Nina Costa
Budget and Spending Correspondent analyzing the federal budget, national debt, and appropriations.
Latest Reporting
Democrats and Republicans Find Common Ground on Expanding Child‑Care Support
A rare bipartisan convergence emerges as the Trump administration proposes subsidies for families with a stay‑at‑home parent, prompting Democrats to put forward a parallel plan focused on low‑income households. Both sides argue that more monetary aid for child care is essential to workforce stability and economic growth.
Anthropic Chief Urges Global Pause on AI Race Amid Fear of Unchecked Power
Anthropic’s Dario Amodei has called for a worldwide slowdown in artificial‑intelligence development, warning that unchecked progress could unleash tools capable of causing unprecedented harm.
Trump’s “fantastic” United Ireland vision meets Belfast’s hard‑won peace
During a Dublin meeting, former US president Donald Trump called a united Ireland “fantastic”, prompting swift rebukes from the UK government and Irish leaders who stress the importance of the Good Friday Agreement.
Elon Musk’s Pledge to Eradicate Child Abuse Material on X Falls Short as Explicit Images Continue to Surface
Despite Elon Musk’s public vow to purge child sexual abuse content from his social‑media platform X, new investigations reveal that explicit images of minors remain widespread, prompting criticism from child‑protection advocates and lawmakers.
Trump Promises $5,000 “Trump Dividend” to Adults if GOP Holds Congress
At his convention speech, Donald Trump unveiled a promise of a $5,000 cash payment to every adult American, branding it the “Trump Dividend” and linking it to Republican control of Congress—a pledge that will be dissected by economists, lawmakers and voters alike.
Republicans kick off unconventional midterm convention in Dallas with Trump speech
The GOP’s first-ever midterm convention erupted in Dallas, branded a “Trumpapalooza,” with former president Donald Trump anchoring a tax‑cut and border‑security agenda.
FISA Spying Power Scheduled to Expire as House Fails to Extend it Before Leaving Town
A warrantless surveillance tool, FISA Section 702, is set to lapse as Congress and President Donald Trump engage in a heated battle over the future of the Director of National Intelligence.
Top Pentagon Official Worked Closely With C.I.A. Officer Later Found With Gold Bars
A highly classified China spying program has found itself at the center of a controversy involving a top Pentagon official and a C.I.A. officer.
City Council Calls for Tighter Review of N.Y.C. School System Contracts
The New York City Council is calling for a more thorough review of contracts within the city's school system, following an investigation into a $180,000 no-bid deal involving the city's schools chancellor.
Medicare Advantage Plans Often Deny Seniors Access to Special Care, Analysis Shows
Two reports by U.S. investigators reveal how Medicare Advantage is quick to reject requests for short-term nursing home or inpatient rehab services.