Fox News Hourly Update – 4PM ET 09/21/2025 — Episode Summary
Overview
This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update is anchored by Lisa Brady and covers the day's top news stories, centering on the memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, evolving developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a deadly shooting in New Hampshire, political reaction to Kirk’s killing, military tension in Eastern Europe, and the death of renowned musician Sonny Curtis. The newscast features live quotes, reported segments, and key perspectives from public figures, with timestamps provided for the major sections.
Key Discussion Points & Segments
1. Charlie Kirk Memorial: Remembering a Conservative Activist
[00:02 – 01:14]
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Large-scale memorial: The episode opens with coverage from the State Farm Stadium in Arizona, where a memorial for murdered activist Charlie Kirk is held at max capacity (60,000+ attendees), with overflow crowds nearby.
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Tributes from colleagues:
- A representative from Turning Point USA shares Kirk’s legacy of optimism and mobilization:
“You guys have really defied gravity and let's continue to make history here.”
— Turning Point USA Representative ([00:07]) - Charlie Kirk’s message emphasizing broader purpose:
“This is about saving Western civilization. … You are part of it. It's something bigger than all of us and it will have ramifications across the country.”
— Charlie Kirk archival audio ([00:18]) - Turning Point spokesperson Andrew Col honors Kirk’s impact:
“Not the fortune telling kind that could predict the future, but the biblical kind. He confronted evil and proclaimed the truth and called us to repent and be saved.”
— Andrew Col ([00:34]) - Lisa Brady notes the “excruciating effort” of staff to continue The Charlie Kirk Show during this difficult week.
- A representative from Turning Point USA shares Kirk’s legacy of optimism and mobilization:
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Upcoming President Trump Appearance: President Trump is scheduled to speak at the memorial and will soon address the U.N. General Assembly.
2. Mideast Tension: Recognition of Palestine and Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
[01:14 – 01:34]
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Recognition of Palestinian state: The UK, Canada, and Australia have formally recognized a Palestinian state, prompting Israeli Prime Minister’s criticism, saying such statehood would “be a prize for Hamas.”
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Protests in Israel:
- Widespread anti-war protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem call for hostilities to cease:
“It's time to say enough is enough. Stop the war, end the war, release the hostages, stop the ethnic cleansing in Gaza.”
— Israeli Protester ([01:24])
- Widespread anti-war protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem call for hostilities to cease:
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Military situation: Israeli forces continue operations in Gaza City amid ongoing rocket fire from Hamas.
3. National News: Nashua, NH Shooting
[01:34 – 01:59]
- Deadly incident: A shooting at a country club in Nashua, NH, leaves one dead and two injured.
- Suspect in custody: The 23-year-old suspect is a former employee of the club; motive is under investigation.
4. National Reaction and Media Debate: Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
[02:57 – 03:49]
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Governor Josh Shapiro addresses public response:
- On NBC's Meet the Press, Shapiro empathizes with Kirk’s family:
“An attack against anyone leaves scars.”
— Governor Josh Shapiro ([03:10]) - Reminds the audience of an attack on himself the prior April and asserts:
"Kirk’s assassination, based on what he said and believed is definitely wrong." ([03:14])
- Calls for constructive disagreement:
“We're allowed to disagree in this country. In fact, disagreements, when done constructively, is what helps perfect our union.”
— Interviewer ([03:23])
- On NBC's Meet the Press, Shapiro empathizes with Kirk’s family:
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Media criticism and free speech:
- Shapiro criticizes ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, suggesting “inartful” commentary is common and that “censorship further divides the nation.”
“When you have others in the media… who are inartful every day, that… is dangerous.”
— Governor Josh Shapiro ([03:41])
- Shapiro criticizes ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, suggesting “inartful” commentary is common and that “censorship further divides the nation.”
5. Global Affairs: Baltic Military Tensions
[03:49 – 04:11]
- Aerial confrontation:
- German and Swedish jets intercept a Russian surveillance plane flying over the Baltic Sea—part of a recent uptick in Russian military provocations, including incidents in Estonia and Poland.
6. Culture: Remembering Sonny Curtis
[04:11 – 04:44]
- Musical legacy:
- Sonny Curtis, longtime member of Buddy Holly’s Crickets, famed for “I Fought the Law,” and composer/singer of “Love Is All Around” (theme for The Mary Tyler Moore Show), has died at 88 after a sudden illness.
- Memorable archival moment:
“You take it. You go make it.”
— Sonny Curtis ([04:29])
- Accolades: Curtis’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is noted.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Turning Point USA and Charlie Kirk:
- “You guys have really defied gravity and let's continue to make history here.”
— Turning Point USA Representative ([00:07]) - “He confronted evil and proclaimed the truth and called us to repent and be saved.”
— Andrew Col ([00:34])
- “You guys have really defied gravity and let's continue to make history here.”
- Middle East Protest:
- “It's time to say enough is enough. Stop the war, end the war, release the hostages, stop the ethnic cleansing in Gaza.”
— Israeli Protester ([01:24])
- “It's time to say enough is enough. Stop the war, end the war, release the hostages, stop the ethnic cleansing in Gaza.”
- Political Discourse:
- “We're allowed to disagree in this country. In fact, disagreements, when done constructively, is what helps perfect our union.”
— Commentator ([03:23]) - “When you have others in the media...who are inartful every day, that is dangerous.”
— Governor Josh Shapiro ([03:41])
- “We're allowed to disagree in this country. In fact, disagreements, when done constructively, is what helps perfect our union.”
- Cultural Farewell:
- “You take it. You go make it.”
— Sonny Curtis ([04:29])
- “You take it. You go make it.”
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Charlie Kirk Memorial & Tributes — [00:02 – 01:14]
- Israel-Palestine Recognition & Protests — [01:14 – 01:34]
- Nashua, NH Shooting — [01:34 – 01:59]
- Political and Media Reaction to Kirk's Death — [02:57 – 03:49]
- Russian Military Activity in Baltic Sea — [03:49 – 04:11]
- Sonny Curtis Obituary — [04:11 – 04:44]
Summary Tone and Style
This Fox News update maintains a somber, urgent, and fact-forward tone, focusing on tributes, developing international crises, and high-profile deaths while weaving in direct quotes and providing a snapshot of national and global sentiment. The reporting highlights both the gravity of recent events and the strong reactions they’ve provoked across the political and cultural spectrum.
