(Newser)
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The state of Texas is again warning students to say out of Mexico for spring break. "The Mexican government has made great strides battling the cartels," said the state's Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw. "However, drug cartel violence and other criminal activity represent a significant safety threat, even in resort areas." The number of Americans murdered in Mexico jumped to 120 last year, from 35 in 2007. "Many crimes against Americans in Mexico go unpunished," said McCraw. The Texas warning—its third in three years—is another blow to the economy in Mexico, where tourism is the second-largest industry, reports Reuters. Americans account for some 60% of tourists.
