MXOwnership & classification
Founded: 1916
Ownership
El Universal is a Mexico City daily founded in October 1916 by Felix Palavicini and Emilio Rabasa to cover the end of the Mexican Revolution and the new constitution. It is controlled by the Ealy Ortiz family: Juan Francisco Ealy Ortiz has been owner, president and director since 1969, holding it through Compania Periodistica Nacional, a private S.A. de C.V. that shields shareholding details. It is a family-owned commercial publisher, not state-owned.
Funding
El Universal is financed commercially through print and digital advertising, copy sales and online subscriptions. As with most large Mexican dailies, government (official) advertising has historically been a revenue source, but it operates as a private for-profit company rather than on a state budget.
Affiliation & stance
El Universal is privately owned by a single family with no party or state control, which makes it INDEPENDENT, with broadly CENTER (establishment) coverage. Its main dependency risk is the general Mexican pattern of discretionary government advertising influencing outlets, but ownership and editorial control rest with the Ealy Ortiz family rather than a party or the state.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 1210
84/100
Factual
77/100
Objective
1806
Articles
1806
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
They link two to the process in Sinaloa; they ensure 75 explosive devices, weapons and methamphetamine
In Culiacán, Sinaloa, two individuals, Elías 'N' and Jaime 'N', were placed under formal investigation by a judge for alleged involvement in crimes including possession of firearms, explosive devices, ammunition, and drug trafficking. During a preventive police patrol in Concordia, officers stopped a vehicle traveling at excessive speed and against traffic rules. The occupants ignored the stop order, leading to a pursuit where both men were arrested. They were found in possession of two automatic rifles, six hundred cartridges, twenty magazines, and later, during vehicle inspection, seventy-five homemade explosive devices, two tactical vests with ballistic plates, thirty grams and 100 milligrams of methamphetamine. Both suspects, along with seized items, were turned over to federal authorities. During the hearing, the Federal Prosecutor’s Office obtained the court’s decision to formally charge them, resulting in an official precautionary detention measure at the Mazatlán prison.
Ecatepec rehabilitates Colosio 1 well to increase water supply; it will benefit 30 thousand inhabitants
The municipality of Ecatepec is rehabilitating Pozo Colosio 1 to increase water supply for over 30,000 residents. Francisco Reyes Vázquez, head of the Water Supply, Sewerage, and Sanitation System (SAPASE), stated that laboratory studies are being conducted to ensure water quality, a practice not previously implemented. The well, located in the Luis Donaldo Colosio colony, had been out of operation for approximately eight years. Work includes modernizing infrastructure, installing equipment such as pumps and transformers, and connecting to the main distribution network. The project also involves repairing perimeter walls and installing security measures. The work is expected to be completed soon, benefiting residents of the area. Additionally, the mayor has launched another well, Pozo Colosio 2, which produces 37 liters per second.
Woman climbs electric tower in Tlalpan; rescued by police and receives medical care
A 44-year-old woman was rescued by police from the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) after she climbed an electrical tower in the Heroes de Padierna neighborhood of Tlalpan. The incident occurred at the intersection of Tixcocob and Becal, where a citizen alerted authorities about someone climbing the structure, apparently under the influence of some substance. Police requested emergency services, including paramedics from the Rescue and Medical Emergency Squadron (ERUM) and firefighters. Emergency teams used persuasion techniques to safely get the woman down from the tower. She was then taken for medical attention. The operation prevented her from remaining in a high-risk area due to the presence of electrical infrastructure.
Atlanta Falcons crush the Saints; they win by over 20 points
The Atlanta Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints 45-24 in an NFL game, marking a significant victory for Atlanta. The game took place during the Saints' 20th anniversary celebration of returning to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. Atlanta's running back Bijan Robinson had a standout performance with 145 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw for 223 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions. The Saints' quarterback Tyler Shough completed 286 passing yards with a touchdown but was unable to close the gap. The game featured special commemorations including appearances by former players like Drew Brees and Steve Gleason, and musical performances honoring the team's history.
Mayor of Reynosa accuses suppliers linked to organized crime in Tamaulipas Congress; deputy demands evidence
The mayor of Reynosa, Carlos Peña Ortiz, accused suppliers linked to organized crime of being involved in the Congress of Tamaulipas. In response, Humberto Prieto Herrera, president of the Governing Board of the State Congress, called these accusations 'very unfortunate' and denied any such ties, stating that both state and federal audits have been conducted and that his administration has no suppliers connected to organized crime. Prieto invited the mayor to provide evidence if he had any, offering to accompany him in making a formal complaint if necessary. The mayor reiterated his claims, citing past events where individuals seated at the Congress were later identified as leaders of organized crime.
Teachers march to demand safety after attack on Torreón high school; ask for psychological support
A group of teachers from Torreón, Coahuila, marched to demand greater security measures in schools following a violent attack at a secondary school where two brothers killed a deputy director. The protest took place on the night of the incident, with around 60 educators gathering in Alameda Zaragoza before heading to the city center. Participants emphasized that their demonstration was not politically or union-related but driven by solidarity after the teacher’s death and concerns over safety in classrooms. Teachers called for increased security, psychological support services, and social workers in schools, highlighting the growing risks faced by educators. One veteran teacher noted that the profession has become increasingly dangerous due to declining societal respect.
Mara Lezama announces 100 hybrid buses for Cancun; there will be 4 new public transport routes
The governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama Espinosa, announced the introduction of 100 new hybrid Yutong buses as part of an expansion and modernization plan for the Quintana Roo Wellbeing Mobility System (MOBI). The initiative includes four new public transportation routes in Cancún, increasing the total number of MOBI vehicles in the city from 38 to 138. These routes will be implemented gradually during the fourth quarter of 2026, with some offering free service during their initial weeks. The new routes aim to connect residential areas with key locations such as hospitals, schools, commercial centers, and tourist zones like the Zona Hotelera. Officials stated that the expansion seeks to create a more integrated and reliable public transit system, potentially benefiting over 322,000 people.
AMLO accuses Marco Rubio of revoking the visa of Andy López Beltrán; he describes the measure as "canallesca"
In his new book titled 'Pueblo,' former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador criticized the U.S. government for revoking the visa of his son, Andrés Manuel López Beltrán, calling the action 'dogmatic and dishonorable.' He directly accused U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio of endorsing the measure without justification, claiming it aimed to undermine his movement by targeting allies of Mexico's right-wing. López Obrador also condemned U.S. intelligence agencies like the CIA, DEA, and FBI for intervening in drug trafficking matters with political motives, specifically criticizing their presence in Chihuahua and the actions of U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson during Donald Trump's administration. He described Johnson as acting like an 'overzealous and meddlesome policeman' and compared him unfavorably to historical figures. Additionally, he argued that anti-immigrant rhetoric in the U.S. is tied to political timing, suggesting that American politicians mislead citizens about the true causes of drug issues, attributing them to loss of values and insensitivity among authorities.
Sheinbaum and Ronald Johnson clash over security and sovereignty; here's how they've clashed
President Claudia Sheinbaum has criticized U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson over his comments regarding security and corruption in Mexico. In April, Johnson stated that private investment requires certainty, security, and freedom from corruption, which Sheinbaum called 'unfortunate' remarks. She emphasized that ambassadors should respect Mexico’s sovereignty and avoid interfering in internal affairs. In June, Sheinbaum urged Johnson to focus on bilateral coordination rather than commenting on domestic issues, warning against politicizing crime-fighting efforts. In July, she reiterated the need for cooperation while respecting Mexican sovereignty, arguing that unilateral actions by foreign agencies could increase violence.
Chapel municipalities, the risks of governance
The article discusses the risks to municipal governance in Mexico, using the case of Juchitán de Zaragoza, Oaxaca, where the mayor was involved in organized crime and corruption. The executive president of the Association of Mexican Municipalities highlights that such incidents reveal weaknesses in institutional capacity at the municipal level. The article notes that nearly 2,480 municipalities make up Mexico’s territorial structure and administrative framework, yet many face issues like poor management, corrupt officials, and collusion between local leaders and criminal groups. Federal authorities launched 'Operation Enjambre' to prevent organized crime infiltration into local governments, resulting in the detention of 14 mayors and former mayors by September 8th for crimes including drug trafficking, extortion, and homicide. States like Mexico, Puebla, and Morelos have seen multiple cases under this operation.
Foreign Ministry admits it was notified about US ambassador's visit to Querétaro; police academy should have gone through High Level Group, says
The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) confirmed it was notified by the state government of Querétaro, led by Governor Mauricio Kuri González, about the planned visit of the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Ronald D. Johnson, scheduled for October 2nd. The visit aims to discuss various topics of mutual interest. The SRE clarified that this visit does not imply the establishment of direct international cooperation mechanisms in security or justice. Regarding the International Police Training Academy, which was inaugurated during this visit, the ministry stated that such projects involving foreign governments require prior approval from the High-Level Security Group (GANSEG), as mandated by the National Security Law. The SRE emphasized that it supports state and municipal governments in these initiatives and highlighted the strong collaboration between Mexico and the United States in security matters, based on mutual respect, trust, shared responsibility, and non-subordination.
Messi lives his last training with Argentina; prepares for his farewell vs Benin
Lionel Messi completed his final training session with the Argentine national team ahead of his farewell match against Benin. The session took place at the AFA training facility in Ezeiza, which was renamed after Messi in 2023. During the practice, Messi engaged in physical drills and participated in a relaxed passing exercise with teammates, accompanied by former players Ezequiel Lavezzi and Cristian González. Messi, who announced his retirement from international football in August, will play his 208th match for Argentina in this friendly game, which marks the end of over two decades with the national team. The match will take place at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires and is expected to feature tributes to Messi from fans, the AFA, and fellow champions from the 2022 World Cup victory.
Rocío Nahle gives away AMLO books in Veracruz; look at the stature of Andrés Manuel, he dedicates the book to the best president, he says
Rocío Nahle, la gobernadora de Veracruz, promocionó y regaló un libro del ex presidente Andrés Manuel López Obrador durante una conferencia de prensa. En el libro, titulado 'Pueblo', López Obrador dedicó una página a la entonces presidenta de México, mencionando que era 'la mejor presidenta'. Nahle destacó esta dedicatoria y la relacionó con la 'Cuarta Transformación' del país, enfatizando valores como el amor al pueblo, la soberanía y las raíces del país. Ella compartió este comentario en sus redes sociales.