A federal judge gave approval to a $79 million settlement between a Michigan tribe and the operators of two casinos in Detroit.

The Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians was unconstitutionally denied a chance to bid on Detroit's casino licenses. The tribe won a series of court rulings affirming its rights, blocking construction of permanent casinos.

In exchange for dropping the suit, the MotorCity and Greektown casinos will pay $39.5 million each to the tribe. A third casino operator has not agreed to the settlement and the litigation will continue against MGM Grand.

Get the Story:
Federal judge OKs tribe's settlement with two Detroit casinos (AP 4/10)
Tribe settles suit; casinos clear hurdle (The Detroit Free Press 4/11)
Editorial: Reviving Detroit (The Detroit Free Press 4/11)