Fox News Hourly Update: 4AM ET 09/13/2025 Newscast

Date: September 13, 2025
Host: FOX News Podcasts (Ted Lindner)
Episode Theme:
A concise, rapid-fire newscast spanning major U.S. political events, global updates, pop culture, and the latest public opinion polling—delivering the overnight headlines and the stories shaping the national conversation.

Main Headlines & Key Segments

1. Mourning Charlie Kirk: Tribute and Political Response

[00:02 – 00:59]

• Summary: The death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, recently assassinated on a Utah college campus at age 31, draws bipartisan mourning.
• Erica Kirk’s Tribute: His widow, Erica Kirk, spoke from Turning Point USA headquarters, publicly thanking Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife Usha for their support and for ensuring her husband’s casket was flown home onboard Air Force Two.
  • Quote: “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.” — Erica Kirk [00:29]
• Investigation Update: 22-year-old Tyler Robinson is in custody related to the shooting.

2. Trump Assassination Attempt Trial Update

[00:59 – 01:41]

• Setting: Fort Pierce, Florida; trial of Ryan Ruth, accused of attempting to assassinate former President Trump at his golf club nearly one year ago.
• Key Developments:
  • Ruth is representing himself, contrary to the court’s recommendation, with notable difficulties navigating legal procedures.
  • Judge Eileen Cannon repeatedly intervenes, especially during his “rambling” opening statement.
  • Ruth’s cross-examinations are so short, court adjourned early as the prosecution ran out of available witnesses.
  • Ruth’s daughter, Sarah, defends his efforts: “I think he’s doing pretty good considering he’s sick.” [01:32]
  • Ruth has ongoing health complaints while in protective custody.
• Next Steps: Trial resumes next week; prosecution expects to rest their case by Thursday.

3. Global News: Kamchatka Earthquake

[01:41 – 01:59]

• Details: A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck off the east coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.
• Aftermath: Although a tsunami warning was briefly issued, it has been lifted.

4. Culture: Historic Vatican Concert “Grace for the World”

[03:10 – 03:48]

• Event: An unprecedented concert at St. Peter’s Square featuring a blend of gospel, classical, soul, hip hop, and international acts.
• Headliners: Pharrell Williams (co-directing with Andrea Bocelli), plus Carol G, John Legend, Teddy Swims, Jelly Roll, Jennifer Hudson, and more.
• Theme: Unity—a message delivered through both music and a dramatic light/drone show inspired by the Sistine Chapel.
• Viewing: Streaming live at 3pm ET on Disney and Hulu.
  • Quote: “Gospel, classical, soul, hip hop, and international music will be on global display today at St. Peter’s Square… The theme of the event is Unity.” — Tonya J. Powers [03:14]

5. Public Opinion: FOX News Poll on Trump, Congress & Economic Ideals

[03:48 – 04:40]

• Presidential Approval: 46% of 1,000+ polled approve of President Trump’s job performance; 54% disapprove.
• Highest Ratings: Border security (57% approval), crime & public safety (50% approval).
• Views on Economic Systems:
  • Capitalism favorable: 53%
  • Socialism favorable: 27%
• Taxation & Social Programs:
  • 73% support higher taxes on the wealthiest if for social programs.
  • 64% support if it means “spreading the wealth” to the less fortunate.
  • Only 47% support raising taxes strictly to prevent excessive individual wealth.
  • Quote: “53% of those polled say they have a favorable opinion of capitalism, while 27% have a favorable view of socialism.” — Kristin Goodwin [04:18]

6. Human Interest: World’s Tallest Sunflower in Indiana

[04:40 – End]

• Accomplishment: Alex Babich’s sunflower, “Clover,” in Indiana reaches an astounding 35 feet—now the world’s tallest.
• Personal Connection: Babbich, who immigrated from Ukraine as a teenager, began growing sunflowers (Ukraine’s national flower) seven years ago.
• Naming: The flower’s name comes from his son placing four-leaf clovers on its leaves for good luck.

Notable Moments & Quotes

• “You guys honored my husband so well bringing him home.” — Erica Kirk publicly thanking VP Vance and wife, [00:29]
• “I think he’s doing pretty good considering he’s sick.” — Sarah Ruth, daughter of Trump trial defendant, [01:32]
• “The Grace for the World concert will feature performances from Pharrell Williams and Andrea Bocelli, who are co-direct…” — Tonya J. Powers, [03:17]
• “53%… approve of capitalism, while 27%… socialism.” — Kristin Goodwin, [04:18]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02 — Charlie Kirk’s assassination and tributes
• 00:59 — Trump assassination attempt trial update
• 01:41 — Kamchatka, Russia earthquake news
• 03:10 — Vatican “Grace for the World” concert details
• 03:48 — Fox News poll breakdown: public opinion on Trump, capitalism, taxation
• 04:40 — Human interest: the world’s tallest sunflower in Indiana

Tone:
Direct, news-driven, compassionate when noting tributes and personal stories, brisk and matter-of-fact in relaying political and global current events.

This episode offered a high-level rush through significant overnight events, policy trends, and even uplifting moments, keeping listeners fully briefed on the issues and happenings shaping the morning’s agenda.