With full support from Republicans (and none from Democrats, naturally), the House voted today to subpoena the White House for any and all records regarding Solyndra, the Fremont, California-based solar company that imploded this year after receiving a $535 million loan from the Obama administration in 2009. more ›

With no budget deal on the horizon, the Obama administration warned today that a federal government shutdown would spark layoffs of as many as 800,000 federal employees and "could stall tax refunds, close national parks and museums, and put tens of thousands of Californians temporarily out of work," reports the California News Service. Although there has been "progress" with budget talks today, Obama will meet again with Republican House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid at 4 p.m. PST. "It will be their second White House negotiating session in one day — the first time that has happened and an indication that pressure is intensifying to reach agreement ahead of Friday night's shutdown deadline." more ›

President Obama announced a plan this morning to revise IRS policies and to crack down on individuals and corporations using loopholes and off-shore "headquarters" to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. He plans to hire 800 new IRS employees to act as enforcers of the new plan, looking into and auditing corporate books to retrieve more than $200 billion potentially owed to the government. In his quick speech, Obama cited a famous address in the Cayman Islands which is listed as the headquarters for 12,000 different corporate entities. Please cue the requisite Republican shit fit on Fox News and Matt Drudge summoning the horsemen of the apocalypse. more ›

The Obama Administration made an exciting announcement today regarding Obama's vision for a new era of high-speed rail for U.S. travelers. Obama's Strategic Plan will rebuild existing rail infrastructure and develop a comprehensive high-speed intercity passenger rail network through a long-term commitment at both the federal and state levels. This plan draws from successful highway and aviation development models with a 21st century solution that focuses on clean, energy-efficient rail transportation. more ›

Chia Obama, the brainchild of original Chia Pet creator and San Francisco resident Joe Pedott, is being pulled from shelves at Walgreen's despite strong sales in test markets, as KTVU is reporting. The reason? Um, take a look at the fucking thing. If you collect Sambos and Uncle Tom figurines, you can still buy one here. "Hail to the Ch-Ch-Ch-Chief!" more ›

According to a White House report, "Energy Secretary Steven Chu today offered a $535 million loan guarantee for Solyndra, Inc. to support the company’s construction of a commercial-scale manufacturing plant for its proprietary cylindrical solar photovoltaic panels. The company expects to create thousands of new jobs in the U.S. while deploying its solar panels across the U.S. and around the world." more ›