Obama hopeful for progress in 2012 (AP)

AP - President Barack Obama says Congress' eventual willingness to come together and prevent year-end tax increases makes him hopeful of more economic progress to come in 2012.

Obama hopeful for progress in 2012 (AP)

AP - President Barack Obama says Congress' eventual willingness to come together and prevent year-end tax increases makes him hopeful of more economic progress to come in 2012.

Star-studded sendoff at Heavy D funeral service (AP)

AP - Heavy D was remembered with laughter and tears Friday during a star-studded funeral service that included Jay-Z and Will Smith, humorous anecdotes from longtime friend Diddy, and words of encouragement for the late rapper's family, delivered in a letter from President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.