The Guadalajara Reporter
Guadalajara's Largest English Newspaper
The meticulously planned U.S. military operation to extract Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from his fortified hideout elicited mixed reactions around the world, leaving an aftermath full of profound doubt about what future actions in the region President Donald Trump may now have in mind.
To fund a historic expansion of social welfare programs in 2026, the Mexican Congress last year approved a new tax strategy focused on enforcement and selective tax hikes. The plan avoids broad reform and increased personal taxes, instead targeting fraud, digital platforms and specific “harmful” goods to generate the revenue needed to cover the rising costs of pensions, youth scholarships and other benefits (see story above).
Think you know Mexico? Whether you’re a newcomer still learning the lay of the land or a seasoned expat who’s adopted pozole or birria as your favorite dish, this New Year’s quiz will put your knowledge to the test.
From ancient history and art to slang, sports and current events, these 21 questions span the depth and breadth of Mexican culture, geography and politics. Grab a drink, settle in, and see how many you can answer sin ayuda. ¡Buena suerte! Answers at the end.
Why does Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum maintain favorability ratings of around 70 percent while other world leaders are struggling so much — Trump 42 percent, Starmer 23 percent, Macron seven percent? Perhaps we should look no further than her government’s social welfare (Bienestar) programs, a key factor in her 2024 election landslide.
Mexico’s National Migration Institute (INM) will substantially raise processing fees for residency permits and increase the financial solvency criteria to qualify, effective January 1, 2026.
Navidad and Año Nuevo festivities have come and gone, but Mexico’s Christmas season will roll on for yet another four weeks. Celebrations still to come are Dia de los Tres Reyes (Three Kings Day) on January 6, and Dia de la Candelaria (Candlemas), the seasonal wrap-up on February 2.
Farmers, merchants and small business owners, especially in Mexico’s provincial towns, have long been at the mercy of criminal protection rackets.
A deadly train derailment in southern Mexico left 13 people dead and 98 injured, casting a shadow over a flagship infrastructure project and triggering immediate calls from opposition lawmakers for its suspension.
Like folks all around the globe, most Mexican people will bid farewell to 2025 with spirited social gatherings, sharing goodwill hugs and raising a glass of bubbly as they welcome the new year.
