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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

In brief: Coeur d’Alene Casino drops Ted Nugent show over complaints of racism

From Staff Reports

The Coeur d’Alene Casino dumped rock musician Ted Nugent from its summer schedule Monday, saying his “racist attitudes and views” have no place there.

“We know what it’s like to be the target of hateful messages and we would never want to perpetuate hate in any way,” said Chief Allan, chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.

Nugent, 65, was scheduled to perform Aug. 4 at the tribe’s casino-hotel in Worley, south of Coeur d’Alene. Complaints about the booking grew Monday after the Southern Poverty Law Center called attention to the appearance, labeling it a “PR disaster.”

Nugent sometimes wears a Native American headdress onstage and mocks those campaigning to change sports team names such as Redskins and Savages, according to the center.

Nugent’s Worley show – part of his SHUTUP&JAM! tour – was squeezed between two nights at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma and a performance at the Portland Expo Center.

The Coeur d’Alene Casino will refund full ticket prices for the show. Call (800) 523-2464 to arrange for a refund.

Scott Maben

Judge enters not-guilty plea for CdA teen accused of killings

A state judge entered a not-guilty plea on behalf of a Coeur d’Alene boy charged in the deaths of his father and brother.

Eldon Gale Samuel III, 14, declined to speak, heeding the advice of his lawyer who is opposing prosecutors’ decision to charge the boy as an adult.

Police arrested Samuel on March 24. Investigators accuse him of shooting his father, Eldon Samuel Jr., 46, and then shooting and stabbing his brother, Jonathan Samuel, 13. He faces one count of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree murder and is being held at the adult jail on $1 million bail.

No trial date has been set.

In an interview with investigators after his arrest, Samuel showed no remorse and told them he hated his brother, blamed him for his anger and frustration, and contemplated and prepared for the killings for months, according to police statements.

Scott Maben