Plan now heads to Obama for final approval.

Rare optimism emerges over the tentative deal. But the details are not yet final.

Negotiators finally come to a compromise and reach an agreement on the payroll tax plan

Unemployment checks help, but aren't enough to save people from losing their nesteggs.

California’s economy could get a huge boost under the plan, one expert says.

Plan would suspend interest payments that state's owe as a result of having to borrow to cover jobless aid costs.

Bill to keep in place Bush-era tax cuts passes in the House.

House Democrats are expected to cave shortly thereafter.

Vote on compromise deal is close.

Obama attempts to soothe his own party while invoking economic realities.