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Greek Tanker Struck by Missile in Black Sea, Crew Emerges Unharmed

  A Greek‑flagged tanker sailing near the Russian port of Novorossiysk was struck by a missile but remained operational, and all 24 crew members were confirmed safe.   A Greek‑owned and Greek‑flagged tanker sustained material damage after being hit by a missile while sailing approximately 14 nautical miles off the Russian port of Novorossiysk in the Black Sea. According to authorities, the vessel—operated by Maran Gas Maritime—was not carrying cargo at the time of the strike and continued to navigate safely following the incident.  All 24 crew members on board, including ten Greek nationals, thirteen Filipinos, and one Romanian, were reported to be in good health. The impact caused damage to the starboard side of the ship, but no assistance or towing was required. The tanker remained fully operational, and no environmental pollution was reported.  Greek officials have condemned the attack as dangerous and unacceptable, noting that the incident occurred amid height...
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Trump Administration Ousts Housing Watchdog Amid Political Tensions

FILE PHOTO: Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 27, 2025.

In a move that has drawn significant attention in Washington, President Donald Trump is removing the internal watchdog of the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). The decision comes at a time when the housing regulator has been increasingly involved in politically sensitive investigations and enforcement actions.

The watchdog in question, Joe Allen, the FHFA’s acting inspector general, had been overseeing probes into mortgage fraud and other financial misconduct. His removal follows the rise of FHFA Director Bill Pulte, who has become a vocal supporter of the Trump administration. Pulte has recently launched initiatives such as a hotline for reporting mortgage fraud and has pursued criminal referrals against individuals perceived to be political opponents of the president.

The FHFA, created in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, traditionally operates as a low-profile regulator overseeing mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. However, under the Trump administration, the agency has taken on a more prominent role in what critics describe as a broader effort to target political adversaries.

This latest ouster is part of a wider pattern across the federal government, where nearly two dozen inspectors general and internal watchdogs have been fired, reassigned, or had their offices defunded. These officials are tasked with monitoring waste, fraud, and abuse within government agencies, and their removal has raised concerns about accountability and oversight.

The FHFA has not yet issued an official comment on Allen’s departure. Lawmakers, however, are expected to press for answers, with some already voicing alarm over the erosion of independent oversight within key federal agencies.

In summary: Trump’s decision to remove the FHFA watchdog underscores the administration’s ongoing reshaping of federal oversight, sparking debate over the balance between political loyalty and institutional independence.

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