California tribes sue over casino project approval

The Wintu Tribe of Northern California and the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians have sued federal agencies over a decision allowing Redding Rancheria to build a casino complex on 221 acres of culturally significant land. The tribes argue the approval process ignored environmental risks and the land’s historical importance, including pre-contact Wintu villages and a massacre site. The lawsuit alleges violations of multiple federal laws and a lack of consultation with affected tribes. A decision is pending.