Settlement talks are underway in the Keepseagle case, the Associated Press reports.

The plaintiffs and the Department of Agriculture will be negotiating for 60 days under a schedule approved by a federal judge. That could mean the end of a case that accuses the government of discriminating against Indian farmers and ranchers by denying them loans and services.

The case was filed in 1999. The plaintiffs said they are ready to go trial.

The Clinton administration settled a similar lawsuit with African-American farmers.

Get the Story:
Settlement talks set in Indian farmers lawsuit (AP 12/8)

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