Episode Overview
Podcast: Fox News Hourly Update
Host: FOX News Podcasts (Kathleen Maloney)
Episode Title: Former Vice President Dick Cheney is Dead at the Age of 84
Date: November 4, 2025
This episode delivers breaking news about the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney, while also covering the latest updates on high-stakes gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, the ongoing government shutdown, a deadly Himalayan avalanche, and a tragic incident at a medieval tower in Rome.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Death of Former Vice President Dick Cheney
- Announcement:
- “[00:02] Kathleen Maloney: This is a FOX News alert. I'm Kathleen Maloney. Former Vice President Dick Cheney has died at the age of 84. Fox's Lillian Wu reports.”
- Legacy & Political Career:
- “[00:10] Lillian Wu: Dick Cheney, chosen by George W. Bush in 2000 as his running mate.”
- "[00:16] Lillian Wu: Of the United States. He served from 2001 to 2009 under President Bush, where he played a central role in the administration's war on terror and was considered by many political observers to be the most influential vice president in recent history. He'd also served as secretary of defense under President George H.W. bush and been President Ford's White House chief of staff."
- Cause of Death:
- “[00:39] Kathleen Maloney: Cheney died of complications of pneumonia as well as cardiac and vascular disease.”
2. Virginia Gubernatorial Race
- Historic Female Leadership:
- “[00:39] Kathleen Maloney: The race for governor of Virginia features two women, one of whom will make history as the first female to lead the state.”
- Republican Candidate - Winsome Earl Sears:
- "[00:57] Winsome Earl Sears: I'm going to make sure you keep as much of your own money in your pocket because you worked hard for it. So taxes are going to be lower. You're going to be safe and secure in your own homes. We know how to do this. We're not going to defund the police. We're not going to get rid of their qualified immunity. And then, of course, we're going to make sure we continue to create jobs."
- Democratic Candidate - Abigail Spanberger:
- “[01:15] Kathleen Maloney: Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger is a vocal critic of President Trump and sees this election as an opportunity to send a message to Washington, D.C.”
3. New Jersey Gubernatorial Race
- Democratic Candidate - Mikey Sherrill:
- "[01:30] Scott Current: Mikey Sherrill could become the first female Democrat to become New Jersey governor. She said in Union City Monday she'll need every vote to do it."
- “[01:38] Mikey Sherrill: This is an important election. We're going to win this with your help and we're going to get out the vote and we're going to make real change.”
- Republican Candidate - Jack Cittarelli:
- "[01:44] Scott Current: Over in Neptune City Monday, Republican Jack Cittarelli hopes his third run will pay off."
- National Implications:
- "[01:50] Kathleen Maloney: Cittarelli has the backing of President Trump. This is the first major election since he reclaimed the White House."
4. Government Shutdown & Congressional Action
- Senate Votes to Reopen Government:
- “[02:16] Kathleen Maloney: ...the Senate is expected to vote today for the 14th time to reopen the government as the shutdown enters Day number 35.”
- Bipartisan Efforts & Tensions:
- “[02:32] Madeline Rivera: But Republicans and Democrats are talking more, raising the hope that they may be able to find an off ramp soon. In the House, for instance, four centrist lawmakers released a bipartisan plan on how to renew and reform the expiring Obamacare subsidies. Still, some Republicans are hoping Democrats will just cave. Democratic Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman is criticizing his party, saying they need to own the shutdown. Despite bipartisan conversations, other Democrats remain dug in and are urging their colleagues to not waive the white flag.”
- SNAP Benefits Announcement:
- “[03:04] Kathleen Maloney: The Trump administration announcing that snap benefits will be partially funded after two judges forced the government to do that.”
5. International News Highlights
Himalayan Avalanche
- Incident Details:
- “[03:18] Jonathan Savage: Officials in Nepal say seven mountaineers died when snow and ice crashed onto a base camp at Mount Yalung Ri. The avalanche happened on Monday morning, but bad weather meant rescue workers could only reach the site a day later.”
- Consequences:
- "Four climbers who were injured have been airlifted away for treatment. Among those killed were two Nepali mountain guides and a Frenchman whose death was confirmed by his wife, herself a survivor."
- “Mount Yalung Ri is an 18,000 foot peak considered suitable for mountain climbing rookies.”
Medieval Tower Collapse in Rome
- Incident Overview:
- “[03:53] Kathleen Maloney: Firefighters have rescued four workers from beneath rubble inside a medieval tower in Rome, but one of them died on the way to the hospital. The tower partially collapsed during renovation work. Italian prosecutors are investigating possible charges of negligence. The tower has been closed since 2007.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Cheney’s Historic Role:
- “[00:16] Lillian Wu: ...he played a central role in the administration's war on terror and was considered by many political observers to be the most influential vice president in recent history.”
- Winsome Earl Sears’ Promise to Voters:
- “[00:57] Winsome Earl Sears: I'm going to make sure you keep as much of your own money in your pocket because you worked hard for it. So taxes are going to be lower. You're going to be safe and secure in your own homes. We know how to do this. We're not going to defund the police...”
- Mikey Sherrill’s Rallying Call:
- “[01:38] Mikey Sherrill: This is an important election. We're going to win this with your help and we're going to get out the vote and we're going to make real change.”
- Senator Fetterman’s Criticism:
- “[02:32] Madeline Rivera: Democratic Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman is criticizing his party, saying they need to own the shutdown.”
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Death of Dick Cheney Announced: 00:02–00:39
- Virginia Governor Race: 00:39–01:15
- New Jersey Governor Race: 01:15–01:50
- Government Shutdown Updates: 02:16–03:04
- Himalayan Avalanche: 03:18–03:53
- Rome Tower Collapse: 03:53–End
This episode delivers rapid updates on breaking national and international news, marked by the death of a major political figure, contentious gubernatorial contests, significant developments in the ongoing government shutdown, and tragic accidents abroad. The reporting prioritizes clarity and brevity, with direct quotes and pointed summaries from all key participants.
