Elon Musk Clashes With Congress Amid Subpoena Controversy

USUnited States|

Tensions escalated between billionaire Elon Musk and U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday as Musk criticized Congressman Ro Khanna for missing a procedural vote aimed at subpoenaing him. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee voted 20-19 against a Democratic motion to compel Musk's testimony regarding his influence over federal agencies, which he oversees through his role in the Department of Government Efficiency. Khanna, who was unavailable for the vote, clarified that he would have supported the motion, stating on social media that he was caught off-guard by the sudden decision. He labeled Musk's actions as “unconstitutional,” pushing for a re-vote with proper notice. Musk, responding to criticism, told Khanna not to "be a d--." This incident underscores the growing scrutiny of Musk's role in federal operations as his initiatives continue to disrupt traditional governmental functions, including halting funding for certain agencies. The implications of Musk's actions raise concerns among many lawmakers about the governance of federal spending under his oversight.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from United States

Investigation Launched After Discovery of Mummified Son in New Orleans Home

A New Orleans woman, Barbara Hainsworth, is under investigation after authorities found the mummified remains of her 600-pound son in her home, where she had reportedly lived for nine months. The grisly discovery was made on May 15, amid horrendous living conditions filled with garbage, chickens, and rodents, according to local news outlet Nola.com. Neighbors had previously lodged multiple complaints regarding the state of Hainsworth's residence. Following the investigation by the New Orleans Department of Code Enforcement, her home was declared a public nuisance due to extreme hoarding conditions. Hainsworth, described as a “mentally disabled elderly woman” and a former doctor whose medical license was revoked, claimed her son died nine months earlier and explained that she had not reported his death. Local officials have initiated emergency plans for cleanup and sanitation, while also enhancing rodent control measures for the area. Hainsworth faces multiple violations resulting in fines totaling $6,125, according to a statement from the city.
USUnited States

Cold Case from 1982 Closes: Killer Sentenced for Teen's Murder

After 43 years of investigation, Gary Ramirez, 78, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the 1982 rape and murder of 15-year-old Karen Stitt in Sunnyvale, California. A judge in Santa Clara County, Hanley Chew, handed down the sentence, which includes the possibility of parole in 25 years, following Ramirez's no-contest plea to the charges on February 24, 2025. The crime remained unsolved for decades until detectives reopened the cold case in 2022, focusing on DNA evidence that linked Ramirez to the crime scene. Karen Stitt was found with 59 stab wounds near a bus stop after attending a rendezvous with her boyfriend, who was later cleared of suspicion. District Attorney Jeff Rosen praised the efforts of law enforcement who remained committed to solving this infamous case, stating, "Karen Stitt passed away more than 40 years ago, but she was never forgotten." Friends and family expressed their lasting grief during the recent sentencing, reaffirming that her memory endures.
USUnited States

Scientists Discover Potential Hydrogen Reservoirs Beneath Earth's Crust

Recent research indicates that the Earth's crust may house significant reservoirs of hydrogen, potentially meeting global energy demands for the next 170,000 years. A study published in *Nature Reviews Earth and Environment* suggests that hydrogen has naturally accumulated over the past billion years in various geological formations across at least 30 U.S. states and in several other regions worldwide, according to lead author Chris Ballentine, a geochemistry professor at the University of Oxford. The research details essential geological conditions necessary for hydrogen formation, including the presence of source rocks, reservoir rocks, and natural seals that trap gas underground. Ballentine highlighted locations such as Kansas, where ancient geological features may provide ideal habitats for hydrogen accumulation. The study outlines that hydrogen production methods include chemical reactions that separate water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. It emphasizes that while hydrogen is a crucial industrial chemical and clean energy source, current production methods are highly carbon-intensive. The findings aim to guide exploration strategies that could unlock cleaner hydrogen sources, minimizing carbon footprints, as the world transitions away from fossil fuels.
USUnited States