Axios

CBS News is launching a new election night streaming show that gives political junkies the opportunity to watch its decision desk analyze races and make calls in real time.

Why it matters: "The Nerd Show" represents the network's first election-focused show built for a digital audience.

The U.S. is coordinating across federal agencies to monitor travelers arriving from Siberia as a pneumonic plague case draws international concern, CDC director Erica Schwartz said Wednesday.

Why it matters: Pneumonic plague can spread from person to person and is the deadliest version of the disease, with a near 100% fatality rate if left untreated.

Sriram Krishnan, who stepped down in June as the White House's senior policy advisor on AI, is seeking to raise around $500 million for a new venture capital fund, Axios has learned.

Zoom in: The fund, which is in its early stages, is expected to focus on growth-stage AI companies that have relevance to national security for the U.S. or allied nations.

Federal Reserve officials worried that higher costs tied to energy, AI investment and other shocks could spill over into broader, more persistent inflation, according to the minutes from the central bank's Sept. 15-16 meeting.

Why it matters: That meeting concluded with the Fed's first interest rate increase in three years. The minutes show that "several" officials thought rates were doing little to restrain the economy, raising the stakes for further increases down the line.

Nearly nine in 10 voters say using taxpayer money to pay for election-related ads featuring the president or Cabinet members is inappropriate, including 80% of Republicans, according to a recent Reuters-Ipsos poll.

Why it matters: The administration's decision to spend millions of taxpayer dollars on Trump-fronted ads weeks before the midterms is facing an uproar and overwhelming public opposition.

Michigan Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers called for an immediate end to President Trump's tariff war with Canada in a new ad Wednesday.

Why it matters: Trump endorsed Rogers, but Rogers has increasingly broken with the president as he fights to win a tight race against Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed.

The Trump administration is pledging to modernize headlight standards, addressing a growing complaint among drivers about glare from powerful LED lights.

Why it matters: Industry experts say U.S. headlight regulations are severely outdated, creating dangerous driving conditions.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) introduced legislation Wednesday that would direct the Smithsonian to preserve and display artifacts he said reflect the rise of "governmental propaganda" under President Trump.

Why it matters: The bill will almost certainly fail in a Republican-controlled Congress. But it could preview how Democrats would scrutinize the president's use of taxpayer dollars to promote his image if they regain control in November.

Top senators are questioning the effectiveness and cost of President Trump's Golden Dome missile defense effort.

Why it matters: Trump's sprawling plan is still failing to win needed support from lawmakers — and it's in dire financial straits.

Near-future versions of General Dynamics' next-generation tank and XM30 combat vehicle could have voice controls onboard, letting crews manipulate sensors, radios, drones and more with plain English instructions.

Why it matters: Such a setup could simplify training, ease troop burdens and improve battlefield performance — or what the military so coyly calls lethality.