This just in: A federal judge in New York has approved settlements in 92 of the 95 cases filed on behalf of those injured or killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The total amount paid was close to $500 million, according to the mediator in the case, Sheila Birnbaum, of Skadden, Arps. Click here for the early AP story; here for a copy of Judge Alvin Hellerstein's order, which attaches Birnbaum's report.

The lawsuits were brought by those who chose not to participate in the Victim's Compensation Fund, a special fund Congress...