(New York, NY) – WABC starts the weekend news hour each morning by going over the top five stories you need to know going into the day, and these are some of the stories we are talking about this Saturday. If you missed today’s show at 5 a.m. with Liz Rattoballi, you can still download it as a podcast and listen anytime.
Judge Demands Release of Mahmoud Khalil
The pro-Palestinian activist that sparked a debate over his green-card status is free from an immigration detention center in Louisiana. A federal judge ordered Khalil to be released after three months in detention. The White House and Secretary of State Marco Rubio say Khalil posed a national security threat with his support for Palestine and what they claim are anti-Semitic views. However, the judge disagreed and found that Khalil had a clean record and did not indicate he was a flight risk. The government then argued that Khalil lied on his paperwork when he first applied for his green-card. Khalil did have to surrender his Algerian passport and will not be able to travel outside of New York while the government appeals their case.
Brad Lander Goes After ICE
City Comptroller and mayoral hopeful, Brad Lander, made a return to federal immigration court following his dramatic arrest this week. Lander was cuffed and carried away on Tuesday while trying to escort an immigrant to court who was also taken into custody. Lander outside of 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan on Friday blasted the White House and President Trump on immigration. Lander said the crackdown on immigrants showing up to court is meant to stoke fear. The democratic candidate for mayor says he will keep showing up to court on behalf of immigrants in New York.
Deliberations Could Begin Soon in Diddy Case
Prosecutors may end up resting their case on Monday, after proceedings carried on throughout Friday until court was adjourned. A witness is expected to continue testimony about damage left behind at a hotel room where Sean “Diddy” Combs hosted sex parties. A former personal assistant to Diddy and Syracuse basketball player, Brendan Paul, also testified after he was granted immunity. Paul says some of his responsibilities included supplying drugs to escorts and cleaning up after these sex parties. Diddy will not be testifying. The defense is expected to rest their case on Wednesday – so if all goes according to plan – closing arguments could come as soon as Thursday.
