August 12, 2026

Tribe to appeal ruling

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. -- The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, owner of two casinos, will appeal a decision refusing to dismiss a lawsuit accusing it of violating state campaign-finance laws.

Sacramento Superior Court Judge Loren McMaster ruled last week that the tribe is subject to the same state campaign-finance laws that apply to other political contributors. The case was seen as an important test of Indian sovereignty.

The five-member tribal council voted Tuesday to make an accelerated request for an appeal, tribal attorney Art Bunce said Wednesday.

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