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March is Women's History Month!

Muscogee Nation Against Proposed Gaming Agreement

The descendants of Alabama Creeks forced to walk the Trail of Tears are urging Alabama's governor not to sign a gaming agreement with a tribe they say built a casino on sacred land.  The Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma sent Gov. Robert Bentley a letter in June urging him never to sign a compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.  

Experts Battle

The federal trial of an Alabama police officer accused of injuring an Indian man during a confrontation could become a battle of experts.  Court records show both prosecutors and the defense intend to present expert testimony in the September trial of Eric Sloan Parker.  Documents show prosecutors plan to present testimony from police Chief Larry Muncey of Madison, Parker's boss that Parker used excessive force.  But a recent document filed shows the defense will call a martial arts instructor who says Parker was justified in using force.  57-year-old Sureshbhai Patel was visiting relatives in February when  he was slammed down by police called to a suburban neighborhood.  Parker is being fired and faces a state charge.  

Medicaid Theft

Authorities say a Bessemer woman pleaded guilty to stealing from the Alabama Medicaid Agency.  Attorney General Luther Strange says 34-year-old Sonia Judd Coleman pleaded guilty to theft for stealing more than $50,000 from the agency.  Strange says Coleman conspired with pharmacist Alan Bruce Connell to file multiple fraudulent claims.  Authorities say Coleman billed the agency for expensive medications for her child that Connell had not dispensed and was given cash on several occasions when medication wasn't provided.  Connell pleaded guilty in April and hasn't been sentenced.  Officials say Coleman's son is in the custody of the Department of Human Resources.