Why Democrats Shouldn't Eulogize Hugo Chavez  —  Rep. Jose E. Serrano (D-NY) released a statement today praising former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, despite the latter's record of harsh crackdowns on his political opponents and state-sanctioned persecution against Venezuela's Jewish population.

Sean Penn on Hugo Chavez's Death: ‘I Lost a Friend’  —  “I mourn a great hero,” said Oliver Stone of the Venezuelan president who died on Tuesday after a long bout with cancer.  —  Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez died on Tuesday after a long bout with cancer.  He was 58.

HUGO CHAVEZ, FIERY VENEZUELAN LEADER, DIES AT 58  —  CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — President Hugo Chavez, the fiery populist who declared a socialist revolution in Venezuela, crusaded against U.S. influence and championed a leftist revival across Latin America, died Tuesday at age 58 after a nearly two-year bout with cancer.

Chávez Dies, Leaving Bitterly Divided Nation  —  CARACAS, Venezuela — President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela died Tuesday afternoon after a long battle with cancer, the government announced, leaving behind a bitterly divided nation in the grip of a political crisis that grew …

Congress Ready to Start Work on Budget  —  WASHINGTON - After two years of chaotic fiscal clashes, Congress on Wednesday will begin a more orderly process to get the nation's finances in order - or at least to keep the government open.  —  The so-called regular order on the federal budget …

Jon Stewart to Direct Serious Film, Will Take Hiatus From ‘Daily Show’  —  LOS ANGELES — Jon Stewart, serious film director?  —  Mr. Stewart, the stand-up satirist and “Daily Show” host, said on Tuesday that he would direct his first movie, a drama called “Rosewater,” from a screenplay that he wrote.