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WASHINGTON (AP) — An attorney for the parents of Trayvon Martin says today's decision by the Justice Department is a "bitter pill to swallow." Justice officials announced today that the man who fatally shot their son will not face federal civil rights charges. Attorney Ben Crump says the parents of the black teen who was shot to death in Florida three years ago are distraught over the decision not to pursue a civil rights case against George Zimmerman. He has said he shot Martin in self-defense, and he was acquitted of second-degree murder.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald says integrity and character are a part of who he is. And he's apologizing again for erroneously claiming he served in the military's special forces. At a news conference outside VA offices today, McDonald told reporters he made the misstatement in a conversation with a homeless veteran he was trying "to connect with." But he says he has "no excuse" for it. The VA secretary has drawn expressions of disappointment, but no demands for his resignation.
WASHINGTON (AP) — As promised, President Barack Obama has vetoed a measure that would force construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline. Congressional Republicans haven't yet shown that they can put together a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override it. Approval of the pipeline is a top Republican priority. It would connect Canada's tar sands to Gulf Coast refineries.
OXNARD, Calif. (AP) — An investigator says today's commuter train accident northwest of Los Angeles occurred after a truck became stuck on the tracks. The investigator says the driver is not from the area and made a premature right turn. His box truck, with a trailer, was struck by the train early today in Oxnard. Three rail cars flipped onto their sides and 28 people were injured. The driver is being questioned by police.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A major European river cruise company is going to be cruising the Mississippi. Officials of Viking River Cruises joined with Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal today to announce that New Orleans will be the first North American home port for the cruise line. The company plans to build six boats, each capable of holding up to 300 passengers.
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