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A 22-year-old man from Hanover, Maryland, admitted in federal court on Tuesday to charges arising from his efforts to align himself with ISIS and prepare for acts of violence, including attacks inside the United States.

Michael Sam Teekaye, Jr. entered a guilty plea to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, specifically ISIS.

The plea was announced by Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, together with Jimmy Paul, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office.

Court filings show that between March and April 2023, Teekaye held repeated discussions with an undercover law enforcement officer. During those conversations, he said he intended to travel to Africa to join ISIS as a “mujahid,” or fighter. He also told the undercover officer that his “plan B” involved carrying out an attack in the United States targeting Jews and people who support Israel, explaining that he had examined nearby buildings associated with Israel and considered how to “gun down key members or anyone involved.”

Federal prosecutors said that in May and June 2024, Teekaye went on three occasions to a shooting range in Severn, Maryland, where he bought ammunition and paid for range time. He later described these activities to the undercover officer as part of his “training.” In July 2024, Teekaye attempted to buy a Kalashnikov K-9 9mm assault rifle, but the transaction was rejected because he was on probation in an unrelated state case.

“Teekaye aspired to become an ISIS fighter to unleash attacks on the homeland. He took real-world steps to carry out a terrorist attack in Maryland, including attempting to purchase an assault rifle and researching locations where he could kill Jews and supporters of Israel,” Hayes said. “Thanks to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, we stopped Teekaye before he could harm anyone. There is no margin for error when it comes to terrorism.”

Paul echoed those remarks, saying, “Michael Teekaye spent years maliciously plotting to join ISIS and murder Americans. His evil plans failed thanks to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. Their swift action and coordination stopped Teekaye from carrying out his deadly plans against Americans,” adding, “The FBI remains steadfastly committed to protecting our nation.”

Authorities said that from August through October 2024, Teekaye continued communicating with the undercover officer and described contact with a Somali ISIS fighter about plans to travel to Somalia. He outlined a route that involved flying first to Turkey, then to Ethiopia, and crossing into Somalia. Teekaye sent screenshots of an Ethiopian e-Visa that he said he obtained through the ISIS contact, and on October 4, 2024, he told the undercover officer that airline tickets had been provided. He also shared images of a travel itinerary showing plans to leave from Baltimore/Washington International Airport on October 14, traveling to Istanbul with a layover in London.

On October 10, Teekaye sent the undercover officer a photograph of himself wearing a black mask and holding a large machete, along with the message, “Victory or shahada [i.e., martyrdom] … either you do it here or over there or both.” The following day, when asked whether he was “sure” about joining ISIS, Teekaye replied that he was “sure” because he had conducted “a lot of research” and believed “they are the only group that has the most true and sincere intentions.”

FBI agents arrested Teekaye on October 14 at BWI after he checked in for his flight and passed through security screening. Prosecutors said that after his arrest, Teekaye made several unsolicited statements, including, “I’m just gonna get out in 20 years and I’m just gonna do it here. Okay? Okay? It will never stop. Jihad will never stop. I’ll just do it here then, when I get out. . . . You think 20 years is something? I’ll be like 40 when I get out, then I’ll just do it. I don’t care. It will never stop. Jihad will never stop. I’ll come and I’ll kill your soldiers. I’ll kill you, and I’ll kill . . . .” Authorities said that while making these remarks, Teekaye kicked and spat at one of the arresting agents.

Teekaye now faces up to 20 years in federal prison, along with lifetime supervised release, for attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Sentencing has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, at 10 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson.

Hayes credited the FBI Baltimore Field Office for its investigative work and thanked the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, as well as the FBI offices in Newark and Richmond and the New York Police Department, for their assistance. She also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Hoffman and Trial Attorney Elisa Poteat of the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section for their roles in prosecuting the case.

{Matzav.com}

President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States cannot disclose military planning to its Gulf partners while discussions with Iran are underway, even as Washington deploys a sizable naval force to the region.

In an interview with Fox News Channel senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich, Trump addressed reports suggesting that Gulf allies have not been informed about possible U.S. action involving Iran.

“Well, we can’t tell them the plan. If I told them the plan, it would be almost as bad as telling you the plan – it could be worse, actually,” Trump said. “But look, the plan is that [Iran is] talking to us, and we’ll see if we can do something, otherwise we’ll see what happens… We have a big fleet heading out there, bigger than we had – and still have, actually – in Venezuela.”

According to Fox News, a senior Gulf official said Saudi Arabia would not permit the U.S. to use its airspace or bases in the event of an attack. Another high-ranking official from a Gulf Cooperation Council country told the network that the “US hasn’t shared objectives or plans” related to Iran, despite recent high-level Saudi meetings in Washington intended to gain insight into U.S. intentions.

Officials in the Gulf have noted that Iran often turns to negotiations, but they remain doubtful that talks will result in a meaningful agreement.

“Well, that’s true, but they are negotiating, so we’ll see what happens,” Trump said in response to that skepticism.

“You know, the last time they negotiated, we had to take out their nuclear, didn’t work, you know. Then we took it out a different way, and we’ll see what happens,” he added.

Trump also spoke to reporters at the White House on Friday and suggested that he had delivered a firm message to Tehran about reaching an agreement with the United States.

When asked whether Iran had been given a deadline to make a deal before facing possible military action, Trump said, “Only they know for sure.”

Pressed on whether that message had been conveyed directly, the President responded, “Yeah, I have.”

Trump further remarked on the broader situation, saying, “We’ll see how it all works out, it’s a rough situation… a lot of people are being killed. I can say this, Iran wants to make a deal.”

He again emphasized the scale of the American military deployment in the area, stating, “We have a tremendously powerful fleet there. We have the most powerful ships in the world.”

Earlier that same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran is willing to return to nuclear negotiations with the United States, but cautioned that talks cannot move forward while Washington continues to issue military threats.

Araghchi also made clear that Iran’s ballistic missile program is not up for discussion and said the country is prepared for any outcome. “Iran is ready for both scenarios – war or diplomacy,” he said.

{Matzav.com}

Sen. Lindsey Graham: “The ICE agents and the border patrol and all federal law enforcement involved in this has been slandered and smeared. To the Republican Party, where have you been? Count me in for holding them accountable. Where are you at leaders?”

⚠️ FREEZE IN MIAMI: A cold front moving into South Florida is set to usher in a blast of unusually cold air and winds that will intensify conditions through Motzei Shabbos and into Sunday. The cold will peak Sunday morning, when wind chills are expected to drop into the 20s across much of Broward and […]

Sen. Schumer on Don Lemon arrest: “The arrest is a dark message to journalists everywhere. If you dare criticize this administration, watch your back…Don Lemon should be released at once, and the frivolous charges against him dropped.”

President Donald Trump signed an executive order authorizing the imposition of tariffs on goods from any country that sells or supplies oil to Cuba, a step that could intensify the severe energy shortages already gripping the island.

The measure is expected to place particular strain on Mexico, which has emerged as a key source of oil for Cuba and has repeatedly expressed solidarity with the Cuban government, even as President Claudia Sheinbaum has worked to cultivate a close working relationship with Trump.

In recent days, speculation has mounted that Mexico might significantly reduce its oil exports to Cuba as pressure from Trump grows for Mexico to distance itself from Havana.

Cuba, mired in a worsening economic and energy crisis—exacerbated in part by long-standing U.S. sanctions—has increasingly depended on foreign assistance and oil shipments from allies such as Mexico, Russia, and Venezuela, prior to a U.S. military operation that ousted former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Following that operation, Trump declared that Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba would cease and asserted that the Cuban government was on the verge of collapse.

According to its latest report, Mexico’s state-owned oil company, Pemex, delivered nearly 20,000 barrels of oil per day to Cuba between January and Sept. 30, 2025.

That same month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Mexico City.

After the visit, Jorge Pinon, an energy expert at the University of Texas Energy Institute who monitors shipments through satellite tracking, said deliveries had dropped to roughly 7,000 barrels per day.

Sheinbaum has offered limited clarity on Mexico’s position regarding the shipments.

Over the past week, she has provided indirect and noncommittal responses to questions about oil exports to Cuba, repeatedly sidestepping the issue during her morning press briefings.

On Tuesday, Sheinbaum acknowledged that Pemex had at least temporarily halted some oil shipments to Cuba, but she characterized the pause as part of routine fluctuations in supply and emphasized that it was a “sovereign decision” unrelated to pressure from the United States.

Sheinbaum has maintained that Mexico would continue to demonstrate solidarity with Havana, though she has not specified the nature or scope of that support.

On Wednesday, she said she never suggested that shipments had been fully “suspended” and stated that “humanitarian aid” to Cuba would continue.

She added that shipment decisions are governed by contractual obligations within Pemex.

“So the contract determines when shipments are sent and when they are not sent,” Sheinbaum said.

It remains uncertain how Trump’s order signed Thursday will ultimately affect Cuba, which has endured years of economic hardship under a U.S. embargo and recurring crises.

Tensions were already visible on the island this week, as long lines formed at gas stations and drivers waited anxiously for fuel, unsure of what developments might come next.

{Matzav.com}

A powerful moment of personal example and chizuk took place this week when Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein hosted rabbanim from the Chofetz Chaim B’Iyun kollel network in his home. The Chofetz Chaim B’Iyun kollel network is an organization dedicated to the study of the Chofetz Chaim and the strengthening of shemiras halashon.

During the gathering, as seen in the photo above, Rav Zilberstein surprised those present by physically showing them his teeth, explaining that they are all still intact. He then shared a well-known tradition about the Chofetz Chaim, who toward the end of his life displayed his own complete set of teeth and said that not a single one had fallen out, because he had never spoken lashon hara in his lifetime.

Those close to Rav Zilberstein added that his son-in-law, the mekubal Rav Dov Kook, has testified that his father-in-law likewise merited this brocha. According to Rav Kook, Rav Zilberstein retained all of his teeth for the same reason — “because he never spoke negatively about another Jew.”

{Matzav.com}

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on Don Lemon arrest: “Do I have a reaction to it? I don’t know what that means. What are you looking for to do, jump up and down? No, I don’t have a reaction to it. I don’t know that the charges have been unsealed yet.”

BREAKING: The IDF says Israeli jets are carrying out multiple airstrikes on Hezbollah targets across southern Lebanon, with Lebanese media reporting at least 10 strikes.

Trump on Fed Chair Nominee Kevin Warsh: “He’s very smart, very good, strong… and I think he’s going to do good… I wanted to keep Kevin [Hassett] here… Kevin really has been fantastic at the White House.”

President Trump signs Executive Order officially launching the Freedom250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. It will be the first-ever Indy Car street race in our nation’s capitol to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

Sec. Duffy: “We’re going to celebrate America’s 250th birthday… to think, 190mph down Pennsylvania Avenue. This is going to be wild. The last time we had a race in the Capital City was… a horse race in 1801.”

Rep. Jeffries: “Lindsey Graham apparently is holding up the agreement, threatening to shut down the government because apparently Senate Republicans still support using taxpayer dollars to brutalize American citizens. And on top of it, to make matters worse, apparently Lindsey Graham wants access to a multi-million dollar taxpayer funded slush fund. That’s insanity!”

TRUMP: “I have some incredible people, and this is a very exciting thing that we’re doing… it’s having to do with our great 250th birthday… We’re Celebrating Greatness with American Motor Racing… it’s going to take place August 21st through the 23rd.”

TRUMP: “We have a large armada, flotilla, call it whatever you want, heading toward Iran right now, even larger than what we had in Venezuela”

An extraordinary moment took place this week at the home of the Slabodka Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Dov Landau, leaving those present stunned by his brilliance and astonishing memory.

The episode occurred following a bris held in the Rosh Yeshiva’s home. After the bris, family members approached Rav Landau to receive brachos and introduced him to the baby’s grandfather, Rav Chaim H., one of his talmidim.

Rav Landau was visibly delighted to see him and immediately said, “What you said, that the Rabbanan disagree with Rav Yosi regarding gram kibui and grama on Shabbos — the Maggid Mishneh does not write that. Rather, the Rabbanan agree with Rav Yosi that gram kibui is prohibited.”

Rav Chaim H. paused, trying to recall what the Rosh Yeshiva was referring to and could not understand why Rav Landau was raising the point. Rav Landau then turned to him again and asked, “Don’t you remember this? I remember it clearly. It was decades ago — maybe 30 or 40 years ago.”

After reflecting further, the former talmid realized that Rav Landau was correct: the two of them had indeed discussed that very sugya together roughly 35 years earlier — the last time the topic had come up between them.

Those present were left in awe, struck by the Rosh Yeshiva’s extraordinary genius and razor-sharp memory, able to recall with precision a detailed Torah discussion from more than three decades earlier.

{Matzav.com}

FRIGID WEATHER WON’T STOP THEM: Chesed of Flatbush volunteers were spotted delivering a hospital bed in freezing temperatures so a patient could be home for Shabbos.

The United Nations is confronting a severe financial emergency that could push the organization toward what its top official described as an “imminent financial collapse,” according to a letter sent to member states late last month.

In the message dated Jan. 28, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the organization’s financial position is rapidly worsening due to a combination of unpaid membership dues and restrictive budget rules. “The crisis is deepening, threatening program delivery and risking financial collapse. And the situation will deteriorate further in the near future,” Guterres wrote.

At the heart of the problem are mounting arrears from member states, which have left the U.N. struggling to meet its core financial obligations. The shortfall has affected both the regular budget and peacekeeping operations, creating cash-flow pressures that have become increasingly difficult to manage.

Guterres also pointed to a long-standing budget regulation that requires the organization to return unspent funds to member states, even during periods of acute financial stress. He described this rule as a structural flaw that exacerbates instability and limits the U.N.’s ability to plan responsibly.

The financial strain has been compounded by reductions in voluntary contributions from some major donors and delays in mandatory payments, further tightening available resources. As a result, the organization has been forced to consider cost-cutting measures and internal adjustments to keep operations running.

In his letter, Guterres cautioned that without immediate action, the United Nations could face a liquidity crisis within months. He urged member states either to pay their assessed contributions in full and on time or to agree to a fundamental overhaul of the organization’s financial rules to prevent collapse.

The growing cash crunch has raised concerns about the U.N.’s capacity to carry out essential missions, including peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and development programs worldwide. Officials warn that continued delays in funding could lead to reductions in services and undermine the organization’s global role.

Despite ongoing efforts to streamline operations and rein in expenses, Guterres made clear that internal reforms alone will not be sufficient. Without decisive action from member states, he warned, the financial outlook for the United Nations will continue to deteriorate.

{Matzav.com}

Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal authorities on Friday, a development confirmed by Newsmax correspondent James Rosen and a Justice Department official with knowledge of the case.

According to Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, federal agents arrested the journalist in Los Angeles, where he had been reporting on the Grammy Awards.

Attorney General Pam Bondi later stated on X that the arrests of Lemon, along with Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, were carried out “at my direction.”

Lowell sharply criticized the action, calling it an “unprecedented attack on the First Amendment.”

In a statement, Lowell said, “Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents last night in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy awards.” He added, “Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done.”

The arrest followed a decision last week in which a magistrate judge declined prosecutors’ initial attempt to bring charges against Lemon.

Authorities are now pursuing allegations that include conspiracy to deprive rights and interference with religious freedom inside a house of worship.

The case stems from a January 18 incident in which Lemon livestreamed a protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, opposing President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies in the area.

Lemon has said that he attended the event in his capacity as a journalist, explaining that while he had advance notice of the demonstration, he was unaware that activists intended to interrupt a religious service.

Video from the scene shows Lemon engaged in a heated exchange with a parishioner over immigration enforcement. Officials in the Trump administration swiftly denounced the protest, accusing those involved of intimidating Christian worshippers.

Lemon was scheduled to appear in court for an initial hearing later on Friday.

{Matzav.com}