Wednesday, September 17, 2025 • 3 min read

Wake up with The Yodel

by Natasha Frost with Anthony Rivas

Good morning, all. If you need to relax tonight, here's permission to binge-watch without guilt. Researchers say it may be good for your brain. Now, on to the news.

Need to know

Tyler Robinson in a concrete block room wearing a flack jacket.

Utah State Courts via Reuters

Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, and Luigi Mangione, who is charged with murder in the death of health insurance executive Brian Thompson, appeared in state courts yesterday. Here’s what to know.

In Utah: Robinson was charged with seven counts, including aggravated murder, which carries the death penalty. He didn’t enter a plea. Prosecutors say he left a note and texted his roommate and romantic partner, saying, “I had enough of his hatred.” See more of the texts. [Yahoo News/Time]
Investigation scrutinized: FBI Director Kash Patel faced criticism over his handling of the Kirk investigation, as well as questions over his alleged politicization of the agency and the Epstein files, during a combative hearing on Capitol Hill. Read the takeaways. [CNN]
In New York: A state judge dismissed terrorism charges against Mangione, citing a lack of evidence. He still faces a charge of second-degree murder and eight other criminal counts related to Thompson’s death. [Reuters]

In case you missed it

Robert Redford sits in a news room with a pencil in his mouth while playing the roll of Bob Woodward in

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Remembering a Hollywood great

Director and actor Robert Redford, who came to fame in films including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and who founded the Sundance Institute, died at 89. Read tributes to the luminary, and see photos from his most iconic movies. [USA Today/CBS News]

Trump’s U.K. trip

The U.K. announced a $42 billion tech deal with the U.S. ahead of President Trump’s second state visit, during which he’ll meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and receive a lavish, deeply ceremonial welcome from King Charles. [Reuters/Yahoo News]

Rate cut looms

The Federal Reserve is likely to make its first interest rate cut since December, weeks after Trump tried to fire Fed Gov. Lisa Cook and days after his economic adviser Stephen Miran was confirmed to the board. Here’s what to look for. [Yahoo Finance/Business Insider]

Storm, Fever hang on

The Seattle Storm handed the Las Vegas Aces their first loss in 18 games, and the Indiana Fever dominated the Atlanta Dream, beating the odds and forcing Game 3s in the first round of the WNBA playoffs. [Yahoo Sports]

‘Dancing With the Stars’ premiere

The Season 34 premiere brought glitz and glamour, acrobatic “flips and tricks” and a few gaffes from the judges’ table. Catch up on the best, worst and most oopsy-worthy moments from the night. [People]

What’s happening today

Jennifer Aniston in a still from the fourth season.

Jennifer Aniston in "The Morning Show." | Erin Simkin/Apple+

Now streaming

Season 4 of The Morning Show, with new cast members Jeremy Irons and Marion Cotillard, premiered on Apple TV+. Here’s what to expect. Plus, the series finale of The Summer I Turned Pretty is now on Prime Video. [Deadline/The Atlantic]

On the field

The Mariners face the Royals again at 7:40 p.m. ET on the MLB app after catcher Cal Raleigh tied Seattle’s home run season record set by Ken Griffey Jr. [AP]

In the WNBA playoffs

The Mercury play the Liberty at 8 p.m. ET, then the Lynx play the Valkyries at 10 p.m. ET — both on ESPN 2. The Mercury and the Valkyries hope to extend the series to a tie-breaking game. Here’s what to know. [Yahoo Sports]

And don't forget to...

Read your daily horoscope. Play the crossword. Check the forecast in your area.

Today in history

In 1849, Harriet Tubman fled the plantation where she was enslaved. She went on to help dozens of others escape, eventually becoming an abolitionist and, after the Civil War, an advocate for women's rights. Learn about her life and legacy. [TheGrio]

Illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Corbis via Getty Images

Feel-good moment

Erica Richardson

When Erica Richardson realized that her older neighbors stroll the corridors of their apartment building for exercise, she decided to give them a boost, offering treats, encouraging notes and bottles of water at her door. “They walk up with a smile and a pep in their step,” she said. [People]

Before you go, your daily advice

Protein is good for you, but there’s no need to go overboard. “More protein doesn’t equal more benefit,” one expert said. [CNN]

The Yodel team

Today’s edition of The Yodel was written by Natasha Frost, edited by Anthony Rivas, and copyedited by Chris Simpson and Doreen Bentley.

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