Michigan drivers are able to get a special American Flag-style license plate in 2026, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. gaining independence.
The special plate is an updated version of the 1976 plate, which celebrated the 200th anniversary.
According to the SOS, the plate is only available during 2026 and will cost $55. The total cost includes a $50 Road Fund fee and a one-time $5 plate fee.
It's one of three legacy plates available. The other two are the black Great Lakes State plate that was used from 1979-1983 and the blue Great Lakes plate used from 1983-2007.
In a post on Facebook, he SOS said that in the first `12 hours of availability, Michiganders ordered 727 red, white & blue plates.
Lawmakers returning to the U.S. Capitol this week are asking what is next for Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela and its people following the Venezuelan leaders capture in a weekend U.S. military operation. President Donald Trump has said the U.S. is in charge of the country, but it remains unclear what that means.
Maduro is expected to make his first court appearance Monday in New York City, facing charges of narco-terrorism, cocaine importation and machine gun possession.
In a joint statement Sunday, Attorney General Pam Bondi said the operation to apprehend Maduro required months of coordination, detailed planning, and seamless execution across multiple components of the federal government.
The mission was conducted to support an ongoing criminal prosecution tied to large-scale narcotics trafficking and related offenses that have fueled violence, destabilized the region, and contributed directly to the drug crisis claiming American lives, Bondi added.
President Donald Trump announced Maduros capture Saturday morning following the overnight operation. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, now serving as acting president, called the arrest barbaric and demanded his immediate release.
Trump issued a warning to Rodriguez in an interview with The Atlantic.
If she doesnt do whats right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro, he said.
Democratic lawmakers are questioning Trumps remarks that the United States will run Venezuela for now, raising concerns about potential costs to American taxpayers and whether a long-term U.S. military presence is planned in the country. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended Maduro's capture, but said the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela and rejected the notion that the U.S. plans to take over the country.
"Here's the bottom line on it: we expect to see changes in Venezuela," Rubio said in a weekend interview. "Changes of all kinds long-term and short-term we'd love to see all kinds of changes. But the most immediate changes are the ones that are in the national interest of the United States. That's why we're involved here because of how it applies and has a direct impact on the United States."
Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are among the officials expected to provide a classified briefing on the matter to lawmakers Monday evening.
Law enforcement agencies, including Cincinnati police and the U.S. Secret Service, were investigating at Vice President JD Vance's Cincinnati home early Monday morning.
A Scripps News Group crew at the scene saw several officers from both agencies searching around Vance's home in the early morning hours; several windows in the house appeared to be broken.
A Cincinnati police sergeant at the scene said one person was taken into custody, but police did not say whether that person would be charged, or what they may be accused of doing.
It doesn't appear Vance or his family were home at the time of the incident; the City of Cincinnati previously announced that roads around the house would be closed until Sunday, Jan. 4.
Those barricades were not in place when our crew went to the scene Monday morning.
You can see the damage and police investigation in the video below:
Law enforcement investigate at Vice President JD Vance's home, 1 in custodyThis story was originally published by Felicia Jordan with the
Rather than dramatically raising prices on cups of coffee, the shop has reduced the size of bagged coffee from 16 to 12 ounces to maintain affordability.
"We were kind of the last holdout in saying let's make the bag a 12-ounce bag, because it's still at a price range that's approachable," Schwab said.
WATCH: Coffee shop owners show what they are doing to keep their prices from rising:
Insane coffee prices: Will they finally drop in 2026?
Abrupt price hikes
Coffee lovers are feeling the pinch as prices for their favorite beverage continue to climb. In the fourth quarter of 2025, the average price for ground roast topped more than $9 per pound.
Coffee prices in November rose nearly 19% compared to a year before. At restaurants, the median cost for a regular cup of coffee reached $3.59, according to the company Toast, though origin and quality can drive prices even higher.
Greg Peters of Talitha Coffee explains that lower-end, store-bought coffees have experienced the largest price increases compared to premium products.
"If you look at it from a percentage standpoint, the increase in the commodity price disproportionately is affecting some of those cheaper coffees," Peters said.
He explained that weather, tariffs, and the rising costs of shipping, labor, and production contribute to a more expensive brew.
Money-saving strategies for coffee lovers
Consumers and coffee shop owners are getting creative to manage expenses without sacrificing the caffeine fix.
Coffee Emporium, for example, is sourcing beans from alternative countries like Rwanda to keep specialty drink prices reasonable for customers.
In a recent report, Talitha Coffee offers this money-saving advice to consumers:
At home:
Brew at home on certain days instead of buying coffee out Buy whole beans instead of single-serve pods
At coffee shops:
Choose drip coffee over milk or espresso-based drinks Bring a reusable mug for potential discounts
Talitha Coffees report found more than half of coffee drinkers, 55.8%, have a limit of $6 to $8 for a cup of coffee.
"If you value that cafe experience and that high quality cup of coffee, maybe you make sacrifices elsewhere," Peters said.
So think about whether you need that high-end coffee beverage daily, or if you can swap for coffee at home, so you dont waste your money.
_________________
"This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy._______________________"Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps").
Gas prices in the state of Michigan are down 11 cents since this time last week, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
Drivers in Michigan are now paying an average of $2.70 per gallon, down 18 cents from this time last month and 44 cents from this time last year.
This means that for a full 15-gallon tank of gas, Michigan drivers are paying an average of $40, down $10 from 2025's highest prices back in August.
An AAA spokesperson tells us that despite recent developments in Venezuela, oil prices remain relatively stable in the U.S., with Friday's closing price for crude oil set at $57.32. That's up 58 cents since a week ago.
"Gas prices across Michigan have dropped, with motorists seeing the lowest pump prices since February of 2021," said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson, AAA-The Auto Club Group.
Gas prices in metro Detroit are also down, albeit slightly. Metro Detroit's current average is $2.77 per gallon, down four cents since last week and down 34 cents since this time last year.
Here's a look at the priciest and cheapest gas prices in the state:
Most expensive gas price averages: Ann Arbor ($2.82), Jackson ($2.77), Metro Detroit ($2.77) Least expensive gas price averages: Traverse City ($2.50), Grand Rapids ($2.53), Marquette ($2.53)
Police are on the scene of a home in Ypsilanti, where we're told a man has barricaded himself inside with a sword.
Watch Faraz Javed's report from the 6 a.m. show
Police standoff enters second day after man barricades himself with sword in Ypsilanti home
Neighbors tell us the man locked himself inside of his home on West Cross Street, near the First Baptist Church and less than a mile away from Eastern Michigan University, around noon on Sunday, Jan. 4.
Police tell us the standoff began as a neighbor dispute police arrived, and the man approached police with the sword before retreating back into his home. We're told the man is not a threat to the public, but residents are asked to avoid the area of Wallace Boulevard and Oakwood Street.
Neighbors say SWAT officers have been on scene since yesterday afternoon, after a wellness check turned into a standoff with a man believed to be armed with a sword.
A concerned neighbor, who did not want to be named, tells me the man practices martial arts, and that his mother-in-law lives on the first floor of the home.
"He was having a really hard week, and a wellness check was called, and its managed to escalate into basically a highly militarized situation," the neighbor said. "The SWAT has taken over our block, and occupied it, and created this perimeter and has maintained for the last 15 hours."
Throughout the day, SWAT officers have tried multiple times to make contact, at one point using flash bangs and tear gas after breaking windows on the upper floor.
Neighbors also describe seeing law enforcement deply drones and other tools in an effort to resolve the situation.
"And since theyve been doing all of that, we havent seen or heard from the man upstairs, there was one moment where he became very agitated, after they began throwing projectiles in the room. And we havent heard from him since, and that was about 5 hours ago," the neighbor told us. "I feel like the next step for us, as neighbors, is to talk about, how we want to respond to mental health crisis collectively."
Tonight, the city of Hamtramck's newest mayor was inaugurated amid a contentious legal battle. Adam Alharbi took the oath of office this evening, even as his challenger from November's election said the race is not over just yet.
Watch Darren's report in the video player below
Hamtramck mayor sworn in, election results still contested
7 News Detroit has covered this story since the beginning when city councilman Muhith Mahmood lost to Alharbi by just 11 votes.
The controversy stems from 37 uncounted ballots discovered the morning after the election in the city clerk's office.
In such a close race, every single vote could make a difference. Last month, a Wayne County judge ruled against adding the 37 ballots.
But now, the case is being appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court.
7 News Detroit spoke with Alharbi about the case after his inauguration.
7 News Detroit asked, "As you know, the city clerk was placed on administrative leave over the 37 ballots. How do you, Mr. Mayor, plan to bring a sense of stability to city hall given that the election results are still being contested in court?"
Alharbi replied, "Yes, I know there's a lot of residents that feel doubt in our elections right now. There's so much that can be done in Hamtramck to improve our city (and) gain the trust of residents. We have a good team right now heading to city hall. We have different vacant positions that we look to fill by qualified individuals, and I'm just excited for that and excited to move our city forward."
A 36-year-old Lincoln Park man was shot in the arm by police Sunday afternoon after he allegedly charged at officers while holding a box cutter in Allen Park.
Watch Tiarra's report in the video player below
Lincoln Park man shot by police after he allegedly charged at officers with box cutter
No officers were injured.
The shooting occurred Saturday afternoon on Southfield Road near Dix Highway and was captured on cellphone video by witnesses driving by the scene.
According to Allen Park police, officers from both Allen Park and Lincoln Park responded to the Motor Lodge on Southfield Road for a suicidal subject.
Dispatch audio revealed the man was outside a 7 Brew location holding a box cutter to his throat.
"We're outside the 7 Brew, he's holding a box cutter to his throat," first responders said in dispatch audio.
Chloe Mannarino and her husband were driving down Southfield Road when they encountered the scene.
"We're coming up to Dix and we see cop cars straight across the way from one side of Southfield to the other," Mannarino said.
In Mannarino's cellphone video, an officer can be heard yelling "drop the knife" before shots were fired.
Police said officers deployed a taser on the man, but it had no effect. The man allegedly started walking aggressively towards officers and he was shot in the arm.
"It look like they were trying to deescalate the situation but he just kept charging at them and then that was it," Mannarino said.
Mannarino said she had never witnessed anything like the incident before.
"It still doesn't feel real really," Mannarino said.
Michigan State Police are leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Jared Goff led five scoring drives, Jake Bates kicked a 42-yard field goal as time expired and the Detroit Lions regrouped to beat the NFC North champion Chicago Bears 19-16 on Sunday after blowing a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter.
The Bears (11-6) stumbled into the playoffs with back-to-back losses, though they secured the No. 2 seed in the NFC with Washington beating Philadelphia. Chicago will host Green Bay in a wild-card game next week and would have home-field advantage in the divisional round if it beats the Packers.
Caleb Williams set the franchises single-season passing record and threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes as the Bears wiped out a 16-0 deficit.
The Lions (9-8) ended a disappointing season on a winning note when Bates nailed a 42-yarder. A 26-yard pass from Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown helped set up the field goal, and Detroit came out on top after losing three in a row.
Cleveland Browns All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett set the NFL's single-season sack record, reaching No. 23 for the season with 5:09 remaining during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Garrett sacked Joe Burrow for a 6-yard loss on first-and-10 at the Browns 45-yard line. Burrow was in the shotgun formation when he saw Garrett coming and went down.
Garrett came into the game needing one sack to surpass the mark of 22 1/2 shared by Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan (in 2001 with the New York Giants) and Pittsburghs T.J. Watt in 2021.
The sack in some ways was similar to Strahan's record-breaking sack of Green Bay's Brett Favre. Both players didn't put up much of a challenge when they saw an oncoming pass rusher.
Garrett's teammates celebrated his 23rd sack even though Cincinnati tried to go no-huddle on the next play.
Garrett has sacked 51 players over his nine-year NFL career. Burrow is at the top of the list at 12 in 10 meetings.
The NFL did not start counting sacks as an official statistic until 1982. Mark Gastineau of the New York Jets had 22 in 1984 until Strahan surpassed that late in the fourth quarter of the New York Giants' 2001 season finale against Green Bay. Favre went down to the ground as Strahan was approaching to set the mark. Watt tied the record during the final game in 2021 at Baltimore by taking down Ravens QB Tyler Huntley.
Garrett has recorded at least half a sack in 11 of 12 games including Sunday. That includes a team-record five against the New England Patriots on Oct. 26, four against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 14 and three one week later at Las Vegas.
Jake Vedder never let the lack of mountains in his hometown stop him from pursuing snowboarding greatness.
Watch Faraz's report in the video player
Michigan snowboarder chases Olympic dreams ahead of crucial qualifiers
The 27-year-old from Pinckney, Michigan, is a professional snowboarder who made his Olympic debut in 2022. Now he's preparing for qualifiers in China this month that could secure his spot in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
"I've been so committed at this dream since I was 13 that it's been every single day, eat, sleep, breathe, waiting for the moment to become an Olympian," Vedder said.
Vedder's journey began at age 5 when he received a snowboard for Christmas. Growing up in a state without major ski resorts, his path to professional snowboarding was far from conventional.
"For sure, I wasn't expected to be where I'm at from, again, coming from where I'm from," Vedder said. "I remember having a teacher in school who I'm like, 'I want to be a professional snowboarder.' And it's like, 'oh, that's not really a thing.'"
The turning point came when Vedder won the Youth Olympics, proving his small-town origins wouldn't limit his potential.
"I remember telling one of our big bosses on our team, I'm a dog. Like, I'm ready to fight. Like, I have that grit, that Metro Detroit grit mentality," Vedder said.
His training regimen focuses heavily on injury prevention, recognizing the dangerous nature of his sport.
"A lot of my stuff in the offseason is building up my strength, but really it's a lot of injury prevention. Like, my sport is super dangerous. You could have some guy cut you off, and you could be flying upside down over a 100-foot jump," Vedder said.
Competing as an individual athlete against the world's top 100 snowboarders every weekend means facing frequent setbacks. Vedder has learned to embrace the challenge.
"You're going to have bad days. You're not going to win. You're going to have way more losses than you are going to have wins. So like, understand that, but just know that like, when you have those wins, you're climbing 10 steps up the ladder," Vedder said.
His advice extends beyond sports to all aspects of life.
"Everyone always wants to talk about sports, but business, life, relationships, if you commit to it fully, it's all going to work out exactly how you want it to work out," Vedder said.
As he prepares for the crucial qualifiers, Vedder credits his parents as his biggest supporters.
"The amount of sacrifice they've made for me and to believe, again, believing in this dream of where we're from, a spot with no mountains and no one's really done it in our area, their support is unmatched for sure," Vedder said.
With his sights set on Italy 2026, Vedder remains confident in his abilities.
"I'm ready to just go out there and perform my best. Like, I perform my best when I'm just level-headed and feeling good. I'm dangerous right now," Vedder said.
"This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is defending a U.S. mission that ended in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro and his wife, saying it was in the best interest of the United States.
Speaking Sunday on NBC News "Meet the Press," Rubio said the U.S. is at war against drug trafficking organizations, but not Venezuela specifically. Amid lingering questions about who is now in charge of the Venezuelan government, Rubio also rejected the idea that the U.S. would take over a notion President Donald Trump floated a day earlier.
"Here's the bottom line on it: we expect to see changes in Venezuela," Rubio said. "Changes of all kinds long-term and short-term we'd love to see all kinds of changes. But the most immediate changes are the ones that are in the national interest of the United States. That's why we're involved here because of how it applies and has a direct impact on the United States."
"We are not going to be able to allow in our hemisphere a country that becomes a crossroads for the activities of all of our adversaries around the world," he added. "We just can't allow it. We can't have a country where the people in charge of its military and in charge of its police department are openly cooperating with drug trafficking organizations. We're not going to allow that. These things are direct threats to the United States and we intend to use every element of leverage that we have to ensure that changes."
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured Saturday at their home in Caracas during an overnight operation carried out by U.S. special forces. The couple was then promptly flown to New York City to face charges related to narco-terrorism.
A video posted to social media by a White House account showed Maduro smiling as he was being escorted by law enforcement through a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration office. He is set to make his first court appearance on Monday in Manhattan's federal court.
Maduro had previously been indicted in 2020 for drug-related charges. At the time, the U.S. had offered up to a $15 million reward for Maduro's arrest. That amount has since been increased to $50 million.
The Trump administration has for months been building up military forces in the region and carrying out strikes on alleged drug smuggling boats in eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. President Trump has justified the attacks as crucial to stemming the flow of drugs into the U.S.
A Livonia man has been charged after prosecutors say he shot two people outside of a Garden City karaoke bar earlier this week.
Watch our previous coverage
Two hospitalized after being shot outside of Garden City karaoke bar
Dispatch audio obtained by 7 News Detroit captures the horrifying moments when first responders arrived to find victims bleeding on the ground at Rockstarz 2.0 in Garden City.
Police say that two men were shot just after 4 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1, as Rockstarz was closing and patrons were leaving.
Investigators say both victims were rushed to a local hospital, where they're receiving treatment. Garden City Police arrested a suspect around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, and we're told he surrended himself a few hours later.
We're told that Brian Jaron Lindsay, 29, was charged on Sunday morning with two counts of Assault with Intent to Murder, two counts of Assault with Intent to Do Great Bodily Harm, two counts of Felonious Assault, and six counts of Felony Firearm.
Per the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, Lindsay was issued a $1 million cash/surety bond.
Three people were shot, and 2 people were stabbed at an event hall in Harper Woods on Saturday night, the Harper Woods Police Department confirms.
We're told the shooting happened around 9:20 p.m. at Platinum Affairs Hall, near Kelly Road and Moross Street.
Police say that all the victims are expected to survive. Witnesses told police that a dispute between several people preceded the shootings and stabbings.
Authorities say they have a suspect in custody, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has sent shockwaves throughout the world, hitting particularly close to home for Venezuelans living in metro Detroit who are celebrating what they see as a new beginning for their homeland.
Watch Tiarra's report and Brittany Toolis' report in the video player below
Metro Detroit's Venezuela community reacts to President Maduro's capture Metro Detroit's Venezuela community reacts to President Maduro's capture
Jose Gutierrez, who owns El Rey de las Arepas in southwest Detroit, came to the U.S. from Venezuela 30 years ago.
"I say thank you God it's like an Independence Day for us, January 3rd," Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez hopes President Maduro's capture will bring positive change to Venezuela.
"I think step by step, we're going to get the Venezuela everybody wants, peace, harmony, good economic," Gutierrez said.
The news has sparked hope among Venezuelan expatriates who have been separated from their homeland for decades. Yaleni Brown, another Venezuelan living in Detroit, hasn't been back to Venezuela in more than 20 years but now feels more comfortable about returning to her home country.
"We're ready to pack, we're ready to see our family. We ready," Brown said.
"My pure wish come true this morning," Brown said.
Government relations specialist Dr. Frank Richter analyzed the broader implications of the situation, noting that the U.S. could face diplomatic challenges.
"Specifically, Brazil and Cuba and Colombia are not going to be very happy that we did this and they're going to put up a resistance to it diplomatically and the UN may not be happy," Richter said.
Richter emphasized that the success of any transition will depend on the Venezuelan people's response.
"The key is going to be if the people in Venezuela come out on the streets and they welcome the American presence," Richter said.
For Gutierrez, the moment represents the freedom he has long hoped for his homeland.
"Now so happy, we are free, Venezuela is free right now," Gutierrez said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Tyson Fury is returning to the ring after announcing on Sunday that he will step out of retirement.
The former heavyweight world champion confirmed his comeback in a post on social media, which sets up the prospect of a long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua.
2026 is that year. Return of the mac," Fury posted on Instagram. Been away for a while but Im back now, 37 years old and still punching. Nothing better to do than punch men in the face and get paid for it.
Fury retired last year after losing for a second time to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024. Before his two bouts with Usyk he was unbeaten in 35 fights, winning 34 and drawing one.
Fury did not mention potential opponents, but his announcement comes after increased speculation about a clash with British rival Joshua in 2026. Joshua, who is also a former world champion, last month knocked out YouTube star Jake Paul. But he was injured in a fatal car crash that killed two of his friends in Nigeria this week, which has resulted in uncertainty over his immediate plans.
Fury is a two-time world champion. He ended the reign of Wladimir Klitschko with a points win in 2015 that saw him crowned Super WBA, IBF and WBO champion.
He didn't fight again until 2018 - but a thrilling trilogy with American Deontay Wilder resulted in a draw and two victories to claim the WBC title.
Fury previously said he was retiring after he beat Dillian Whyte in 2022, but was back in the ring the following year.
A fight with Joshua has long-been anticipated. There is also the potential of a trilogy-capping fight with Usyk or a clash with WBO champion Fabio Wardley.
A passenger boat has capsized in northern Nigerias Yobe state, leaving at least 25 people dead while 14 others remained missing, emergency services said Sunday.
The boat was carrying residents who had gone to the local market, while some were involved in fishing or farming when it capsized along the Yobe River in Yobe states Garbi town on Saturday night, the Yobe emergency management agency said.
Out of the 52 passengers on board the boat, 13 were rescued and are receiving medical assistance, the agency said in a statement.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with security agencies, emergency responders, and local community volunteers working tirelessly to locate the missing passengers and recover bodies, the agency added.
The disaster response agency said the boat overturned mid-journey without offering additional details.
Boat accidents are common in Nigerias remote areas where water transportation is common due to its convenience for business owners and to the absence of good roads.
Past accidents have been often caused by overloaded and poorly maintained vessels, many of them operating without carrying life jackets.
Detroit Auto Show officials are helping celebrate a major milestone for Route 66 one of America's oldest and longest highways.
Its the 100th anniversary for the "Mother Road" which stretches from California to Chicago.
Auto show chairman Todd Szott and executive director Sam Klemet are riding in a convoy of nine classic cars over a nine-day stretch. They started in Santa Monica on Saturday and will arrive in Chicago on January 12th. They'll then head to the Motor City.
The event, called the Drive Home VII: Route 66 A Century of Adventure, is a partnership among the Detroit Auto Show, Americas Automotive Trust, and the National Route 66 Centennial Commission.
Klemet told 7 News Detroit, To have something that extends from all the way on the west coast in Santa Monica to Detroit, makes a ton of sense because the automotive story is a national story but its grounded in Detroit."
"So, we figured that any drive that goes across the country should be anchored in the city of Detroit and it was a perfect partnership between the two groups," he added.
Szott said, We bring these cars around to a couple different venues so far today and just the crowds that kind of form naturally when they see these old school Detroit muscle cars and other classic cars that were born in Detroit... its just been a really great time and really a fun thing to see.
You can join in one the fun. The Route 66 Centennial Exhibit and the legendary cars in this commemorative event are coming the Detroit Auto Show, starting January 14th through the 25th. Tickets are available here.
Be sure to tune in to WXYZ to watch the Charity Preview on January 16th.
The U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro and flew him out of the country early Saturday has also disrupted Caribbean travel at a busy travel time for the region.
No airline flights were crossing over Venezuela on Saturday, according to FlightRadar24.com. And major airlines canceled hundreds of flights across the eastern Caribbean region and warned passengers that the disruptions could continue for days after the Federal Aviation Administration imposed restrictions.
Flights to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Aruba and other destinations near Venezuela were canceled. The airlines are waiving change fees for passengers who have to reschedule their flights this weekend.
The FAA had earlier said it imposed a temporary airspace restriction on Puerto Ricos international airport and surrounding regions.
An announcement by Luis Muoz Marn International Airport in San Juan posted on the social media site X said restrictions were put in place because of the security situation related to military activity in Venezuela.
As a result, most commercial airlines to and from the airport that are operated by U.S. airlines have been suspended or may be canceled.
Foreign airlines and military aircraft are not included in this restriction, the statement said. Passengers are urged to check the status of their flight directly with their airline before heading to the airport.
JetBlue said it canceled about 215 flights due to airspace closures across the Caribbean related to military activity. It also noted that flights to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica were not affected by the governments restrictions. Customers could rebook their travel or request a refund if the flights were canceled, the company said.
United said it was adjusting its schedule to account for airspace closures in the Venezuela region. It said customers could change their travel plans in the region for free as it continued to monitor the situation and worked with U.S. aviation authorities.
Southwest said it canceled all Aruba flights for Saturday and suspended Puerto Rico flights until late afternoon, but flights to the Dominican Republic were unaffected.
American said it was waiving change fees for flights to and from about 20 island destinations, including Anguilla, Antigua, Curacao, Saint Lucia and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.
Delta said it has issued a travel waiver for customers traveling to or from 13 impacted airports through Tuesday.
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