't just decorative treats. Throughout their history, they've also had a seasonal religious significance, from the god of war to the seven deadly sins.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity
President Sheinbaum gestures from the podium of her morning press conference

Sheinbaum defends Mexico’s sweeping new tariffs: Thursday’s mañanera recapped

0
Thursday's morning presser also covered tension with the US over water deliveries and Mexico's plans to attract Chinese tourism.
scene of parachutist landing

American skydiver unhurt after awkward landing in downtown Mexico City 

2
The 36-year-old reportedly jumped out of a small plane after midnight Tuesday, aiming for the Historic Center. He ended up landing a block from the Alameda and Bellas Artes.
Coastal hills and a golf coarse in Loreto, Baja California Sur

Loreto, the Baja Peninsula Pueblo Mágico, makes the BBC’s top 20 list of world...

2
The British broadcaster was impressed by the town's natural beauty and historical importance, but more so by its community-led conservation efforts.
A woman takes a selfie while sitting back to back with a man holding a shade umbrella in front of a Chichén Itzá pyramid in Mexico

International visitation is up over 13% this year

0
A record-breaking October has boosted 2025's visitation numbers, the Tourism Ministry reported this week.
The Hilton Reforma in Mexico City

Mexico City hotel prices spike nearly 1000% ahead of the World Cup

2
While lodging prices increased across all 16 World Cup host cities, CDMX and Monterrey were the worst offenders, closely followed by Guadalajara.
President Sheinbaum

Forbes again names Claudia Sheinbaum one of the world’s 5 most powerful women

0
The magazine noted the Mexican president's use of nearshoring to lure investment places her at "the center of the manufacturing transformation in North America.”
A plume of smoke rises from a cargo tanker at sea

China urges Mexico to reverse 50% tariffs ‘as soon as possible’

10
The new tariffs are not a political measure but rather aim to protect Mexican industry from cheap imports, Economy Minister Ebrard said Thursday.
Copalita Trail

Oaxaca’s Copalita Trail: trekking the Zapotec way

2
Let your Zapotec guides introduce you to one of the most amazing treks in Oaxaca: the Copalita Trail. It takes 5 days and 100 kilometers to accomplish, but is absolutely worth it for the stunning views and culinary pleasures.
Julia Ortega

Julia Ortega: The woman behind Mexico’s first carbon-neutral coffee farm

0
Julia Ortega has taken some big risks, but her decision to do things the right way, keeping her coffee organic and her farm in Puebla carbon-neutral, is finally paying off.
Yuri Knorozov at his desk

How a Soviet genius cracked the uncrackable Maya code

6
How could a Russian who had never even visited Mexico become the first person since the ancient Maya to underderstand their written language? It all started with a few Mayan codices stolen by the Nazis.
President Sheinbaum on stage next to Trump and Carney, holding a paper reading Mexico

Sheinbaum joins US President Trump and Canada PM Carney at the FIFA World Cup...

16
The draw results are now in: Group assignments are set and Mexico will kick off the World Cup with a June 11 game against South Africa.
Farmer with a box full of fruits and vegetables

Mexican ag experts: Your insights are needed

0
Wikifarmer is encouraging Mexican farmers to take its new survey as part of efforts to gather up-to-date information on agriculture in the country, including pricing changes and the effects of climate change.
President Sheinbaum gestures from the podium of her morning press conference

Sheinbaum defends Mexico’s sweeping new tariffs: Thursday’s mañanera recapped

0
Thursday's morning presser also covered tension with the US over water deliveries and Mexico's plans to attract Chinese tourism.
scene of parachutist landing

American skydiver unhurt after awkward landing in downtown Mexico City 

2
The 36-year-old reportedly jumped out of a small plane after midnight Tuesday, aiming for the Historic Center. He ended up landing a block from the Alameda and Bellas Artes.
Coastal hills and a golf coarse in Loreto, Baja California Sur

Loreto, the Baja Peninsula Pueblo Mágico, makes the BBC’s top 20 list of world destinations

2
The British broadcaster was impressed by the town's natural beauty and historical importance, but more so by its community-led conservation efforts.
A woman takes a selfie while sitting back to back with a man holding a shade umbrella in front of a Chichén Itzá pyramid in Mexico

International visitation is up over 13% this year

0
A record-breaking October has boosted 2025's visitation numbers, the Tourism Ministry reported this week.
The Hilton Reforma in Mexico City

Mexico City hotel prices spike nearly 1000% ahead of the World Cup

2
While lodging prices increased across all 16 World Cup host cities, CDMX and Monterrey were the worst offenders, closely followed by Guadalajara.
President Sheinbaum

Forbes again names Claudia Sheinbaum one of the world’s 5 most powerful women

0
The magazine noted the Mexican president's use of nearshoring to lure investment places her at "the center of the manufacturing transformation in North America.”
Stellantis plant

Automaker Stellantis planning major expansion of its Mexican operations  

1
Its reinforced commitment to Mexico strikes a contrast to some other global automakers who have either moved out or paused plans to move in.
Water drips from an outdoor spigot

Confidently Wrong about Water in Mexico: A new podcast from our CEO

2
Is it still necessary to avoid drinking tap water? What do water shortages mean for the construction of new homes? Travis Bembenek covers these questions and more in a new MND podcast.
Travis Bembenek sits at a desk recording a podcast while wearing a Mexico News Daily T-shirt

A few words about the new MND Merch and MND culture: A perspective from...

7
You asked, MND delivers: CEO Travis Bembenek introduces MND Merch, so readers can rep the MND mission across Mexico and beyond.
Facade of the new US Embassy in Mexico City. The front of the building is made with pink Mexican cantera stone arranged in rectangles of different sizes and faces a wide courtyard.

Facts and figures about the newly opened US Embassy in CDMX: A perspective from...

13
Our CEO Travis Bembenek took a tour of the new United States Embassy in Mexico City, a state-of-the-art diplomatic complex featuring two gyms, a basketball court and an on-site medical clinic.
US soldiers walk along a rust-colored Mexico border wall

Should the US help Mexico beat the cartels? A perspective from our CEO

50
Are U.S. bombs what Mexico needs to end cartels once and for all? Mexico News Daily CEO Travis Bembenek looks at what kinds of aid might actually be effective.
A plume of smoke rises from a cargo tanker at sea

China urges Mexico to reverse 50% tariffs ‘as soon as possible’

10
The new tariffs are not a political measure but rather aim to protect Mexican industry from cheap imports, Economy Minister Ebrard said Thursday.
Stellantis plant

Automaker Stellantis planning major expansion of its Mexican operations  

1
Its reinforced commitment to Mexico strikes a contrast to some other global automakers who have either moved out or paused plans to move in.
the Angel of Independence in Mexico City

Foreign direct investment in Mexico climbs to record US $40.9B, already surpassing all of...

0
New investment contributed to around 16% of total FDI in Mexico in the first nine months of the year, with the remainder of the money coming from reinvestment of profits and payments by foreign companies with an existing presence in Mexico.
MXN - Mexican Peso
USD
18.01
CAD
13.09
EUR
21.15
AI conference

Nearly 40% of businesses in Mexico now using AI, says AWS executive

2
Around 495,000 companies in Mexico have adopted AI over the last year, with 2 million businesses now using the technology, according to Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) general manager Rubén Mugártegui.
Sheinbaum at Business COuncil luncheon 2025

Mexico’s business elite presents President Sheinbaum with a US $40 billion investment package

0
The proposal came during the president's annual end-of-the-year luncheon with the Mexican Buiness Council (CMN), the atmosphere of which was reportedly warm and positive.
MXN - Mexican Peso
USD
18.01
CAD
13.09
EUR
21.15
Sheinbaum mañanera Dec. 10, 2025

Sheinbaum thanks Indigenous artisans for her NYT-celebrated style: Wednesday’s mañanera recapped

1
Asked about her inclusion on The New York Times' list of "The 67 most stylish people of 2025," Sheinbaum said she appreciated the recognition but declared that the credit should, in fact, go to Mexico's Indigenous artisans.
Senator Adán Augusto López, with AMLO's book "Grandeza"

Morena senator buys, distributes thousands of copies of AMLO’s book

4
The gift books, estimated at more than 17,000, were only given to the senator's fellow Morena party members and are meant to be distributed to the lawmakers' constituents.

North American World Cup or Americana Fever Dream? After watching the 2026 draw, we’re confused

6
Canadian Mexican Ian Ostroff asks whether the much-vaunted North American collaboration in FIFA's 2026 World Cup was truly on display at last week's US-centric tournament draw.
Man with two women

La casa chica: The rise and fall of Mexico’s institution of second families

8
La casa chica, the secondary home for one's mistress and illegitimate children, was once a male prerogative. Nowadays, however, it's a tradition in decline across gender lines.
A woman wearing headphones sits at a desk across from a white, anthropomorphic AI robot. The robot points toward a large holographic screen displaying an open mouth labeled "boca."

AI won’t solve your language problems: A take on using AI for language translation

12
Using AI chatbots to practice your Spanish? Thinking about it? Former language teacher Sarah DeVries lays out what to know about using AI for language learning.
Coastal hills and a golf coarse in Loreto, Baja California Sur

Loreto, the Baja Peninsula Pueblo Mágico, makes the BBC’s top 20 list of world destinations

2
The British broadcaster was impressed by the town's natural beauty and historical importance, but more so by its community-led conservation efforts.
A woman takes a selfie while sitting back to back with a man holding a shade umbrella in front of a Chichén Itzá pyramid in Mexico

International visitation is up over 13% this year

0
A record-breaking October has boosted 2025's visitation numbers, the Tourism Ministry reported this week.
The Hilton Reforma in Mexico City

Mexico City hotel prices spike nearly 1000% ahead of the World Cup

2
While lodging prices increased across all 16 World Cup host cities, CDMX and Monterrey were the worst offenders, closely followed by Guadalajara.
Man with two women

La casa chica: The rise and fall of Mexico’s institution of second families

8
La casa chica, the secondary home for one's mistress and illegitimate children, was once a male prerogative. Nowadays, however, it's a tradition in decline across gender lines.
A woman wearing headphones sits at a desk across from a white, anthropomorphic AI robot. The robot points toward a large holographic screen displaying an open mouth labeled "boca."

AI won’t solve your language problems: A take on using AI for language translation

12
Using AI chatbots to practice your Spanish? Thinking about it? Former language teacher Sarah DeVries lays out what to know about using AI for language learning.
Travis Bembenek sits at a desk recording a podcast while wearing a Mexico News Daily T-shirt

A few words about the new MND Merch and MND culture: A perspective from...

7
You asked, MND delivers: CEO Travis Bembenek introduces MND Merch, so readers can rep the MND mission across Mexico and beyond.
Facade of the new US Embassy in Mexico City. The front of the building is made with pink Mexican cantera stone arranged in rectangles of different sizes and faces a wide courtyard.

Facts and figures about the newly opened US Embassy in CDMX: A perspective from...

13
Our CEO Travis Bembenek took a tour of the new United States Embassy in Mexico City, a state-of-the-art diplomatic complex featuring two gyms, a basketball court and an on-site medical clinic.
A team of architects and engineers reviews blueprints on a stack of concrete blocks at a home building construction site in Mexico.

Investing from scratch: When your dream is building property in Mexico 

0
Building a home in Mexico can be a dream come true or a nightmare, depending on how well you understand the geography where you're building, Mexican law and your rights and obligations.
A small house in a forest

Sustainability meets investment at these Mexican real estate projects

0
Investing in real estate in Mexico doesn't just mean beachside condos, as these amazing sustainable developments prove.
The new and old Basilica de Guadalupe buildings, side-by-side in Tepeyac

Why are there two Basílicas to Our Lady of Guadalupe?

0
As the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe approaches, many worshippers make the pilgrimage to Tepeyac, home to not one basilica in her honor, but two.
Piñatas

Did you know when you hit a Christmas piñata, you’re battling the 7 deadly...

0
Piñatas aren't just decorative treats. Throughout their history, they've also had a seasonal religious significance, from the god of war to the seven deadly sins.
Tlajomulco, Jalisco, México, 3 de agosto de 2025. La doctora Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, presidenta Constitucional de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos en la inauguración de la primera etapa del Hospital Regional ISSSTE Tlajomulco, Jalisco.

NYT names Sheinbaum among the most stylish people of 2025

4
The NYT highlighted Sheinbaum's stance against major brands that copy artisans' work without credit or fair compensation, connecting her wardrobe choices to her defense of cultural property.
A community parade in San Miguel Allende

MND Local: San Miguel de Allende community roundup

1
Art, celebration and Christmas cheer: San Miguel de Allende has it in spades this month.
A woman takes a selfie while sitting back to back with a man holding a shade umbrella in front of a Chichén Itzá pyramid in Mexico

International visitation is up over 13% this year

0
A record-breaking October has boosted 2025's visitation numbers, the Tourism Ministry reported this week.
The Hilton Reforma in Mexico City

Mexico City hotel prices spike nearly 1000% ahead of the World Cup

2
While lodging prices increased across all 16 World Cup host cities, CDMX and Monterrey were the worst offenders, closely followed by Guadalajara.
Close-up of green corn stalks and tassels in a field under a cloudy sky, illustrating the modern result of the evolution of corn from teosinte.

Ancient genetic engineers: How Mexico’s Mesoamericans bred a tiny plant into corn

8
Science still doesn't know which of Mexico's ancient peoples discovered how to breed the tiny teosinte plant into what's still a major food staple for the nation today.
Farmer with a box full of fruits and vegetables

Mexican ag experts: Your insights are needed

0
Wikifarmer is encouraging Mexican farmers to take its new survey as part of efforts to gather up-to-date information on agriculture in the country, including pricing changes and the effects of climate change.
Water drips from an outdoor spigot

Confidently Wrong about Water in Mexico: A new podcast from our CEO

2
Is it still necessary to avoid drinking tap water? What do water shortages mean for the construction of new homes? Travis Bembenek covers these questions and more in a new MND podcast.
Ricardo Monreal stands at a podium in the Mexican Chamber of Deputies (congress chambers) surrounded by dozens of supporters with their fists raised in the air

Highway blockades return as Congress races to approve the new General Water Law

3
The lower house passed the bill in marathon 24-hour session as protesting farmers reactivated blockades they had dismantled after reaching an agreement with the government last week.
Oceanman in Cozumel

I entered the Oceanman in Cozumel with less than a month to train and...

2
What could happen if you tried an endurance swimming race without a proper training schedule? One Riviera Maya resident decided to find out.
A medical device at a Los Cabos hospital

A guide to medical tourism in Los Cabos

2
These Baja California Sur hospitals are modern and clean and cost a fraction of the price of those at home, worth considering for an upcoming procedure.

Millions flood the capital to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe on her day

0
The believers, some arriving at the Basilica on their knees, numbered 13 million by 5 a.m. Friday, requiring deployment of 5,000 police and security forces.
The new and old Basilica de Guadalupe buildings, side-by-side in Tepeyac

Why are there two Basílicas to Our Lady of Guadalupe?

0
As the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe approaches, many worshippers make the pilgrimage to Tepeyac, home to not one basilica in her honor, but two.
Piñatas

Did you know when you hit a Christmas piñata, you’re battling the 7 deadly sins?

0
Piñatas aren't just decorative treats. Throughout their history, they've also had a seasonal religious significance, from the god of war to the seven deadly sins.
Copalita Trail

Oaxaca’s Copalita Trail: trekking the Zapotec way

2
Let your Zapotec guides introduce you to one of the most amazing treks in Oaxaca: the Copalita Trail. It takes 5 days and 100 kilometers to accomplish, but is absolutely worth it for the stunning views and culinary pleasures.
Tlajomulco, Jalisco, México, 3 de agosto de 2025. La doctora Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, presidenta Constitucional de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos en la inauguración de la primera etapa del Hospital Regional ISSSTE Tlajomulco, Jalisco.

NYT names Sheinbaum among the most stylish people of 2025

4
The NYT highlighted Sheinbaum's stance against major brands that copy artisans' work without credit or fair compensation, connecting her wardrobe choices to her defense of cultural property.
A community parade in San Miguel Allende

MND Local: San Miguel de Allende community roundup

1
Art, celebration and Christmas cheer: San Miguel de Allende has it in spades this month.
Tourists swim and lounge on the beach in front of Puerto Vallarta hotels and condos

Despite court ruling, Puerto Vallarta plans to apply a modified foreign tourist tax

0
Municipal authorities are sure they have addressed the concerns of the Supreme Court, which had tossed out the tax law as vague and unconstitutional.
scene of parachutist landing

American skydiver unhurt after awkward landing in downtown Mexico City 

2
The 36-year-old reportedly jumped out of a small plane after midnight Tuesday, aiming for the Historic Center. He ended up landing a block from the Alameda and Bellas Artes.
President Sheinbaum

Forbes again names Claudia Sheinbaum one of the world’s 5 most powerful women

0
The magazine noted the Mexican president's use of nearshoring to lure investment places her at "the center of the manufacturing transformation in North America.”
A plume of smoke rises from a cargo tanker at sea

China urges Mexico to reverse 50% tariffs ‘as soon as possible’

10
The new tariffs are not a political measure but rather aim to protect Mexican industry from cheap imports, Economy Minister Ebrard said Thursday.
San Miguel de Allende real estate listing

Why your real estate agent in Mexico still gets a commission when you find...

4
Your real estate agent gets a 5% commission when you sell your home in Mexico, even if you found the buyer. Here's an in-depth look at why they deserve every penny or peso.
A team of architects and engineers reviews blueprints on a stack of concrete blocks at a home building construction site in Mexico.

Investing from scratch: When your dream is building property in Mexico 

0
Building a home in Mexico can be a dream come true or a nightmare, depending on how well you understand the geography where you're building, Mexican law and your rights and obligations.
A small house in a forest

Sustainability meets investment at these Mexican real estate projects

0
Investing in real estate in Mexico doesn't just mean beachside condos, as these amazing sustainable developments prove.
The Rio Grande or Rio Bravo flows through Big Bend National Park in Texas

Mexico faces new tariff threat from Trump over water debt

26
Despite Mexico's agreement in April to deliver more water to the U.S., the 2020-25 treaty cycle concluded in late October with Mexico still owing its neighbor just over 865,000 acre-feet of water.
Water drips from an outdoor spigot

Confidently Wrong about Water in Mexico: A new podcast from our CEO

2
Is it still necessary to avoid drinking tap water? What do water shortages mean for the construction of new homes? Travis Bembenek covers these questions and more in a new MND podcast.
Ricardo Monreal stands at a podium in the Mexican Chamber of Deputies (congress chambers) surrounded by dozens of supporters with their fists raised in the air

Highway blockades return as Congress races to approve the new General Water Law

3
The lower house passed the bill in marathon 24-hour session as protesting farmers reactivated blockades they had dismantled after reaching an agreement with the government last week.
Dr. Molina

One doctor’s mission to provide affordable care in Zihuatanejo

2
Everyone should have a doctor who cares as much as Dr. Molina, a woman on a mission in one of Zihuatanejo's poorest neighborhoods.
Oceanman in Cozumel

I entered the Oceanman in Cozumel with less than a month to train and...

2
What could happen if you tried an endurance swimming race without a proper training schedule? One Riviera Maya resident decided to find out.
A medical device at a Los Cabos hospital

A guide to medical tourism in Los Cabos

2
These Baja California Sur hospitals are modern and clean and cost a fraction of the price of those at home, worth considering for an upcoming procedure.
A plume of smoke rises from a cargo tanker at sea

China urges Mexico to reverse 50% tariffs ‘as soon as possible’

10
The new tariffs are not a political measure but rather aim to protect Mexican industry from cheap imports, Economy Minister Ebrard said Thursday.
Stellantis plant

Automaker Stellantis planning major expansion of its Mexican operations  

1
Its reinforced commitment to Mexico strikes a contrast to some other global automakers who have either moved out or paused plans to move in.
the Angel of Independence in Mexico City

Foreign direct investment in Mexico climbs to record US $40.9B, already surpassing all of...

0
New investment contributed to around 16% of total FDI in Mexico in the first nine months of the year, with the remainder of the money coming from reinvestment of profits and payments by foreign companies with an existing presence in Mexico.
Yuri Knorozov at his desk

How a Soviet genius cracked the uncrackable Maya code

6
How could a Russian who had never even visited Mexico become the first person since the ancient Maya to underderstand their written language? It all started with a few Mayan codices stolen by the Nazis.
President Sheinbaum on stage next to Trump and Carney, holding a paper reading Mexico

Sheinbaum joins US President Trump and Canada PM Carney at the FIFA World Cup...

16
The draw results are now in: Group assignments are set and Mexico will kick off the World Cup with a June 11 game against South Africa.
Farmer with a box full of fruits and vegetables

Mexican ag experts: Your insights are needed

0
Wikifarmer is encouraging Mexican farmers to take its new survey as part of efforts to gather up-to-date information on agriculture in the country, including pricing changes and the effects of climate change.

El Jalapeño: Whales gather off the coast of Mexico as annual human watching season...

5
Human-watching season turns office life into a hilarious safari spectacle in this week's El Jalapeño, Mexico's premier fake news outlet.
Julia Ortega

Julia Ortega: The woman behind Mexico’s first carbon-neutral coffee farm

0
Julia Ortega has taken some big risks, but her decision to do things the right way, keeping her coffee organic and her farm in Puebla carbon-neutral, is finally paying off.
Close-up of green corn stalks and tassels in a field under a cloudy sky, illustrating the modern result of the evolution of corn from teosinte.

Ancient genetic engineers: How Mexico’s Mesoamericans bred a tiny plant into corn

8
Science still doesn't know which of Mexico's ancient peoples discovered how to breed the tiny teosinte plant into what's still a major food staple for the nation today.
Farmer with a box full of fruits and vegetables

Mexican ag experts: Your insights are needed

0
Wikifarmer is encouraging Mexican farmers to take its new survey as part of efforts to gather up-to-date information on agriculture in the country, including pricing changes and the effects of climate change.
Amaranth-based alegría bar

From Mexico to the world: amaranth, the tiny seed that traveled to space

5
It took a Mexican astronaut to carry amaranth seeds into space. But here on Earth, it has been a source of nutrition for thousands of years; in alegría bars, gluten-free flours and myriad other ways.