The median settlement fell 4 percent, to $5.3 million, from $5.5 million.

The settlement, which was given preliminary approval in November, could fall apart if enough former clients choose to opt out.

As a result, the settlement fell into decay to the next government contractual work.

Others believe the settlements fell short of being truly urban.

But the settlement with Merrill falls short of removing them from the picture.

A tentative $41 million settlement reached in August that would have required him to step down as chairman and chief executive fell apart recently.

The settlement fell under the terms of the 1985 law that the court upheld today.

The following settlements all fall within the boundaries of the commune:

The settlement today fell far short of the union's goals.

A tentative settlement in 1990 fell apart when it was rejected by Alaskan officials.