Fox News Hourly Update
Episode: 2AM ET 09/13/2025 Newscast
Host: Ted Lindner
Date: September 13, 2025
Episode Overview
This Fox News Hourly Update brings listeners up to speed on major national stories, including the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, updates on high-profile court cases, the latest insights from a new Fox News poll on political and economic attitudes, and law enforcement news from around the country. Key voices include host Ted Lindner and reporters Jonathan Sery, Kristin Goodwin, and Tom Graham.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Assassination of Charlie Kirk
- Charlie Kirk, conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated on a Utah college campus at age 31.
- Political leaders from both parties have expressed condolences.
- Erica Kirk, Charlie’s widow, expressed gratitude specifically to Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife for their support and for arranging Kirk’s return to Arizona.
- Quote (Erica Kirk, 00:30):
"I want to thank my husband's dear friend Vice President Vance and his phenomenal wife Usha for their love and support. You guys honored my husband so well bringing him home."
- Suspect: 22-year-old Tyler Robinson is in custody in connection with the shooting.
2. Presidential Assassination Attempt Trial
- Trial for Ryan Ruth, accused of trying to assassinate President Trump at his golf course in Florida (September prior), is underway.
- Ruth is representing himself, which has led to courtroom disruptions.
- Judge Eileen Cannon is regularly intervening when Ruth goes off-topic.
- Prosecution has struggled to proceed smoothly, occasionally running out of available witnesses, leading to shorter court days.
- Ruth’s daughter spoke about his health challenges and defense strategy.
- Quote (Sarah Ruth, 01:33):
"I think he's doing pretty good considering he's sick."
- Quote (Sarah Ruth, 01:33):
- Trial will resume next week; prosecution may rest its case by Thursday.
3. Fox News Poll: Public Opinion on Trump, Congress, Capitalism
- Recent Fox News poll of over 1,000 US voters:
- President Trump’s Approval: 46% approve, 54% disapprove (overall job).
- Border Security: Highest approval area for Trump at 57%.
- Crime/Public Safety: 50% approve of Trump’s handling.
- Capitalism vs. Socialism: 53% favorable on capitalism, 27% on socialism.
- Taxes on the Wealthy:
- 73% support higher taxes to strengthen social programs.
- 64% support higher taxes to distribute wealth to the less fortunate.
- Only 47% support higher taxes so that "nobody gets to be too rich."
- Quote (Kristin Goodwin, 03:31):
"53% of those polled say they have a favorable opinion of capitalism, while 27% have a favorable view of socialism."
4. ICE Shooting in Suburban Chicago
- Incident in Franklin Park, Illinois:
- An ICE officer shot and killed Silverio Villegas Gonzalez after being hit and dragged by a car during a traffic stop.
- Gonzalez was reportedly in the U.S. illegally and had a history of reckless driving.
- Event occurred as part of "Operation Midway Blitz," targeting sanctuary policies.
- Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker calls for full transparency.
- Quote (Tom Graham, 04:19):
"The deadly encounter comes less than a week into the Trump administration's operation labeled Midway Blitz, targeting sanctuary policies."
5. Crime Crackdown in Memphis, Tennessee
- President Trump refers to Memphis as "deeply troubled" and promises to enact change as done in Washington, D.C.
- Memphis Mayor Paul Young is supportive of federal anti-crime efforts but opposes deploying the National Guard.
- Emphasizes that the decision is not entirely his to make.
- Quote (Mayor Paul Young, 04:56):
"I want to be clear, I did not ask for the National Guard, and I don't think it's the way to drive down crime."
- State Governor reportedly also content with federal focus, but Mayor pushes back on claims of full support for Trump's methods.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Erica Kirk thanks Vice President Vance (00:30)
- Sarah Ruth defends her father's performance in court despite illness (01:33)
- Poll on Capitalism and Socialism (03:31)
- ICE shooting and Illinois Governor's call for transparency (04:19)
- Memphis Mayor's clear stance on the National Guard (04:56)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:03 — Remembering Charlie Kirk and reactions from Turning Point USA
- 01:06 — Update on President Trump assassination attempt trial
- 03:10 — Fox News poll results on public attitudes
- 04:00 — ICE shooting in suburban Chicago (Franklin Park)
- 04:35 — Crime crackdown in Memphis, city's and mayor's response
Conclusion
This hourly newscast rapidly covers headline stories of major national impact, from the tragedy of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and high-profile court proceedings to fresh polling data on American attitudes and fast-moving law enforcement stories. Through interview clips and polling snapshots, the episode provides a focused summary of America's political and social pulse as of September 2025.
