SEATTLE — The Duwamish tribe — the tribe of Chief Seattle — is suing the federal government for recognition.
The suit filed Wednesday in federal court in Seattle asks the court to reverse a Bureau of Indian Affairs decision seven years ago that the tribe had gone extinct.
Federal recognition would bring the tribe money for housing, health care, education and cultural programs. The tribe also could put land into protected status for a reservation and open a casino.
The tribe says it has about 500 members. It received federal recognition at the end of the Clinton administration only to have the decision reversed in 2001 by the Bush administration.
Spokane: Inmate stabs jail guard with pen
An inmate stabbed a guard in the face with a pen at the Spokane County Jail.
Sgt. Donald Hooper was treated Wednesday for cuts and puncture wounds.
The 26-year-old inmate, Michael J. Wigren, had been given the pen to sign legal papers for a transfer to a prison. He is being held on federal charges of making threats to U.S Senator Patty Murray and the FBI.
Threatening letter prompts evacuation
Spokane’s downtown post office was evacuated for three hours before authorities determined a substance found in a threatening letter was ground-up antacid.
Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Eric Marks says an inmate in Florida may face charges for mailing the threatening, bloodstained letter with a white substance wrapped in a piece of tissue paper.
The incident began about 9:30 a.m. Thursday when a federal employee opened the letter and discovered the note and substance. A hazardous materials team determined the substance was a compound used in antacids, but tests for contaminants were pending.
Marks says the Florida inmate is in prison on state charges for sending similar letters.
The post office houses federal courts and agencies. Evacuated employees returned to work after three hours.
Stevenson: Search for fishermen called off
The Coast Guard has suspended its search for three tribal fishermen missing since their boat capsized in the Columbia River this week.
The three members of the Yakama Nation left on the fishing trip Tuesday night and were expected to return Wednesday morning, but never showed up. Searchers found their vessel near Stevenson, in Skamania County.
Teams searched the Columbia from east of the Bonneville Dam to the Wind River, but did not find the men. The effort was called off Thursday afternoon.
Idaho: Evaluation of killer complete
A psychiatric evaluation of convicted child killer Joseph Edward Duncan III has been completed, and a federal judge could decide soon if Duncan will be allowed to represent himself in his death penalty hearing.
A jury is expected to decide this summer if Duncan should be imprisoned for life or executed for the kidnapping, abuse and slaying of young Dylan Groene in 2005. Duncan has already pleaded guilty to the crimes against Dylan and the kidnapping and abuse of his sister, Shasta Groene.
Duncan has asked U.S. District Judge Edward Lodge to represent himself in the sentencing hearing. Lodge said he was inclined to grant Duncan’s request but first wanted to make sure the defendant was mentally competent to make the weighty decision. The evaluation was filed Thursday and Lodge said he would keep it under seal.
Associated Press
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