89.9 FM Live From The University Of New Mexico
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Trump Now Seeks Martinez Endorsement, Zika In New Mexico

Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia
/
CREATIVE COMMONS

Trump Seeks Martinez Endorsement In About Face – Santa Fe New Mexican

When Donald Trump spoke in New Mexico recently he slammed Gov. Susana Martinez, his fellow Republican, but now he said he wants her endorsement.

Inan interview with the Santa Fe New Mexican Trump said he likes and respects Martinez, who did not attend his rally and said she would not be bullied into backing the presumptive GOP presidential nominee.

Martinez is the only Latina governor and the chair of the Republican Governors Association. She has criticized his comments on Mexican immigrants.

Martinez told the New Mexican her backing of Trump would be contingent on his stance regarding federal installations in the state that play key roles in the economy here.

Health Dept: 3rd Confirmed Case Of Zika Virus In New MexicoThe Associated Press

State health officials say there's a third confirmed travel-related case of Zika virus in New Mexico.

They say a 41-year-old Chaves County man acquired the virus while traveling to Central America.

The state Department of Health's Scientific Laboratory Division recently began Zika testing and confirmed the case.

One of the mosquito species that can transmit the Zika virus has been found in Chaves County in the summer and fall.

But authorities say in this case, there was no risk of local transmission because there was no mosquito activity when the case occurred.

Officials say a 40-year-old Bernalillo County woman was the second person in New Mexico to contract the virus while traveling in the Caribbean.

A 46-year-old Bernalillo County man contracted the virus in March while traveling in El Salvador.

DA Races Hotly Contested Among Democrats In 3 DistrictsThe Associated Press

The debate emerging from three races for district attorney in New Mexico's largest population centers are stirring up debate over crime and public safety issues that all remain hot topics in the state.

Contested races are underway on the Democratic side for the job of top prosecutor in state's First, Second and Third judicial districts, which separately encompass Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Las Cruces.

Meanwhile, the Republican candidates in the three districts are running unopposed in Tuesday's primary.

Among Democrats, Dona Ana County District Attorney Mark D'Antonio is seeking a second term in the Third Judicial District amid a challenge from Alamogordo prosecutor James Dickens.

Ed Perea and Raul Torrez are vying for outgoing, longtime D.A. Kari Brandenburg's post in Bernalillo County.

And a three-way race is in play in the First Judicial District, which includes Santa Fe.

New Mexico Tops Nation For Pedestrian Deaths – Albuquerque Journal

New Mexico had 74 pedestrian deaths in 2014, the highest in the nation according to a new report.

The Albuquerque Journal reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that New Mexico’s pedestrian death rate was twice that of the national rate.

In more than half the accidents pedestrian impairment due to alcohol was an issue, compared to one third nationally. Jaywalking also contributed to pedestrian deaths here.

Earlier this year a report by the Governors Highway Safety Association also ranked New Mexico the highest in the country for pedestrian deaths. A spokesman for the New Mexico Transportation Department told KUNM that distracted driving is also a significant factor in those deaths.

Police Release Names Of Las Cruces Couple In Murder-SuicideAssociated Press

Authorities have released the names of a Las Cruces couple found dead in their home last month in a murder-suicide.

Las Cruces police said Thursday that detectives believe 83-year-old Theodore Schmitz used a handgun to shoot his 82-year-old wife Viola before turning the weapon on himself.

The bodies were found April 28 after police were asked by a caregiver to conduct a welfare check on a couple.

Officers reported finding the bodies in the home's master bedroom.

Police detectives say they learned the couple both had health issues that required extensive medical attention.

They believe the murder-suicide occurred a few days prior to April 28.

Health Dept: 3rd Confirmed Case Of Zika Virus In New MexicoThe Associated Press

State health officials say there's a third confirmed travel-related case of Zika virus in New Mexico.

They say a 41-year-old Chaves County man acquired the virus while traveling to Central America.

The state Department of Health's Scientific Laboratory Division recently began Zika testing and confirmed the case.

One of the mosquito species that can transmit the Zika virus has been found in Chaves County in the summer and fall.

But authorities say in this case, there was no risk of local transmission because there was no mosquito activity when the case occurred.

Officials say a 40-year-old Bernalillo County woman was the second person in New Mexico to contract the virus while traveling in the Caribbean.

A 46-year-old Bernalillo County man contracted the virus in March while traveling in El Salvador.

Albuquerque Police Make Arrest Linked To Violent Trump RiotAssociated Press

Two men and a teenager have been arrested in connection with a protest outside a recent Donald Trump rally in downtown Albuquerque that turned violent.

Authorities announced the arrests during a news conference Thursday.

They said 22-year-old Julian Heckman and 39-year-old Willie Williams were arrested this week and face charges that range from disorderly conduct to throwing rocks at police.

The 14-year-old boy is accused of aggravated battery on a police officer.

Authorities have said around 30 people out of roughly 1,000 protesters were responsible for the violence outside the May 24 rally for the GOP presidential hopeful.

Mayor Richard Berry says businesses have contributed another $12,000 in reward money as authorities search for others who were involved in the riot.

Ex-President Stumps For Wife In New Mexico Campaign Stop Las Cruces Sun-News, Associated Press

Former President Bill Clinton has stumped for his wife, Hillary, during a campaign stop in Las Cruces, five days ahead of the primary election in New Mexico.

The Las Cruces Sun-News reports Clinton never mentioned presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump by name Thursday.

But the former president made numerous references to the importance of bringing people together and the dangers of playing one group against another.

Clinton also never mentioned Bernie Sanders — Hillary's Democratic opponent in Tuesday's presidential primary in New Mexico — except to compare their plans for college students.

Bill Clinton says Hillary's plan is more practical because the Sanders plan relies on state funding that may not be available.

About 500 supporters filled the Picacho Middle School gymnasium for the event. There were no visible protesters inside or outside the venue.

4 Sought In Transgender Man's Beating Death May Be In New MexicoAssociated Press

Police say they've obtained murder arrest warrants for four people in the death of a transgender man beaten last month at a Vermont homeless encampment.

The two men and two women charged Thursday in the death of Amos Beede were last known to be in Roswell, New Mexico. One of the men was arrested there on May 31 on charges he assaulted one of the women but later was released.

Beede was attacked on May 23 at a homeless encampment in Burlington. He died on May 28.

The suspects in his killing are identified as Erik Averill, Jordon Paul, Myia Barber and Allison Gee, who are fugitives. Police say the four are "wanted for murder."

Police initially said they were investigating whether Beede's gender identity contributed to his death, but there was no mention of that Thursday.

DA Drops Charges Against 2 In Teen's Shooting Death Associated Press

A New Mexico district attorney has dropped charges against two men in a drive-by shooting that killed an Albuquerque teenager.

Bernalillo County District Attorney Kari Brandenburg says charges against Donovan Maez and Christopher Cruz were dismissed Thursday. Both Maez and Cruz had faced multiple charges in the case stemming from the shooting death of Jaydon Chavez-Silver, including first-degree murder.

Brandenburg says the decision to drop charges was made based on evidence obtained by her office. She did not elaborate.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports John Day, the attorney representing Maez, said the teenager’s grandfather, a former Secret Service agent, did his own investigation and found evidence of witness intimidation.

The Albuquerque Police Department issued a brief statement in the case by Chief Gorden Eden who said “We strive to do what’s right, uphold the law and fight for justice. We will continue to work alongside [Brandenberg’s] office to ensure justice for Jaydon, his family and our community.”

Maez’s mother, Stephanie Maez, was a state legislator at the time of the arrest, but resigned three months later.

Charges are still pending against two other suspects in the shooting.

Chavez-Silver was killed a year ago while at an Albuquerque house party.

Police said shots were fired from a vehicle into the home. They didn't believe he was the intended target of the attack.

Martinez Slams Dems For State’s Low Graduation RatesSanta Fe New Mexican

Gov. Susana Martinez slammed Democratic lawmakers for not supporting her education reform efforts and said they were to blame for the state’s low graduation rates.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports she made the remarks during an appearance at the Española Public Library to promote the state’s summer reading challenge program.

Martinez has pushed for holding back third-graders who scored at the bottom of standardized reading tests. She said that’s a recipe for failure later on.

The New Mexican reports national studies have varied on the efficacy of holding students back to ensure they are reading at grade level.

Democratic Sen. John Sapien of Corrales, who heads the Senate Education Committee, said he is concerned about students not reading proficiently but added that holding them back is not good for kids and does not work.

Currently, the law allows students to be retained, but parents have the ability to veto those decisions.

Trump Reverses Stance To Woo Martinez Endorsement – Santa Fe New Mexican

When Donald Trump spoke in New Mexico recently he slammed Gov. Susana Martinez, his fellow Republican, but now he said he wants her endorsement.

In an interview with the Santa Fe New Mexican Trump said he likes and respects Martinez, who did not attend his rally and said she would not be bullied into backing the presumptive GOP presidential nominee.

Martinez is the only Latina governor and the chair of the Republican Governors Association. She has criticized his comments on Mexican immigrants.

Martinez told the New Mexican her backing of Trump would be contingent on his stance regarding federal installations in the state that play key roles in the economy here.

New Mexico Tops Nation For Pedestrian Deaths – Albuquerque Journal

New Mexico had 74 pedestrian deaths in 2014, the highest in the nation according to a new report.

The Albuquerque Journal reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that New Mexico’s pedestrian death rate was twice that of the national rate.

In more than half the accidents pedestrian impairment due to alcohol was an issue, compared to one third nationally. Jaywalking also contributed to pedestrian deaths here.

The Governors Highway Safety Association earlier this year also ranked New Mexico the highest in the country for pedestrian deaths

Police Release Names Of Las Cruces Couple In Murder-SuicideAssociated Press

Authorities have released the names of a Las Cruces couple found dead in their home last month in a murder-suicide.

Las Cruces police said Thursday that detectives believe 83-year-old Theodore Schmitz used a handgun to shoot his 82-year-old wife Viola before turning the weapon on himself.

The bodies were found April 28 after police were asked by a caregiver to conduct a welfare check on a couple.

Officers reported finding the bodies in the home's master bedroom.

Police detectives say they learned the couple both had health issues that required extensive medical attention.

They believe the murder-suicide occurred a few days prior to April 28.

Albuquerque Police Make Arrest Linked To Violent Trump RiotAssociated Press

Two men and a teenager have been arrested in connection with a protest outside a recent Donald Trump rally in downtown Albuquerque that turned violent.

Authorities announced the arrests during a news conference Thursday.

They said 22-year-old Julian Heckman and 39-year-old Willie Williams were arrested this week and face charges that range from disorderly conduct to throwing rocks at police.

The 14-year-old boy is accused of aggravated battery on a police officer.

Authorities have said around 30 people out of roughly 1,000 protesters were responsible for the violence outside the May 24 rally for the GOP presidential hopeful.

Mayor Richard Berry says businesses have contributed another $12,000 in reward money as authorities search for others who were involved in the riot.

Ex-President Stumps For Wife In New Mexico Campaign Stop Las Cruces Sun-News, Associated Press

Former President Bill Clinton has stumped for his wife, Hillary, during a campaign stop in Las Cruces, five days ahead of the primary election in New Mexico.

The Las Cruces Sun-News reports Clinton never mentioned presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump by name Thursday.

But the former president made numerous references to the importance of bringing people together and the dangers of playing one group against another.

Clinton also never mentioned Bernie Sanders — Hillary's Democratic opponent in Tuesday's presidential primary in New Mexico — except to compare their plans for college students.

Bill Clinton says Hillary's plan is more practical because the Sanders plan relies on state funding that may not be available.

About 500 supporters filled the Picacho Middle School gymnasium for the event. There were no visible protesters inside or outside the venue.

4 Sought In Transgender Man's Beating Death May Be In New MexicoAssociated Press

Police say they've obtained murder arrest warrants for four people in the death of a transgender man beaten last month at a Vermont homeless encampment.

The two men and two women charged Thursday in the death of Amos Beede were last known to be in Roswell, New Mexico. One of the men was arrested there on May 31 on charges he assaulted one of the women but later was released.

Beede was attacked on May 23 at a homeless encampment in Burlington. He died on May 28.

The suspects in his killing are identified as Erik Averill, Jordon Paul, Myia Barber and Allison Gee, who are fugitives. Police say the four are "wanted for murder."

Police initially said they were investigating whether Beede's gender identity contributed to his death, but there was no mention of that Thursday.

DA Drops Charges Against 2 In Teen's Shooting Death Associated Press

A New Mexico district attorney has dropped charges against two men in a drive-by shooting that killed an Albuquerque teenager.

Bernalillo County District Attorney Kari Brandenburg says charges against Donovan Maez and Christopher Cruz were dismissed Thursday. Both Maez and Cruz had faced multiple charges in the case stemming from the shooting death of Jaydon Chavez-Silver, including first-degree murder.

Brandenburg says the decision to drop charges was made based on evidence obtained by her office. She did not elaborate.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports John Day, the attorney representing Maez, said the teenager’s grandfather, a former Secret Service agent, did his own investigation and found evidence of witness intimidation.

The Albuquerque Police Department issued a brief statement in the case by Chief Gorden Eden who said “We strive to do what’s right, uphold the law and fight for justice. We will continue to work alongside [Brandenberg’s] office to ensure justice for Jaydon, his family and our community.”

Maez’s mother, Stephanie Maez, was a state legislator at the time of the arrest, but resigned three months later.

Charges are still pending against two other suspects in the shooting.

Chavez-Silver was killed a year ago while at an Albuquerque house party.

Police said shots were fired from a vehicle into the home. They didn't believe he was the intended target of the attack.

Thunderbirds Grounded Ahead of Kirtland AFB ShowAlbuquerque Journal, Associated Press

The Thunderbirds will not take part in an air show at Kirtland Air Force Base this weekend following an incident in Colorado Springs where a pilot ejected safely as his fighter jet crashed into a deserted Colorado area.

The Albuquerque Journal reports the team must participate in a safety investigation following the incident. The Kirtland show will go forward and will include the Wings of Blue parachute team, a Navy Super Hornet fighter jet and a B-2 Stealth Bomber.

The Thunderbird pilot was forced to ditch his plane shortly after a flyover at the Air Force Academy's commencement ceremony, where President Barack Obama was speaking. There were no indications any of the jets were having problems before the crash.

Martinez Slams Dems For State’s Low Graduation RatesSanta Fe New Mexican

Gov. Susana Martinez slammed Democratic lawmakers for not supporting her education reform efforts and said they were to blame for the state’s low graduation rates.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports made the remarks during an appearance at the Española Public Library to promote the state’s summer reading challenge program.

Martinez has pushed for holding back third-graders who scored at the bottom of standardized reading tests. She said that’s a recipe for failure later on.

The New Mexican reports national studies have varied on the efficacy of holding students back to ensure they are reading at grade level.

Democratic Sen. John Sapien of Corrales, who heads the Senate Education Committee, said he is concerned about students not reading proficiently but added that holding them back is not good for kids and does not work.

Currently, the law allows students to be retained, but parents have the ability to veto those decisions.

Trump Reverses Stance To Woo Martinez Endorsement – Santa Fe New Mexican

When Donald Trump spoke in New Mexico recently he slammed Gov. Susana Martinez, his fellow Republican, but now he said he wants her endorsement.

In an interview with the Santa Fe New Mexican Trump said he likes and respects Martinez, who did not attend his rally and said she would not be bullied into backing the presumptive GOP presidential nominee.

Martinez is the only Latina governor and the chair of the Republican Governors Association. She has criticized his comments on Mexican immigrants.

Martinez told the New Mexican her backing of Trump would be contingent on his stance regarding federal installations in the state that play key roles in the economy here.

New Mexico Tops Nation For Pedestrian Deaths – Albuquerque Journal

New Mexico had 74 pedestrian deaths in 2014, the highest in the nation according to a new report.

The Albuquerque Journal reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that New Mexico’s pedestrian death rate was twice that of the national rate.

In more than half the accidents pedestrian impairment due to alcohol was an issue, compared to one third nationally. Jaywalking also contributed to pedestrian deaths here.

The Governors Highway Safety Association earlier this year also ranked New Mexico the highest in the country for pedestrian deaths

Police Release Names Of Las Cruces Couple In Murder-SuicideAssociated Press

Authorities have released the names of a Las Cruces couple found dead in their home last month in a murder-suicide.

Las Cruces police said Thursday that detectives believe 83-year-old Theodore Schmitz used a handgun to shoot his 82-year-old wife Viola before turning the weapon on himself.

The bodies were found April 28 after police were asked by a caregiver to conduct a welfare check on a couple.

Officers reported finding the bodies in the home's master bedroom.

Police detectives say they learned the couple both had health issues that required extensive medical attention.

They believe the murder-suicide occurred a few days prior to April 28.

Albuquerque Police Make Arrest Linked To Violent Trump RiotAssociated Press

Two men and a teenager have been arrested in connection with a protest outside a recent Donald Trump rally in downtown Albuquerque that turned violent.

Authorities announced the arrests during a news conference Thursday.

They said 22-year-old Julian Heckman and 39-year-old Willie Williams were arrested this week and face charges that range from disorderly conduct to throwing rocks at police.

The 14-year-old boy is accused of aggravated battery on a police officer.

Authorities have said around 30 people out of roughly 1,000 protesters were responsible for the violence outside the May 24 rally for the GOP presidential hopeful.

Mayor Richard Berry says businesses have contributed another $12,000 in reward money as authorities search for others who were involved in the riot.

Ex-President Stumps For Wife In New Mexico Campaign Stop Las Cruces Sun-News, Associated Press

Former President Bill Clinton has stumped for his wife, Hillary, during a campaign stop in Las Cruces, five days ahead of the primary election in New Mexico.

The Las Cruces Sun-News reports Clinton never mentioned presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump by name Thursday.

But the former president made numerous references to the importance of bringing people together and the dangers of playing one group against another.

Clinton also never mentioned Bernie Sanders — Hillary's Democratic opponent in Tuesday's presidential primary in New Mexico — except to compare their plans for college students.

Bill Clinton says Hillary's plan is more practical because the Sanders plan relies on state funding that may not be available.

About 500 supporters filled the Picacho Middle School gymnasium for the event. There were no visible protesters inside or outside the venue.

4 Sought In Transgender Man's Beating Death May Be In New MexicoAssociated Press

Police say they've obtained murder arrest warrants for four people in the death of a transgender man beaten last month at a Vermont homeless encampment.

The two men and two women charged Thursday in the death of Amos Beede were last known to be in Roswell, New Mexico. One of the men was arrested there on May 31 on charges he assaulted one of the women but later was released.

Beede was attacked on May 23 at a homeless encampment in Burlington. He died on May 28.

The suspects in his killing are identified as Erik Averill, Jordon Paul, Myia Barber and Allison Gee, who are fugitives. Police say the four are "wanted for murder."

Police initially said they were investigating whether Beede's gender identity contributed to his death, but there was no mention of that Thursday.

DA Drops Charges Against 2 In Teen's Shooting Death Associated Press

A New Mexico district attorney has dropped charges against two men in a drive-by shooting that killed an Albuquerque teenager.

Bernalillo County District Attorney Kari Brandenburg says charges against Donovan Maez and Christopher Cruz were dismissed Thursday. Both Maez and Cruz had faced multiple charges in the case stemming from the shooting death of Jaydon Chavez-Silver, including first-degree murder.

Brandenburg says the decision to drop charges was made based on evidence obtained by her office. She did not elaborate.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports John Day, the attorney representing Maez, said the teenager’s grandfather, a former Secret Service agent, did his own investigation and found evidence of witness intimidation.

The Albuquerque Police Department issued a brief statement in the case by Chief Gorden Eden who said “We strive to do what’s right, uphold the law and fight for justice. We will continue to work alongside [Brandenberg’s] office to ensure justice for Jaydon, his family and our community.”

Maez’s mother, Stephanie Maez, was a state legislator at the time of the arrest, but resigned three months later.

Charges are still pending against two other suspects in the shooting.

Chavez-Silver was killed a year ago while at an Albuquerque house party.

Police said shots were fired from a vehicle into the home. They didn't believe he was the intended target of the attack.

Thunderbirds Grounded Ahead of Kirtland AFB ShowAlbuquerque Journal, Associated Press

The Thunderbirds will not take part in an air show at Kirtland Air Force Base this weekend following an incident in Colorado Springs where a pilot ejected safely as his fighter jet crashed into a deserted Colorado area.

The Albuquerque Journal reports the team must participate in a safety investigation following the incident. The Kirtland show will go forward and will include the Wings of Blue parachute team, a Navy Super Hornet fighter jet and a B-2 Stealth Bomber.

The Thunderbird pilot was forced to ditch his plane shortly after a flyover at the Air Force Academy's commencement ceremony, where President Barack Obama was speaking. There were no indications any of the jets were having problems before the crash.

Martinez Slams Dems For State’s Low Graduation RatesSanta Fe New Mexican

Gov. Susana Martinez slammed Democratic lawmakers for not supporting her education reform efforts and said they were to blame for the state’s low graduation rates.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports made the remarks during an appearance at the Española Public Library to promote the state’s summer reading challenge program.

Martinez has pushed for holding back third-graders who scored at the bottom of standardized reading tests. She said that’s a recipe for failure later on.

The New Mexican reports national studies have varied on the efficacy of holding students back to ensure they are reading at grade level.

Democratic Sen. John Sapien of Corrales, who heads the Senate Education Committee, said he is concerned about students not reading proficiently but added that holding them back is not good for kids and does not work.

Currently, the law allows students to be retained, but parents have the ability to veto those decisions.

Trump Reverses Stance To Woo Martinez Endorsement – Santa Fe New Mexican

When Donald Trump spoke in New Mexico recently he slammed Gov. Susana Martinez, his fellow Republican, but now he said he wants her endorsement.

In an interview with the Santa Fe New Mexican Trump said he likes and respects Martinez, who did not attend his rally and said she would not be bullied into backing the presumptive GOP presidential nominee.

Martinez is the only Latina governor and the chair of the Republican Governors Association. She has criticized his comments on Mexican immigrants.

Martinez told the New Mexican her backing of Trump would be contingent on his stance regarding federal installations in the state that play key roles in the economy here.

New Mexico Tops Nation For Pedestrian Deaths – Albuquerque Journal

New Mexico had 74 pedestrian deaths in 2014, the highest in the nation according to a new report.

The Albuquerque Journal reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that New Mexico’s pedestrian death rate was twice that of the national rate.

In more than half the accidents pedestrian impairment due to alcohol was an issue, compared to one third nationally. Jaywalking also contributed to pedestrian deaths here.

The Governors Highway Safety Association earlier this year also ranked New Mexico the highest in the country for pedestrian deaths

Police Release Names Of Las Cruces Couple In Murder-SuicideAssociated Press

Authorities have released the names of a Las Cruces couple found dead in their home last month in a murder-suicide.

Las Cruces police said Thursday that detectives believe 83-year-old Theodore Schmitz used a handgun to shoot his 82-year-old wife Viola before turning the weapon on himself.

The bodies were found April 28 after police were asked by a caregiver to conduct a welfare check on a couple.

Officers reported finding the bodies in the home's master bedroom.

Police detectives say they learned the couple both had health issues that required extensive medical attention.

They believe the murder-suicide occurred a few days prior to April 28.

Albuquerque Police Make Arrest Linked To Violent Trump RiotAssociated Press

Two men and a teenager have been arrested in connection with a protest outside a recent Donald Trump rally in downtown Albuquerque that turned violent.

Authorities announced the arrests during a news conference Thursday.

They said 22-year-old Julian Heckman and 39-year-old Willie Williams were arrested this week and face charges that range from disorderly conduct to throwing rocks at police.

The 14-year-old boy is accused of aggravated battery on a police officer.

Authorities have said around 30 people out of roughly 1,000 protesters were responsible for the violence outside the May 24 rally for the GOP presidential hopeful.

Mayor Richard Berry says businesses have contributed another $12,000 in reward money as authorities search for others who were involved in the riot.

Ex-President Stumps For Wife In New Mexico Campaign Stop Las Cruces Sun-News, Associated Press

Former President Bill Clinton has stumped for his wife, Hillary, during a campaign stop in Las Cruces, five days ahead of the primary election in New Mexico.

The Las Cruces Sun-News reports Clinton never mentioned presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump by name Thursday.

But the former president made numerous references to the importance of bringing people together and the dangers of playing one group against another.

Clinton also never mentioned Bernie Sanders — Hillary's Democratic opponent in Tuesday's presidential primary in New Mexico — except to compare their plans for college students.

Bill Clinton says Hillary's plan is more practical because the Sanders plan relies on state funding that may not be available.

About 500 supporters filled the Picacho Middle School gymnasium for the event. There were no visible protesters inside or outside the venue.

4 Sought In Transgender Man's Beating Death May Be In New MexicoAssociated Press

Police say they've obtained murder arrest warrants for four people in the death of a transgender man beaten last month at a Vermont homeless encampment.

The two men and two women charged Thursday in the death of Amos Beede were last known to be in Roswell, New Mexico. One of the men was arrested there on May 31 on charges he assaulted one of the women but later was released.

Beede was attacked on May 23 at a homeless encampment in Burlington. He died on May 28.

The suspects in his killing are identified as Erik Averill, Jordon Paul, Myia Barber and Allison Gee, who are fugitives. Police say the four are "wanted for murder."

Police initially said they were investigating whether Beede's gender identity contributed to his death, but there was no mention of that Thursday.

DA Drops Charges Against 2 In Teen's Shooting Death Associated Press

A New Mexico district attorney has dropped charges against two men in a drive-by shooting that killed an Albuquerque teenager.

Bernalillo County District Attorney Kari Brandenburg says charges against Donovan Maez and Christopher Cruz were dismissed Thursday. Both Maez and Cruz had faced multiple charges in the case stemming from the shooting death of Jaydon Chavez-Silver, including first-degree murder.

Brandenburg says the decision to drop charges was made based on evidence obtained by her office. She did not elaborate.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports John Day, the attorney representing Maez, said the teenager’s grandfather, a former Secret Service agent, did his own investigation and found evidence of witness intimidation.

The Albuquerque Police Department issued a brief statement in the case by Chief Gorden Eden who said “We strive to do what’s right, uphold the law and fight for justice. We will continue to work alongside [Brandenberg’s] office to ensure justice for Jaydon, his family and our community.”

Maez’s mother, Stephanie Maez, was a state legislator at the time of the arrest, but resigned three months later.

Charges are still pending against two other suspects in the shooting.

Chavez-Silver was killed a year ago while at an Albuquerque house party.

Police said shots were fired from a vehicle into the home. They didn't believe he was the intended target of the attack.

Thunderbirds Grounded Ahead of Kirtland AFB ShowAlbuquerque Journal, Associated Press

The Thunderbirds will not take part in an air show at Kirtland Air Force Base this weekend following an incident in Colorado Springs where a pilot ejected safely as his fighter jet crashed into a deserted Colorado area.

The Albuquerque Journal reports the team must participate in a safety investigation following the incident. The Kirtland show will go forward and will include the Wings of Blue parachute team, a Navy Super Hornet fighter jet and a B-2 Stealth Bomber.

The Thunderbird pilot was forced to ditch his plane shortly after a flyover at the Air Force Academy's commencement ceremony, where President Barack Obama was speaking. There were no indications any of the jets were having problems before the crash.

Martinez Slams Dems For State’s Low Graduation RatesSanta Fe New Mexican

Gov. Susana Martinez slammed Democratic lawmakers for not supporting her education reform efforts and said they were to blame for the state’s low graduation rates.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports made the remarks during an appearance at the Española Public Library to promote the state’s summer reading challenge program.

Martinez has pushed for holding back third-graders who scored at the bottom of standardized reading tests. She said that’s a recipe for failure later on.

The New Mexican reports national studies have varied on the efficacy of holding students back to ensure they are reading at grade level.

Democratic Sen. John Sapien of Corrales, who heads the Senate Education Committee, said he is concerned about students not reading proficiently but added that holding them back is not good for kids and does not work.

Currently, the law allows students to be retained, but parents have the ability to veto those decisions.

Thunderbirds Grounded Ahead of Kirtland AFB ShowAlbuquerque Journal, Associated Press

The Thunderbirds will not take part in an air show at Kirtland Air Force Base this weekend following an incident in Colorado Springs where a pilot ejected safely as his fighter jet crashed into a deserted Colorado area.

The Albuquerque Journal reports the team must participate in a safety investigation following the incident. The Kirtland show will go forward and will include the Wings of Blue parachute team, a Navy Super Hornet fighter jet and a B-2 Stealth Bomber.

The Thunderbirds pilot was forced to ditch his plane shortly after a flyover at the Air Force Academy's commencement ceremony, where President Barack Obama was speaking. There were no indications any of the jets were having problems before the crash.