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FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2003

Federal marshals shut down the Meskwaki Tribe's casino in Iowa this morning.

A federal judge ordered the casino closed until the National Indian Gaming Commission decides it can be reopened. The agency says the tribe's appointed council is violating federal law.

The closure came a day after the tribe held a special election intended to resolve an ongoing leadership. According to press accounts, Homer Bear and his slate of appointed council members won. Last month, Bear and his allies took over the tribe from the elected council.

The elected council says it won't recognize the results.

Get the Story:
Statement: Sac and Fox Gaming Commission (5/23)
Feds Close Iowa Casino in Tribal Dispute (AP 5/23)
Federal Marshals Close Meskawki Casino (AP 5/23)
Meskwaki Tribe Special Election Results (KWWL 5/22)
Meskwaki Vote Results Are In (KCRG 5/22)

Related Stories:
Meskwaki voters asked to choose new leaders (5/22)
Meskwaki voters urged to vote for new council (5/21)
NIGC asks court to close Meskwaki Tribe's casino (5/20)
Judge calls for receivership for Meskwaki funds (5/19)
Meskwaki casino stays open during leadership spat (5/15)
NIGC orders Meskwaki Tribe to close casino (5/14)
State threatens Meskwaki compact over dispute (5/9)
Meskwaki factions can't agree on discussions (5/8)
Talks between Meskwaki leaders break down (5/6)
Meskwaki Tribe works to resolve dispute (5/5)
NIGC says Meskwaki Tribe in violation of IGRA (5/1)
Meskwaki leadership dispute continues (4/30)
Editorial: NIGC should interfere in tribal dispute (04/24)
NIGC threatens to close Meskwaki Tribe's casino (4/23)
Meskwaki leadership dispute won't affect payroll (4/18)
Federal judge won't intervene in Meskwaki dispute (4/16)
Meskwaki Tribe undergoing leadership struggle (4/10)
Meskwaki tribal council removed and replaced (03/27)