Free Republic

A lawsuit filed on behalf of protesters during the 2020 Black Lives Matter riots in Portland has resulted in a settlement agreement with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Oregon. The settlement includes financial compensation to individuals who claimed they were harmed by the actions of federal law enforcement deployed during the unrest. The lawsuit alleged that federal agents, sent to Portland by the Trump administration, had “beaten, shot, and abducted” protesters, journalists, and medics. It argued that the force used by law enforcement violated the constitutional rights of individuals to peacefully protest.

NYC Council pass bill to create task force to study reparations for black residents City lawmakers passed a controversial bill Thursday to create a reparations task force in New York City — which could lead to proposals to spend billions in taxpayer money as compensation for slavery and racial injustice. The legislation was approved 41-8 before the full council on Thursday, with its sponsor, Council Member Farah Louis (D-Brooklyn), calling it a “monumental step” to pay back “injustices that have plagued our society for centuries.” “This is a matter of morality and justice, equality and equity,” Louis said.