Fox News Hourly Update — 6AM ET, September 13, 2025

Overview

This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update delivers a concise roundup of the day’s leading headlines, including a national response to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, developments in the high-profile trial of a Trump assassination attempt suspect, a major earthquake in Russia, a historic global concert at Vatican City, the latest Fox News polling data, and a heartwarming story about a record-breaking sunflower in Indiana.

1. REMEMBERING CHARLIE KIRK

[00:01-00:42]

• Main Story: Charlie Kirk, conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated on a Utah college campus earlier this week at age 31.
• Bipartisan Response: Political leaders from both parties express shock and condolences over his loss.
• Personal Story: From the headquarters of Turning Point USA, Erica Kirk, Charlie’s widow, thanked Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha, for their support and for transporting her husband's casket home to Arizona via Air Force Two.
  • Notable 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, [00:23]

• Suspect: Tyler Robinson, 22, is in custody in connection to the shooting.
• Turning Point USA: Described as an organization focused on promoting conservative values among high school and college students.

2. TRIAL OF TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT SUSPECT

[00:42-01:41]

• Trial Update: The trial of Ryan Ruth, accused of attempting to assassinate President Trump at his Florida golf course nearly a year ago, is underway.
• Courtroom Dynamics: Ruth is representing himself, often going on tangents. Judge Eileen Cannon steps in during digressions, such as his rambling opening statement.
  • Notable Commentary:

    “Whenever he goes off on tangents unrelated to the case, Judge Eileen Cannon intervenes, as she did during Ruth’s rambling opening statement on Thursday.”
    — Jonathan Sery, [01:00]

• Trial Conduct: Ruth’s cross-examinations are “brief and sometimes non-existent,” leading the court to adjourn early due to lack of available prosecution witnesses.
• Personal Details: His daughter Sarah comments on his health and performance — Ruth has been observed coughing, wiping his nose, and complaining of poor sleep while in protective custody.
  • Notable Quote:

    “I think he’s doing pretty good considering he’s sick.”
    — Sarah Ruth, [approx. 01:33, paraphrased by reporter]

• Next Steps: Trial resumes next week.

3. 7.0 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE IN RUSSIA

[01:41-01:59]

• Event: A 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit near the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia.
• Immediate Aftermath: A tsunami threat was temporarily issued but has now been lifted.

4. HISTORIC “GRACE FOR THE WORLD” CONCERT AT THE VATICAN

[03:09-03:45]

• Event: “Grace for the World” — a global concert at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, featuring gospel, classical, soul, hip hop, and international music.
• Performers: Pharrell Williams and Andrea Bocelli (co-directors), joined by Carol G, John Legend, Jelly Roll, Jennifer Hudson, and more.
• Theme: Unity, with an aerial drone and light show inspired by the Sistine Chapel.
• Broadcast: Streaming live at 3PM Eastern on Disney and Hulu.
  • Notable Moment:

    “Gospel, classical, soul, hip hop and international music will be on global display today at St Peter’s Square… The Grace for the World concert will stream live today at 3pm Eastern on Disney and Hulu.”
    — Tonya J. Powers, [03:12]

5. FOX NEWS POLL: PUBLIC OPINION SNAPSHOT

[03:45-04:40]

• Sample: Over 1,000 U.S. voters surveyed.
• President Trump:
  • 46% approve, 54% disapprove of job performance.
  • Highest marks on border security (57% approve), followed by crime and public safety (50% approve).
• Economics:
  • 53% have a favorable opinion of capitalism, 27% for socialism.
  • 73% support raising taxes on the wealthy to strengthen social programs, 64% to “spread the wealth,” 47% so “nobody gets to be too rich.”
    • Notable Quote:

      “53% of those polled say they have a favorable opinion of capitalism, while 27% have a favorable view of socialism. But when asked if the government should increase taxes on the wealthiest Americans, 73% say they'd support this if it meant strengthening the country's social programs.”
      — Kristen Goodwin, [03:56]

6. WORLD’S TALLEST SUNFLOWER BLOOMS IN INDIANA

[04:40-05:03]

• Record Breaker: Indiana resident Alex Babich has cultivated the world’s tallest sunflower, now reaching 35 feet, named “Clover.”
• Backstory: Babich, an immigrant from Ukraine since 1991, began growing sunflowers (Ukraine’s national flower) seven years ago as a tribute to his homeland.
• Naming: “Clover” got its name after Babich’s son placed four-leaf clovers on its leaves for luck.
  • Memorable Anecdote:

    “Clover getting its lucky name thanks to Babich's son placing four leaf clovers on the sunflower's leaves for good luck.”
    — Tonya J. Powers, [04:45]

End of Summary