Former Vice President Dick Cheney dies. And, Election Day races to watch

 here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.

Dick Cheney, widely regarded as the most powerful vice president in American history, died yesterday, according to a statement from his family. He was 84. The cause of death was complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease, the statement added. Read more about his life and legacy here.

Voting concludes today in a series of closely watched races across the U.S. — including the mayoral election in New York City and the races for governor in New Jersey and Virginia. In California, a special election on redistricting could have national implications, as it may help shape which party takes power in Congress next year. Here’s a closer look at the four races to watch.

The Trump administration says it will restart SNAP, the national food assistance program, using funds from a Department of Agriculture contingency fund. The money will provide recipients with partial payments. It is unclear when low-income families who rely on the program will receive these funds, as the administration anticipates significant delays. In the meantime, communities across the country are taking steps to fill the gap.

About 375,000 more people are suffering from famine in war-torn Sudan, with many of those people in Darfur. The Rapid Support Forces, the group opposed to the government, allegedly moved into El Fasher in the Darfur region, killed many people, and put the rest in danger.

Members of the National Guard patrol near the U.S. Capitol in March in Washington.

For years, President Trump and several high-ranking officials in his second administration have discussed using the National Guard to assist with mass deportations and immigration raids. This consideration arises despite U.S. laws that generally prohibit the military from being used for domestic law enforcement. During Trump’s second term, he and Stephen Miller, his right-hand man on immigration, have considered invoking the Insurrection Act, which would allow the president to deploy the military within the U.S. under specific circumstances. Legal experts, activists, and watchdog groups are now concerned that the Trump administration could fundamentally change how the military operates on U.S. soil.

Read more about why Trump’s deployment of troops isn’t random here.

Black and Caribbean cosplayers say they find New York Comic Con exciting because it is a safe space that welcomes geeks and nerds of all heritages. Many told NPR that they grew up feeling isolated, both within their own communities and among other cosplayers. For four days, NYCC let them feel valued and seen. See photos of the cosplayers finding their community at Comic Con.

Majd Al-Waheidi.