Social Security checks to rise by 2 percent
WASHINGTON— Social Security checks are going up 2 percent in 2018, the U.S. government announced Friday. It’s the first substantial raise in years.
More than 66 million Americans receive Social Security payments. Most recipients are seniors over age 65, but some payments go to severely disabled people and orphans. The average check is currently $1,377 a month, meaning next year’s increase will raise the typical payment by $27 a month.
The raise is a cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, that’s meant to keep up with higher costs of everything from rent to medications.
Priebus interviewed
WASHINGTON— Reince Priebus, the former chief of staff to President Donald Trump, was interviewed for a full day Friday by members of special counsel Robert Mueller’s team, Mr. Priebus’ lawyer, William Burck, said.
The interview, which took place at the special counsel’s office in Washington, is a sign that Mr. Mueller’s investigation is now reaching to the highest levels of Mr. Trump’s aides and former aides.
Mr. Priebus was with Mr. Trump at key moments that have drawn Mr. Mueller’s interest, including as Mr. Trump worked to limit growing questions about Russia’s possible role in his election and in the discussions that led to the firing of FBI Director James Comey.
Trump selects adviser
WASHINGTON— President Donald Trump will nominate a climate change skeptic with ties to the fossil fuel industry to serve as a top environmental adviser.
The White House on Thursday announced the selection of Kathleen Hartnett White of Texas to serve as chair of the Council on Environmental Quality.
Ms. White was critical of what she called the Obama administration’s “imperial EPA” and pushed back against stricter limits on air and water pollution. She is a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank that has received funding from fossil-fuel companies that include Koch Industries, ExxonMobil and Chevron.
She served under former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, now Mr. Trump’s energy secretary, for six years on a commission overseeing the state environmental agency.
Collins to stay
ROCKPORT,Maine — After months of open deliberation about her future, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, announced Friday that she would not run for governor of Maine and would remain in the Senate.
Her decision leaves in place a moderate Republican who is a swing vote. She has stood against President Donald Trump’s agenda more than any other Republican senator and is likely to maintain a role as his foil.
Aid for Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said Congress will continue to provide aid to Puerto Rico to help the island recover and rebuild from a hurricane that destroyed the power grid and mangled houses and infrastructure.
Mr. Ryan, after completing a tour of Puerto Rico on Friday, said the Trump administration will submit a proposal to Congress for more aid.
On Thursday, the House passed a $36.5 billion hurricane and wildfire relief bill that would give Puerto Rico access to $4.9 billion in lowinterest Treasury loans. The Senate is expected to take up the measure Monday.
President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened in a series of tweets to pull federal aid workers out of Puerto Rico.