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How To Put A Price On Suffering: Meet The Law Firm Mediating The Diocese's Victims Compensation Fund

Frank Franklin II
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AP
The Law Offices of Kenneth R. Feinberg have helped administer victim funds for tragedies like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the Pulse nightclub shooting.

 

It takes a delicate touch to step in in the wake of tragedy, and one Washington D.C.-based law firm has a lot more experience than most.

Camille Biros, business manager for Feinberg Law Offices, has helped shepherd clients through mass shootings, terrorist attacks and sexual abuse scandals. Now, they're helping mediate the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program for the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Credit Sabrina Bodon / 90.5 WESA
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90.5 WESA
Pow Wow participants take part in traditional dancing at the annual event in Dorseyville, Pa. at the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018.

Later in the program, WESA's Katie Blackley reports on the history and linguistic legacy of Native Americans in southwest Pennsylvania.

And the county's three public housing authorities accounted for more than 15 percent of the Allegheny County's 40,000 evictions between 2014 and 2016, shouldering residents with stacks of legal fees on top of back rent. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette journalists Christopher Huffaker and Kate Giammarise report many of the residents have nowhere left to turn once they’re evicted from public housing.

Plus, a preview of three gun bills expected to be filed in Pittsburgh City Council early Tuesday. If ultimately passed, the bills would ban assault weapons and certain ammunition and accessories, as well as prohibiting gun ownership if a user is deemed a danger to themselves or others. And as WESA’s Kathleen Davis reports, even if the bills pass, they would conflict with Pennsylvania state law.

The Confluence, where the news comes together, is 90.5 WESA’s daily news program, guest hosted today by Megan Harris. Tune in most other weekdays at 9 a.m. to hear newsmakers and innovators join veteran journalist Kevin Gavin, taking an in-depth look at stories important to the Pittsburgh region. Find more episodes of The Confluence here

Kiley Koscinski covers city government, policy and how Pittsburghers engage with city services. She also works as a fill-in host for All Things Considered. Kiley has previously served as a producer on The Confluence and Morning Edition.
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