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.

RELATED STORY | 'We are going to run the country,' Trump declares after capturing Maduro

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.

RELATED STORY | Timeline: From boat strikes to Caracas raid how U.S. forces captured Maduro

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.

Following the early Saturday operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicols Maduro in Caracas, Democratic members of Congress lamented not being notified of the mission ahead of time.

Many Republicans, on the other hand, applauded the Trump administration for taking action to capture Maduro, who was indicted by the Department of Justice in 2020 on drug trafficking charges.

The Justice Department said Maduro and his wife, first lady Cilia Flores, will be tried in the Southern District of New York.

RELATED STORY | 'We are going to run the country,' Trump declares after capturing Maduro

Sen. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, suggested the raid might have violated the rule of law.

When we abandon those principles, even in the name of confronting bad actors, we weaken our credibility, endanger global stability and invite abuses of power that will long outlast any single presidency, Warner said.

PREVIOUS REPORTING WHAT'S BEHIND THE TENSION

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, offered a similar reaction.

The American people and Congress deserve transparency and real, concrete answers about what is happening in our own hemisphere, she said. We need to hear directly from the president on why his varying justifications to date warrant dragging America into an armed conflict without a clear end. We need to know how President Trump will prevent Maduros lieutenants and criminal gangs from filling the power vacuum that his unilateral action is likely to create.

Republicans, however, struck a more supportive tone toward the administrations approach.

RELATED STORY | Timeline: From boat strikes to Caracas raid how U.S. forces captured Maduro

I commend President Trump for ordering a successful mission to arrest illegitimate Venezuelan dictator Nicols Maduro and bring him to the United States to face justice, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said. Our military performed an incredibly complex mission with characteristic precision and professionalism. Today, we owe a debt of gratitude to the brave individuals who were able to accomplish such a daring operation.

Wicker added that his committee would convene as soon as possible to discuss the raid.

Why werent lawmakers notified?

It has been customary, though not always followed, to notify the socalled Gang of Eight members of Congress of covert operations. The group includes the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate intelligence committees, in addition to the House and Senate party leaders.

While in practice the full Congress is often briefed before major military action, the Pentagon can limit briefings to the Gang of Eight when actions are considered covert.

The Trump administration has argued that the operation to capture Maduro was a law enforcement action carried out with assistance from the U.S. military.

Gang of Eight members were briefed by the Obama administration on events leading up to the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the decision not to notify lawmakers beforehand.

We called members of Congress immediately after, Rubio said. This was not the kind of mission you can do congressional notification on it was a triggerbased mission. Its just not the kind of mission that you can prenotify because it endangers the mission.

Democrats had previously accused Trump administration of war crimes

Last month, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth briefed lawmakers on U.S. strikes against suspected drugsmuggling boats off the coast of Venezuela.

Some lawmakers called for closeddoor hearings amid concerns that the United States committed war crimes by striking a boat multiple times.

The Trump administration says the operations are intended to prevent illegal narcotics from entering the United States and to reduce overdose deaths.

Some observers have suggested the maritime operations were aimed at regime change in Venezuela, whose leader, Nicols Maduro, is not recognized as legitimate by the U.S. government. U.S. officials contend Maduro stole the last election, while Maduro has long blamed the United States for his countrys problems.

A ride-share driver and his passenger were injured in a shooting on the Lodge freeway on Saturday morning, police say.

Michigan State Police said the shooting happened around 9 a.m. on the Lodge northbound near Meyers in Detroit.

According to police, the 30-year-old ride-share driver from Hamtramck entered the Lodge northbound from Livernois Avenue. While on the Lodge, the vehicle was reportedly shot at multiple times by an unknown suspect. Police say the driver and his 17-year-old passenger from Detroit were hit, and the driver stopped on Meyers Road.

Both victims were transported to a local hospital and are currently in critical condition, police say.

Troopers searched the freeway for evidence, and the freeway reopened on Saturday afternoon.

Troopers are currently working to determine the motive for this shooting, said F/Lt. Mike Shaw in a statement. They are using technology along the victims' route to attempt to identify a suspect vehicle."

If you have any information on this shooting, you're asked to call 855.MICH.TIP.

Stay with

WXYZ.com

for updates on this developing story.

 

President Donald Trump had long threatened that he could order military strikes on targets on Venezuelan territory after months of attacks on boats accused of carrying drugs from the South American country. President Nicols Maduro of Venezuela said the U.S. military operations were a thinly veiled effort to oust him from power.

On Saturday, the U.S. conducted a large-scale strike against Venezuela and said that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured and flown out of the country. Trump announced the operation on social media hours after the attack. The Venezuelan government called it an imperialist attack and urged citizens to take to the streets.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro and Flores, would face charges after an indictment in New York.

RELATED STORY | Full wrath of American justice: US announces capture of Venezuela's Maduro

Before the escalation, there had been 35 known strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats in South American waters since early September that killed at least 115 people, according to announcements from the Republican administration.

The U.S. had sent a fleet of warships to the region, the largest buildup of forces in generations.

The White House said Washington was in armed conflict with drug cartels to halt the flow of narcotics into the United States, while U.S. officials alleged that Maduro supported the international drug trade.

Here is a timeline of the U.S. military actions and related developments:

Jan. 20, 2025

Trump signs an executive order that paved the way for criminal organizations and drug cartels to be named foreign terrorist organizations. They included Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan street gang.

U.S. intelligence agencies have disputed Trumps central claim that Maduros administration was working with Tren de Aragua and orchestrating drug trafficking and illegal immigration into the U.S.

Feb. 20

The Trump administration formally designated eight Latin American crime organizations as foreign terrorist organizations.

The label is normally reserved for groups such as a-Qaida or the Islamic State that use violence for political ends, and not for profit-focused crime rings.

Aug. 19

The U.S. military deployed three guided-missile destroyers to the waters off Venezuela.

The naval force in the Caribbean grew within weeks to include three amphibious assault ships and other vessels, carrying about 6,000 sailors and Marines and a variety of aircraft.

The U.S. sent F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico in September, while a Navy submarine carrying cruise missiles operated off South America.

Sept. 2

The U.S. carried out its first strike against what Trump said was a drug-carrying vessel that departed from Venezuela and was operated by Tren de Aragua.

Trump said all 11 people on the boat were killed. He posted a short video clip of a small vessel appearing to explode in flames.

Sept. 10

In a letter to the White House, Democratic senators said the administration had provided no legitimate legal justification for the strike.

Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the U.S. military was not empowered to hunt down suspected criminals and kill them without trial.

Sept. 15

The U.S. military carried out its second strike against an alleged drug boat, killing three people.

Asked what proof the U.S. had that the vessel was carrying drugs, Trump told reporters that big bags of cocaine and fentanyl were spattered all over the ocean. Images of what Trump described were not released by the military or the White House.

Sept. 19

Trump said the U.S. military carried out its third fatal strike against an alleged drug-smuggling vessel. Several senators and human rights groups continued to question the legality of the strikes, describing them as a potential overreach of executive authority.

Oct. 2

Trump declared drug cartels to be unlawful combatants and said the U.S. was now in an armed conflict with them, according to an administration memo obtained by The Associated Press.

The memo appeared to represent an extraordinary assertion of presidential war powers and drew criticism from some lawmakers, including Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky.

Oct. 3

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he ordered a fourth strike on a small boat he accused of carrying drugs.

Oct. 8

Senate Republicans voted down legislation that would have required the president to seek authorization from Congress before further military strikes.

Oct. 14

Trump announced the fifth strike against a small boat accused of carrying drugs, saying it killed six people.

Oct. 15

Trump confirmed he has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela and said he was weighing carrying out land operations in the country.

He declined to say whether the CIA has authority to take action against Maduro.

Oct. 16

The Navy admiral who oversaw military operations in the region said he will retire in December.

Adm. Alvin Holsey became leader of U.S. Southern Command only the previous November, overseeing an area that encompasses the Caribbean and waters off South America. Such postings typically last three years to four years.

Oct. 16

Trump said the U.S. struck a sixth suspected drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean, killing two people and leaving two survivors who were on the semisubmersible craft.

The president later said the survivors would be sent to Ecuador and Colombia, their home countries, for detention and prosecution. Repatriation avoided questions about what their legal status would have been in the U.S. justice system.

Oct. 17

The U.S. military attacked a seventh vessel that Hegseth said was carrying substantial amounts of narcotics and associated with a Colombian rebel group, the National Liberation Army, or ELN. Three people are killed.

Oct. 20

Washington Rep. Adam Smith, top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, called for a hearing on the boat strikes.

Never before in my over 20 years on the committee can I recall seeing a combatant commander leave their post this early and amid such turmoil," Smith said in a statement of Holsey's impending departure. I have also never seen such a staggering lack of transparency on behalf of an Administration and the Department to meaningfully inform Congress on the use of lethal military force.

Oct. 21

Hegseth said the U.S. military launched its eighth strike against an alleged drug-carrying vessel, killing two people in the eastern Pacific.

The attack was an expansion of the militarys targeting area to the waters off South America where much of the cocaine from the worlds largest producers is smuggled.

Oct. 22

Hegseth announced the ninth strike, another in the eastern Pacific, saying three men are killed.

Oct. 24

Hegseth ordered the U.S. military's most advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the region in a significant escalation of military firepower.

Oct. 24

Hegseth said the military conducted the 10th strike on a suspected drug-running boat, leaving six people dead.

Oct. 27

Hegseth said three more strikes were carried out in the eastern Pacific, killing 14 people and leaving one survivor.

Hegseth said Mexican authorities assumed responsibility for coordinating the rescue of the sole survivor, who was presumed dead after Mexico suspended its search.

Oct. 29

Hegseth said the U.S. military carried out another strike on a boat he said was carrying drugs in the eastern Pacific, killing all four people aboard in the 14th attack.

Oct. 29

Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the administration briefed Republicans, but not Democrats, on the boat strikes.

The Senate at the time was facing a potential vote on a war powers resolution that would have prohibited strikes in or near Venezuela without congressional approval.

Oct. 31

U.N. human rights chief Volker Trk called for an investigation into the strikes, in what appeared to be the first such condemnation of its kind from a U.N. organization.

Ravina Shamdasani, a spokeswoman for Trks office, relayed his message at a briefing: "The U.S. must halt such attacks and take all measures necessary to prevent the extrajudicial killing of people aboard these boats.

Nov. 1

Hegseth announced the 15th known strike, saying three people were killed.

Nov. 4

In the 16th known strike, Hegseth posted on social media that two people were killed aboard a vessel in the eastern Pacific.

Nov. 6

Hegseth announced the 17th known strike, which killed three people.

Senate Republicans voted to reject legislation that would have limited Trump's ability to order an attack on Venezuelan soil without congressional authorization. Lawmakers from both parties had demanded more information on the strikes, but Republicans appeared more willing to give Trump leeway to continue his buildup of naval forces.

Nov. 9

The U.S. military struck two vessels in the eastern Pacific, killing six people, according to an announcement from Hegseth the following day.

Nov. 10

The 20th known strike on a boat accused of transporting drugs killed four people in the Caribbean, according to a social media post from the U.S. military's Southern Command.

Nov. 11

Venezuelas government launched what it said was a massive mobilization of troops and volunteers for two days of exercises prompted by the U.S. military buildup.

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lpez asserted that Venezuelas military was stronger than ever in its unity, morale and equipment.

Nov. 15

Three people were killed after the U.S. military conducted its 21st strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific, according to a post from Southern Command a day later.

Nov. 16

The Ford arrived in the Caribbean, a major moment in the Trump administration's show of force.

The aircraft carrier's arrival brought the total number of troops in the region to around 12,000 on nearly a dozen Navy ships in what Hegseth said was Operation Southern Spear.

Nov. 16

Trump said the U.S. may be having some discussions with Maduro and Venezuela would like to talk, without offering details.

Ill talk to anybody, Trump said. Well see what happens.

Dec. 4

Adm. Frank Mitch Bradley appeared for closed-door classified briefings at the Capitol as lawmakers began investigating the strikes. The investigation started after reports that Bradley ordered a follow-on attack that killed the survivors of the first strike on Sept. 2 to comply with Hegseths demands.

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., later told reporters that Bradley was very clear that he was given no such order, to give no quarter or to kill them all."

Democrats said they found the video of the entire attack disturbing.

Smith said the survivors were basically two shirtless people clinging to the bow of a capsized and inoperable boat, drifting in the water until the missiles come and kill them.

Dec. 4

Four people were killed in the 22nd strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific, according to a post from Southern Command.

Dec. 10

The U.S. seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela after the ship left that country with about 2 million barrels of heavy crude.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said the tanker was involved in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations. Venezuela's government said the seizure was "a blatant theft and an act of international piracy.

Dec. 15

The U.S. military struck three alleged drug-smuggling boats, killing eight people, in the eastern Pacific Ocean, Southern Command announced.

Dec. 16

Hegseth said the Pentagon will not publicly release unedited video of the Sept. 2 strike that killed two survivors, even as questions mounted in Congress about the attack and the overall campaign near Venezuela.

Dec. 16

Trump said he was ordering a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela, a move that seemed designed to put a tighter chokehold on the South American countrys oil-dependent economy.

Trump alleged that Venezuela was using oil to fund drug trafficking, terrorism and other crimes. He pledged to continue the military buildup until Venezuela returned to the U.S. oil, land and assets, though it was unclear why Trump felt the U.S. had a claim.

Dec. 17

The U.S. military said it attacked a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing four people.

House Republicans rejected a pair of Democratic-backed resolutions that would have put a check on Trumps power to use military force against drug cartels and Venezuela. They were the first votes in the House after Senate Republicans previously voted down similar war powers resolutions.

Dec. 18

The U.S. military said it conducted two more strikes against boats that were allegedly smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific, killing five people.

Dec. 20

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the U.S. Coast Guard, with help from the Defense Department, stopped a second oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.

Dec. 22

Trump confirmed that the U.S. Coast Guard was chasing another oil tanker that the administration described as part of the dark fleet.

The U.S. military said it attacked a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing four people.

Dec. 29

Trump told reporters that the U.S. struck a facility where boats accused of carrying drugs load up. He declined to say whether the U.S. military or the CIA carried out the strike on the dock or where it occurred. He did not confirm it happened in Venezuela.

The U.S. military said it attacked a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people.

Dec. 30

The CIA was behind the drone strike at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels, according to two people familiar with details of the classified operation who requested anonymity to discuss it.

It was the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the U.S. began strikes in September. Venezuelan officials have not acknowledged the strike.

Dec. 30

The U.S. military struck three more boats that were allegedly smuggling drugs, killing three people in the first boat while people from the other two boats jumped overboard and may have survived, Southern Command announced the following day.

Dec. 31

The U.S. imposed sanctions on four companies operating in Venezuelas oil sector and designated four additional oil tankers as blocked property and part of the larger shadow fleet that was evading U.S. sanctions on Venezuela.

Dec. 31

The U.S. military said it attacked two more boats, killing five people who were allegedly smuggling drugs along known trafficking routes.

Jan. 1, 2026

Maduro, in an interview on state television that aired on New Year's Day, said Venezuela was open to negotiating an agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking. He declined to comment on the CIA-led strike and reiterated that the U.S. wanted to force a government change in Venezuela and gain access to its vast oil reserves.

Jan. 3

The U.S. conducted a large-scale strike across Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, captured Maduro and Flores and flew them out of the country. Maduro and Flores would face charges after an indictment in New York, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Maduro was indicted in 2020 on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges, but it was not previously known that Flores had been.

Metro Detroit's Sahara Middle Eastern restaurant has expanded to Greektown.

The fast-casual Sahara Express in now open inside the Monroe Market food hall in Hollywood Casino at Greektown. The menu includes dishes like chicken shawarma, beef kafta, hummus, and chicken tikka. Guests can also build their own bowls.

To learn more, visit https://www.saharadining.com/

or https://www.hollywoodgreektown.com/dining

The family of a couple found fatally shot inside their Columbus home earlier this week is speaking out about their loss.

Spencer Tepe, 37, and Monique Tepe, 39, were found dead Tuesday morning when police did a welfare check at their home.

According to WBNS-TV in Columbus, Spencer's coworkers at a dental clinic in Athens called 911 after he failed to show up for work and neither he nor his family could be reached.

Investigators said no weapons were found at the home and there was no sign of forced entry. Police do not believe the shooting was a murder-suicide at this time.

"Our family is devastated by the tragic and senseless loss of Spencer and Monique. They were extraordinary people whose lives were filled with love, joy, and deep connection to others," the couple's family said in a statement.

The family described Spencer as a "devoted and proud father" who was a huge Bengals and Ohio State fan. After graduating from OSU's College of Dentistry, he was a member of the American Dental Association.

Monique, the family said, was a loving mom "whose warmth defined her."

"Her kindness made people feel instantly at home," the statement says.

Their two small children were found inside the home. Both were unharmed, according to the incident report.

"We are heartbroken beyond words. While no outcome can ever undo this loss, our family is committed to seeing this tragedy fully and fairly brought to justice, and to honoring Spencer and Monique by protecting the future of the children they loved so deeply," the statement says.

The United States conducted a large-scale strike early Saturday in Venezuela and captured its president, Nicols Maduro, flying him and his wife out of the country, President Donald Trump said. Videos showed multiple explosions and low-flying aircraft in Caracas, the capital.

Hours after the operation, President Trump said that the U.S. would "run the country" until there is a proper transition.

"We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition, and it has to be judicious because that's what we're all about," President Trump said.

Additionally, President Trump said U.S. oil companies will have a presence in Venezuela.

PREVIOUS REPORTING: WHAT'S BEHIND THE TENSION

"We're going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country," he said.

The Associated Press reported that Venezuelan security forces appeared to still have control of key government sites.

President Trump released a photo of Maduro following his arrest.

After the attack, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that Maduro would be tried in the United States. He 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; the U.S. had since increased the amount to $50 million.

Nicols Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York, Bondi said. Maduro has been charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the United States.

RELATED STORY | Timeline: From boat strikes to Caracas raid how U.S. forces captured Maduro

Bondi added: They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. On behalf of the entire U.S. Department of Justice, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American people, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco traffickers.

President Trump said Saturday that Maduro and Flores were on the U.S. warship Iwo Jima.

"They'll be heading in to New York. The helicopters took them out, and they went by helicopter, a nice flight. I'm sure they loved it," Trump told Fox News. "But they've killed a lot of people, remember that. They killed a lot of people, even people in their own country. Today killed a lot of people to maintain the power."

Trump had suggested for weeks that the United States could conduct an attack in Venezuela after targeting boats accused of smuggling drugs.

Members of Congress were not consulted before Saturdays pre-dawn attack.

Sen. Mike Lee said he spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio following the attacks, stating that the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant. This action likely falls within the presidents inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack."

Rubio stated that members of Congress were not notified due to concerns of possible leaks, mystifying Democrats.

Venezuelas reaction

Vice President Delcy Rodriguez expressed outrage over the strike and called on Trump to provide proof of life for Maduro.

RELATED STORY | Democrats slam Trump for not notifying Congress before Maduro raid

The Venezuelan people are outraged, Rodriguez said. The birthplace of our liberator, the capital city of Caracas, was attacked. The capital city that saw the birth of the liberator of our great homeland, that saw the birth of the greatest man of our continent, has been violated, attacked and assaulted. In light of this brutal situation and this brutal attack, we do not know the whereabouts of President Nicols Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores.

International reaction

While some of America's foes such as Iran and Russia stood opposed to the raid, other groups offered mixed reactions.

UN Secretary-General Antnio Guterres expressed concern over the raid.

"Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent. The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respect - by all - of international law, including the UN Charter. Hes deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected," a UN statement read.

The European Union was more deferential in its response.

"I am following the situation in Venezuela with great concern. The European Union calls for de-escalation and a resolution in full respect of international law and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. The European Union will continue to support a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive solution in Venezuela," said Antnio Costa, European Union Council president.

President Trump watches raid live

As the raid was ongoing, President Trump said that he watched the raid unfold on video feeds.

"We watched it from a room, we had a room, and we watched it, and we watched every aspect of it. We were surrounded by lots of people including generals, and they knew everything that was happening, and it was very complex. Extremely complex. The whole maneuver, the landings, the number of aircraft which were massive number. The number of helicopters, the different type of helicopters, different type of fighter jets. We had a fighter jet for every possible situation," Trump told Fox News.

Trump suggested that the raid was scheduled to occur earlier in the week, but was held off due to weather.

Metro Detroit is experiencing a surge in flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases just as students prepare to return to school after winter break.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report: Triple threat hits Metro Detroit as schools prepare to reopen

Henry Ford Health reports seeing an increase in positive cases for all three illnesses throughout their system. According to the CDC, Michigan jumped from high to very high flu activity level in just one week, highlighting the rapid spread of respiratory viruses in the region.

"We saw a lot of COVID in the fall, and it kind of went away for a little bit, but it's coming back. But we're seeing much more flu than anything else," said Dr. Jason Vieder, an emergency medicine physician with Henry Ford Health.

Watch our entire interview with Dr. Vieder: Flu infection rate surges

The timing coincides with students returning to classrooms after winter break, creating concern among parents about keeping their children healthy in school environments.

Alexandra Stavnic, a Farmington Hills resident, said she's being proactive about her family's health during this surge.

"I try to give them as much vitamins and do my part as a mom," Stavnic said.

She's also avoiding crowded indoor spaces, opting for outdoor activities like sledding at Shiawassee Sledding Hill in Farmington.

"This was kind of like the best option to try not to be so close to people but also have fun," Stavnic said.

Other parents are taking additional precautions as children return to school. Andrea Iagar, also from Farmington Hills, has implemented strict hygiene routines.

"I make sure I wash their clothes every day after school, I make sure they wash their hands after they come home from school," Iagar said.

Iagar also focuses on nutrition to boost her children's immune systems.

"I make sure their snacks are relatively healthy, always include a fruit in there for vitamin C and probiotics through yogurt," Iagar said.

Dr. Vieder recommends several strategies to minimize the risk of illness, starting with keeping sick children home from school despite childcare challenges.

"I know it's difficult with childcare and things like that and missing school, but if your child's not feeling well, you should have him or her stay home," Vieder said.

Hand washing remains the most critical prevention method, according to Vieder.

"The most important thing for everyone is to hand-wash. Make sure you're really doing a good job with that after you cough or sneeze, after you touch your face. There are certain surfaces, like phones or doorknobs. Those are really good vectors to get ill or to transmit disease," Vieder said.

Additional prevention measures include getting adequate sleep and maintaining a healthy diet. Medical experts emphasize that the flu vaccine remains the best prevention against influenza.

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.

A 75-year-old Wixom veteran remains unconscious in the hospital after allegedly being punched by a DoorDash driver who he asked to slow down in his neighborhood.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report: DoorDash driver's punch allegedly leaves 75-year-old veteran clinging to life

Family members say Lloyd Poole walked out of his driveway near Windingway Circle and Barberry Drive to tell a driver he believed he was going too fast. What happened next has left them devastated.

"Punched him in the side of the head. My dad fell. Never got up. Never moved. And the DoorDash driver got back in his vehicle and drove away," said Jen Shaw, Poole's daughter.

Poole has been hospitalized for five days with a black eye and has undergone emergency brain surgery, where doctors removed part of his skull. Shaw said her father has never fully regained consciousness since the attack.

"He's not responding. He can't talk. He's not awake," Shaw said. "We don't know when he's going to get out of his hospital bed. It may never happen."

Police say 40-year-old Ryan Turner, a DoorDash driver, admitted to hitting and leaving Poole on the street. Turner maintained he felt threatened when he found himself face-to-face with Poole after stepping out of his car to confront him.

Turner acknowledged the misdemeanor aggravated assault charge in court, saying "I do" when asked if he understood the charges.

Court records show Turner has prior appearances for assault and battery in 2022, which was pled down to a lesser charge. He also has multiple offenses related to driving, including driving with a suspended or invalid license. Turner now faces up to one year in prison and posted bond on Thursday.

"You know, going about his life as normal as can be, and we're definitely not over here," Shaw said.

In a statement, DoorDash called the incident "appalling," saying they removed Turner from their platform and are working with local law enforcement to ensure justice.

Shaw describes her father as a strong man who volunteers regularly in the community. She said he never expected to be hit, hospitalized, and hanging onto his life.

"You just don't know with the brain. We're really concerned. Yeah, very worried," Shaw said. "He's out. He's wandering around, and I think you just need to be careful, because people are unpredictable."

The family is taking shifts at the hospital day and night, hoping Poole regains consciousness soon.

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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.

Sprinkles Cupcakes, a company famous for selling sweet treats in vending machines known as "cupcake ATMs," has shut down after 20 years of operation around the United States, according to its former owner.

"Even though I sold the company over a decade ago, I still have such a personal connection to it, and this isn't how I thought the story would go," said Candace Nelson, who started the company after she lost her job in 2005. The closure was announced Dec. 30.

Nelson started Sprinkles Cupcakes in her own kitchen, and the first location was in a small Beverly Hills storefront that had previously been a sandwich shop. The brand would go on to ascend to national fame, and fans took to social media following the company's announcement to lament the closure.

The company's cupcake-dispensing machines in malls and airports briefly went viral on TikTok for the not-so-subtle "I love Sprinkles" jingle that played repeatedly while a mechanical arm delivered the dessert.

The company no longer has any products for sale on its website, which also has removed all operational locations across the country.

Nelson sold her business to private equity firm KarpReilly LLC in 2012 after the company had expanded to 10 locations across the country. The firm owns dozens of other companies for products including a health food home delivery service, kombucha and protein wellness shakes.

KarpReilly did not respond to an emailed request for comment Friday evening. Neither the firm nor Nelson provided a reason for the cupcake company's closure.

Private equity has dramatically expanded its influence in restaurants over the last decade, investing $94.5 billion between 2014 and 2024, according to data from capital market company PitchBook.

Some outraged Sprinkles Cupcakes fans said on social media that the closures were part of a larger trend where private equity firms purchase restaurants and retail brands like Red Lobster or TGI Fridays that later file for bankruptcy or close altogether.

The Professional Women's Hockey League is making its return to Little Caesars Arena this Saturday for the Takeover Tour game between the Boston Fleet and Vancouver Goldeneyes, bringing special meaning to local players and young fans alike.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report: PWHL returns to Little Caesars Arena

With only eight teams in the PWHL and hopes that Detroit will one day have its own franchise, the league's visits to the Motor City have become particularly significant events.

The last two years have seen record attendance at Little Caesars Arena, with more than 14,000 fans packing the venue in March 2025.

"My favorite team in the NHL is the Detroit Red Wings, so I would want there to be a Detroit women's team," said Kimber Burnis from Manistique.

For families like the Burnis family, who traveled over six hours from the Upper Peninsula to watch practice ahead of Saturday's matchup, the PWHL represents new opportunities for young female athletes.

"So now with the PWHL, it's giving, you know, girls her age, above and below, something to work for and look forward to, so for me, that's really what it's all about, and it's exciting to see," Steve Burnis said.

The game holds special significance for several players returning to their home state. Megan Keller, a Farmington Hills native and captain of the Boston Fleet, was recently named to the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team for what will be her third Olympics.

"Excited to be back home in front of friends and family, and we got the opportunity to play here a couple years ago. It was an amazing crowd, families packed, and you look up in the stands, and you see all these young girls in the crowd, so it's a super special game to be a part of," Keller said.

"It's a huge honor, and it's something that's always been a dream of mine, so looking forward to getting over to Italy," she said about her Olympic selection.

Vancouver's Mellissa Channell-Watkins, who grew up in Plymouth and Canton, echoed the sentiment about inspiring the next generation of female hockey players.

"It's super cool to see people wearing the jersey that you used to wear growing up in the stands, and now those girls have something to look forward to, something to dream for, strive for," Channell-Watkins said.

Young fans like Piper Kincher from Clinton Township are taking notice of the role models these professional athletes provide.

"I feel like we can grow from them. What they do can help us improve skating for us," Kincher said.

The PWHL Takeover Tour game is scheduled for Saturday at Little Caesars Arena at 7 p.m. You can watch the PWHL Takeover Tour in Detroit at 7 p.m. Saturday on TV20 Detroit.

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.

It's been eight months since a fire destroyed Fork n' Pint restaurant in Waterford Township. Now, 7 News Detroit is learning some good news is finally in sight for the dilapidated site and nearby residents.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report: Waterford's fire-ravaged Fork 'n Pint restaurant to be demolished

7 News Detroit held its inaugural Let's Talk event at Fork 'n Pint on Cass Elizabeth Road in March. Weeks later, the establishment caught fire.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 'We are heartbroken.' Fire devastates popular Fork n' Pint restaurant in Waterford Township Fire devastates popular Fork n' Pint restaurant in Waterford Township

Since then, there's been growing concerns from residents who are upset as the blighted site continues to sit untouched.

Resident Shane Larson told 7 News Detroit, "This is a hot topic in the neighborhood big time, still."

The restaurant's charred remains sit directly between his home and his job. So, the view from his front porch and the smell are also a part of his daily walk to work.

Ed Huebner, another Waterford township resident, said, "When it burned down, we were kinda like, I wonder how long this is gonna take to clean up. And ya know, you expect maybe 3, 4 months."

But it's now been eight months since the total loss. Waterford Township fire investigators said they were unable to determine a cause, and the building has remained as-is because the owners are going back and forth with their insurance company.

But as residents go back and forth on Cass Elizabeth Road, Huebner said that insurance fight shouldn't be everyone else's problem.

"Why is the whole community having to look at this?" he says. "And then there's safety concerns and whatnot for rats and kids climbing the fence and whatnot. But really for me it's more about, hey let's get it cleaned up,"

Waterford Township Supervisor Anthony Bartolotta said he empathizes with residents' frustrations. He wants it gone, too.

However, he said there's only so much the township can do.

"The smell and everything this past summer, the hot days we had, there's still food in there [and] garbage. I feel bad for the residents back there. I feel real bad for them. We couldn't even step on the property until insurance got done with their investigation," Bartolotta explained.

As of Tuesday, he said the insurance company concluded it could not determine a cause, but he said the good news is the building's owners have finally received permission from the insurance company to demolish the structure.

He said the demolition contractor will first need to receive clearance from DTE, Consumers Energy and the Department of Public Works to shutoff the utilities. Once all of that happens, the township can then approve a demolition permit.

"So, you should start seeing things within the next week to two, you'll see equipment out here, and they'll start tearing down," Bartolotta estimated.

In response to the update, Huebner said, "Well, it's encouraging. We just want it to be cleaned up now. Ya know, it would be better to have nothing there than what we're looking at now."

Larson said, "To hear that is very exciting."

"It's about time," he added.

7 News Detroit wanted to find out what's next for this site, but the co-owner and general manager have not returned our calls for comment.

A federal judge in Kentucky has dismissed Louisville's proposed settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice over police reforms after the department withdrew its support of the plan earlier this year.

The Justice Department announced in May it was canceling proposed consent decrees with Louisville and Minneapolis that sought to curb police racial bias and abuses after the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor that spurred nationwide protests in the summer of 2020.

U.S. District Judge Benjamin Beaton wrote in a Dec. 31 ruling that "the responsibility to lead the Louisville Metro Police Department in compliance with federal law must remain with the city's elected representatives and the people they serve."

A judge in May dismissed Minneapolis' proposed consent decree, which places a federal officer in charge of tracking the progress of reforms laid out in the agreement.

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Justice Department officials under President Joe Biden's administration conducted a multiyear investigation in Louisville, prompted by the fatal shooting of Taylor and police responses to public protests in 2020. A draft of the investigation was released in early 2023, alleging the Louisville Police Department "discriminates against Black people in its enforcement activities," uses excessive force and conducts searches based on invalid warrants.

New DOJ leadership accused the Biden Justice Department of using flawed legal theories to judge police departments and pursuing costly and burdensome consent decrees.

The consent decrees with Louisville and Minneapolis were approved by the Justice Department in the final weeks of the Biden administration, but the settlements had to be approved by a judge.

Beaton wrote that his ruling "doesn't prevent the parties from undertaking the hard work of reform themselves."

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The city has initiated some reforms since Taylor's death in March 2020, including a city law banning the use of "no-knock" warrants. The warrants were typically used in surprise drug raids. The city also started a pilot program that sends behavioral health professionals to some 911 calls.

The city also paid a $12 million wrongful death settlement to Taylor's family.

Earlier this year, former Louisville Police Detective Brett Hankison became the first officer involved in the Taylor raid to go to prison. A judge sentenced Hankison to nearly three years in prison on an excessive force conviction despite the Justice Department's efforts to reduce his sentence to one day of time served.

Hankison shot 10 rounds after police were fired on by Taylor's boyfriend from inside her apartment. Hankison shot blindly into Taylor's windows but didn't strike anyone inside or in a neighboring apartment.

Healthcare costs are surging for many Americans as Affordable Care Act subsidies have expired, leaving patients struggling to afford coverage and forcing difficult choices between medical care and basic necessities.

Watch Simon Shaykhet's video report: ACA subsidy expiration drives up healthcare costs for patients

Dr. Ali Shuayto, owner of The Heights Urgent Care in Dearborn Heights, is witnessing firsthand how the expiration of federal subsidies is impacting patient care decisions across metro Detroit.

"We try to really feel for what our patients are going through," Shuayto said.

With millions potentially unable to afford health insurance, Shuayto expects more people to rely heavily on emergency room visits and urgent care facilities. At his clinic, cash payment options have become a lifeline for uninsured patients.

"10-15% are cash pay. No health insurance. We have our cash pay program. It's less than all co-pays on most plans," Shuayto said.

Patient Bridget Fields has noticed the increasing financial pressure on healthcare decisions as costs continue to climb.

"It's going up. Health insurance. Food." Fields said. When asked if she sees more people using emergency rooms instead of doctors, she added, "Yes, or urgent care like myself."

At Shuayto's clinic on Telegraph Road, patients receive the same level of expert care while avoiding steep premium costs. However, the doctor says many patients face an impossible choice between healthcare and survival.

"A lot of people aren't employed. Can't afford. Don't qualify for Medicaid. They say Do I need to put food on my table or get health insurance?" Shuayto said.

Fields points to practicality as another factor driving patients toward urgent care facilities over emergency rooms, even while prioritizing health needs.

"Urgent care is not as busy as emergency," Fields said.

Shuayto emphasizes that patients should never ignore their health needs, regardless of financial constraints. Federal lawmakers from both parties plan to address these healthcare affordability issues when the congressional session resumes next week.

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.

U.S. stocks eked out small gains on Wall Street Friday in a wobbly day of trading to kick off the new year.

Markets were mostly quiet on the first trading day of 2026, with the influential technology sector driving much of the up-and-down action. The mostly minor moves also cap off a tepid and holiday-shortened week. Markets were closed on Thursday for New Year's day.

The S&P 500 rose 12.97 points, or 0.2%, to 6,858.47. The benchmark index is coming off a gain of more than 16% in 2025.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 319.10 points, or 0.7%, to 48,382.39.

The Nasdaq composite fell 6.36 points, or less than 0.1%, to 23,235.63. The index was weighed down by losses for Microsoft and Tesla.

Foreign markets fared better and benchmarks in Britain and South Korea hit records.

Technology stocks steered the market, especially companies with a focus on artificial intelligence, continuing the trend that pushed the broader market to records in 2025.

Nvidia jumped 1.3% and was the biggest force trying to push the market higher. But a 2.2% fall for Microsoft helped to check those gains.

Tesla also weighed on markets with a 2.6% drop after reporting falling sales for a second year in a row.

Nvidia, Microsoft and Tesla are among the most valuable companies in the world and their outsized valuations give them more influence on the stock market's direction. That includes sometimes pushing the market up and down from hour to hour.

Technology companies have been a major focus because of advancements in artificial intelligence technology and the potential for growth within the sector. Wall Street has been betting that demand for computer chips and other items needed for data centers will help justify the big investments from technology companies and their pricey stock values.

Furniture companies gained ground following President Donald Trump's move to delay increased tariffs on upholstered furniture. RH rose 8% and Wayfair rose 6.1%.

E-commerce giant Alibaba climbed 4.3% and Baidu, maker of the Ernie chatbot, jumped 9.4% in Hong Kong after it said it plans to spin off its AI computer chip unit Kunlunxin, which would list shares in Hong Kong early in 2027. The plan is subject to regulatory approvals.

Crude oil prices were mostly stable. Prices for U.S. crude oil fell 0.2% to $57.32 per barrel. The price of Brent crude, the international standard, fell 0.2% to $60.75 per barrel.

The price of gold fell 0.3%.

Treasury yields held steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.19% from 4.17% late Wednesday. The yield on the two-year Treasury, which moves more closely with expectations for what the Federal Reserve will do, held at 3.48% from late Wednesday.

Wall Street will move past the mostly quiet holiday season starting Monday. The first full week of the new year will include several closely watched economic updates. They will also be some of the last big updates the Fed sees before its next meeting at the end of January.

Next week will feature private reports on the status of the services sector, which is the largest part of the U.S. economy, along with consumer sentiment. Government reports on the job market will also be released. The hope is they'll help paint a clearer picture of how various parts of the U.S. economy closed out 2025 and where it might be headed in 2026.

The Fed has had a more difficult task because of the complex shifts within the economy. It cut interest rates three times toward the end of 2025, partly to help counter a weakening jobs market. But inflation remains above its target rate of 2% and cutting interest rates could add more fuel to rising prices. Consumers have already expressed more caution amid the squeeze from stubborn inflation and the U.S. trade war with much of the world has added more uncertainty.

The Fed has already signaled concern and caution. Wall Street is betting that the central bank will hold its benchmark interest rate steady at its January meeting.

On Sunday, January 4, Spotlight on the News look at the future of healthcare and U.S.-China relations. What impact might these two important topics have on Michigan, including its global automotive manufacturing industry? Join us for an in-depth conversation with Tom Watkins, President & CEO of TDW & Associates, and a longtime healthcare and U.S.-China business advisor.

Spotlight on the News, now in its 60th season, is Michigan's longest-running weekly news and public affairs television program. It airs every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. on WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 in Detroit, is streamed live on wxyz.com and broadcast at 11:30 a.m. on 23.1 WKAR-HD in East Lansing.

A yellow Labrador out for a walk with his owner in Rhode Island had to be rescued by firefighters on New Year's Day after he wandered onto a thin layer of ice covering a pond and fell through the center.

According to the Misquamicut Fire Department, volunteer firefighters and other emergency officials were dispatched early Thursday morning for a water rescue. Once on scene, firefighters saw a dog named Phoenix struggling and unable to move to shore in the slushy, icy water.

Members from both the Misquamicut and Watch Hill fire departments donned ice rescue suits, which help protect the body from frigid temperatures, to enter the pond and successfully rescue Phoenix. The National Weather Service reported it was 26 degrees Fahrenheit around 9 a.m. on Thursday, with the wind chill dropping the temperature to 14 degrees.

"It was the chillest dog I've ever seen in my life," said Steve Howard, deputy chief of the Misquamicut Fire Department, in a phone interview on Friday. "The dog never made a sound. He was pretty chill."

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While the firefighters were evaluated for possible hypothermia, they did not require treatment. The fire departments described the incident as "a successful first call of 2026," in a statement posted on Facebook.

Phoenix was also declared free of injuries, but Howard made sure to check in with his owner later Thursday.

"He got a little bit of extra food last night," Howard said. "And he took a little nap."

The incident served as a reminder to treat all ice as potentially dangerous, particularly over bodies of water, the fire department warned.

"No ice is ever safe. Our firefighters train extensively for cold water and ice rescues, but these situations are extremely dangerous," the fire department said.

We're in for a celestial treat to start the new year. This weekend will be the first full moon and first supermoon of 2026.

The so-called Wolf Moon will reach peak illumination at 5:03 a.m. ET on Jan. 3, according to Space.com.

Being a supermoon means it will appear bigger and brighter than a regular full moon because it is closer to Earth.

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The Wolf Moon got its name because of the howling of wolves often heard this time of year. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, other names for the January full moon include Center Moon (Assiniboine), Cold Moon and Frost Exploding Moon (Cree), Freeze Up Moon (Algonquin) and Severe Moon or Hard Moon (Dakota).

Because of the bold brightness of the Wolf Moon, it will be harder to see the second special celestial event: the Quadrantid meteor shower.

The meteor shower will reach peak activity Saturday evening. Don't fret, though, astronomers say the shower will be active through Jan.16.

A woman was killed in a suspected mountain lion attack while she was hiking alone in the mountains of northern Colorado on Thursday, in what would be the first fatal attack by one of the predators in the state in more than 25 years, authorities said.

Wildlife officers later in the day located two mountain lions in the area and fatally shot the animals, said Kara Van Hoose with Colorado Parks and Wildlife

The attack occurred in the mountains south of the small community of Glen Haven, about 7 miles northeast of Estes Park and considered the gateway to the eastern entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Shortly before noon, two hikers encountered a mountain lion near the woman's body along a remote section of the Crosier Mountain trail, which is on a national forest.

The hikers threw rocks at the animal to scare it from the immediate area so they could try to help the woman, Van Hoose said. One of the hikers was a physician who attended to the victim and did not find a pulse, she said.

RELATED STORY | Triathlete killed in Northern California shark attack while wearing shark-deterrent device

Details on the woman's injuries and cause of death were not immediately released.

Van Hoose said the search for other mountain lions in the area was ongoing. She said circumstances would dictate whether any additional lions that are found are killed.

Sightings of mountain lions are common in the forested area where the suspected attack occurred, but there have not been any recent documented attacks on humans, Van Hoose said.

"This is a very common time of year to take mountain lion sightings and reports and especially in Larimer County, where this is very good mountain lion habitat," she said. "Trails in this area are in pretty remote land, so it's wooded, it's rocky, there's elevation gains and dips."

Mountain lion attacks are rare and Colorado's last suspected fatal attack was in 1999, when a 3-year-old was killed. Two years before that, a 10-year-old boy was killed by a lion and dragged away while hiking with family members in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Last year in Northern California two brothers were stalked and then attacked by a lion that they tried to fight off. One of the brothers was killed.

The animals, also known as cougars, catamounts and other names, can weigh 130 pounds (60 kilograms) and grow to more than six feet long. They eat primarily deer.

Colorado has an estimated 3,800-4,400 of the animals, which are classified as a big game species in the state and can be hunted.