What happened:
Dick Cheney—former U.S. Vice President—has died at the age of 84, from complications of pneumonia and cardiac/vascular disease. Why he was significant:

• Cheney served as Vice President from 2001 to 2009 under George W. Bush, and is widely regarded as one of the most powerful vice presidents in U.S. history.

• He was a driving force behind the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, advocating strongly on the basis of alleged Iraqi weapons of mass destruction—which were never found.

• He strongly pushed for expanding executive power and elevated the role of the vice presidency, especially in national security matters. 

Background details:

• Before serving as Vice President, Cheney held several significant roles: he was a member of Congress (representing Wyoming), Secretary of Defense under George H. W. Bush, and CEO of Halliburton. Reuters

• His time at Halliburton and subsequent role in government drew criticism relating to potential conflicts of interest—particularly given Halliburton’s role in Iraq war-related contracting.

• He suffered from chronic heart problems, including a heart transplant in 2012.

• He is survived by his wife Lynne and daughters Liz and Mary, all of whom were by his side when he passed.