Here we go again with Dan Rather’s pick of today’s top headlines to keep you informed and up to date with the world around you. Have a look!

New Sanctions For Russia:

On Friday, the Trump administration launched its most aggressive attack on Russia to date. The U.S Treasury has enacted further economic sanctions that target 17 Russian government officials, a weapons trading company,  7 oligarchs and 12 companies affiliated with them. Read more about this new round of sanctions on the Washington Post.

More Stormy Revelations:

President Trump has finally responded to questions about whether or not he knew about the payment of $130,000 to Stormy Daniels. He answered with a simple and curt “no,” which lacks the usual sound and fury that Trump is famous for.  Daniel’s lawyer, Michael Avenatti, believes that Trump just buried himself and his attorney with this response. “He’s effectively thrown Michael Cohen under the bus at least from an ethics’ standpoint with the state bar of New York.” Avenatti says “if Michael Cohen is ultimately in a position where he cannot withstand the pressure that has been placed upon him and he cracks and rolls on the President very very bad things can happen… there could be very serious consequences.” You can watch Michael Avenatti’s full interview with Ari Melber on MSNBC on our website.

LAS VEGAS, NV – FEBRUARY 04: Adult film actress/director Stormy Daniels hosts a Super Bowl party at Sapphire Las Vegas Gentlemen’s Club on February 4, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sergei Skripal Slowly Recovering From Poisoning:

We now have some very good news for you regarding the poisoning of the former Russian spy. He and his daughter are responding very well to treatment and now in stable condition. His daughter, Yulia, who was also poisoned in the attack, released a statement yesterday where she wanted to thank all those who had treated her and sent her goodwill messages. Although it remains uncertain when the two will be released from the hospital, here’s to hoping that the make a full and speedy recovery. This development really upholds the old Spanish saying “living well is the best revenge.” We have the full CNN article for you right here.

GOP Representative Nails Congress:

Trey Gowdy, a Republican representative from South Carolina confessed in an interview that he doesn’t have a lot to show for his last seven years in Washington and can’t wait to leave. As such, Gowdy is one of the 37 Republicans not running for re-election in Congress. Here is the whole Vice News interview with Gowdy.

WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 30: Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC) leaves a closed door session of the House Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill, November 30, 2017 in Washington, DC. The committee is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 Presidential election. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Texas GOP Congressman Resigns

Texas GOP Representative Blake Farenthold announced today he’s resigning from Congress, effective immediately. He wasn’t running for re-election after sexual harassment allegations surfaced.  He was also criticized for using tax-payer funds to settle a harassment claim.

Pruitt Survives The Week

Somehow, EPA administrator Scott Pruitt is still a member of Donald Trump’s cabinet, this after a personal appeal by Pruitt to the President in person.  The AP is reporting that Pruitt has cost taxpayers millions of dollars partly because of his 20 person security detail that is three times larger than his predecessor’s part-time detail.

National Security Adviser Departs

We are about to cross the abyss.  H.R. McMaster’s last day as national security adviser was today.  John Bolton is next.

Have a wonderful and restful weekend!