This quick bulletin highlights several fast-moving U.S. stories: the Trump administration announced the seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela, raising diplomatic tensions; the Federal Reserve enacted a third quarter‑point rate cut amid concerns about the labor market; and a judge ordered the release of sealed Jeffrey Epstein grand‑jury transcripts. A court blocked the National Guard deployment in Los Angeles, and the administration is considering requiring five years of social‑media history from some international visitors. Additional items include Illinois’s new courthouse protections, a disclosed stock sale by adviser Stephen Miller, and a police report about Representative Nancy Mace.
Midweek Mini-Report — Dec. 10, 2025: U.S. Seizes Venezuelan Tanker, Fed Cuts Rates, Epstein Files Ordered
Dec 11
Today’s quick roundup of the day’s top developments.
Major escalation — U.S. seizes oil tanker: President Donald Trump said Wednesday that U.S. authorities seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move that sharply raises tensions with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The White House provided few immediate details; the vessel’s owner and flag were not disclosed.
Cautious quarter-point Fed cut: The Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point on Wednesday — the third cut this year — citing labor-market signals that Chairman Jerome Powell warned may be weaker than they appear on the surface.
Epstein grand-jury transcripts to be released: A federal judge in New York ordered the release of sealed grand-jury transcripts from Jeffrey Epstein’s 2019 sex‑trafficking case, citing a new law that requires the Justice Department to make certain materials tied to the investigation public.
National Guard deployment blocked in Los Angeles: A federal judge on Wednesday barred the Trump administration’s deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles and ordered the troops returned to the control of California Governor Gavin Newsom. The administration said it intends to appeal; the ruling is the latest in nationwide litigation over similar deployments.
Oil tankers sail the Maracaibo Lake on March 15 , 2019 in Maracaibo, Venezuela.(AFP via Getty Images)
Proposed social‑media screening for visitors: As international tourism to the United States continues to recover unevenly, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is considering a proposal that could require some foreign visitors to provide up to five years of social‑media history as part of visa or entry screening.
Pritzker signs courthouse protections: Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed legislation on Tuesday that restricts immigration enforcement around state courthouses and makes it easier for residents to sue immigration agents when they believe their rights have been violated.
Stephen Miller stock sale disclosed: Government filings show White House adviser Stephen Miller sold between $50,000 and $100,000 in shares of MP Materials after a July announcement of a profitable agreement between the Las Vegas‑based mining company and the Trump administration.
Nancy Mace airport incident: A police report says Representative Nancy Mace escalated an encounter with staff at Charleston International Airport in October, creating a "spectacle" that left employees "visibly upset," according to the report.
See you tomorrow.
Original report published by MS NOW.
