The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria hopes to convince the Obama administration to approve its long-delayed casino in northern California. The tribe won approval to acquire 254 acres for the project but the Bureau of Indian Affairs is holding off on a final decision in order to resolve a lawsuit. A group called Stop the Casino 101 Coalition says the casino will hurt the community. Judge Susan Illston rejected the group's claims in April and said the recently-recognized tribe was entitled to have land placed in trust under an act of Congress. An appeal is being filed with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Get the Story:
'Trust' decision on R.P. casino on hold (The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat 6/19)