Good morning. Here are some of the headlines we're following this morning:
1. Cruz Beats Trump; Clinton Edges Out Sanders in Iowa
With just one precinct yet to declare, NBC News has declared Clinton the apparent winner based on a report from the Iowa Democratic Party showing her narrowly ahead of Sen. Bernie Sanders. Meanwhile, Sen. Ted Cruz bested Donald Trump. The firebrand Texas senator garnered the support of 28 percent of caucus-goers — a solid win in crowded field. Read more in POLITICS.
2. What Does the Close Call Mean for Clinton and Sanders?
Clinton's razor-thin win exposes weaknesses for the former secretary of state among significant portions of the Democratic coalition — particularly younger voters and those seeking a more progressive vision. Sanders's backers, meanwhile, argued the Iowa results were a huge embarrassment for Clinton, with all her money, establishment backing and political skill. Read more in POLITICS.
3. Rubio Comes Out of Iowa Stronger Than Expected
Coming in third with 23 percent, Marco Rubio's performance in Iowa was better than nearly all the pre-election polls had predicted. Monday's results set his campaign on a positive trajectory as the campaign heads to New Hampshire. Read more in POLITICS.
4. WHO Declares Zika a Public Health Emergency
WHO said last week that Zika was spreading "explosively" across the Americas and predicted 3-4 million people could be infected within a year. On Monday, the organization declared the Zika virus and its suspected link to birth defects a public health emergency of international concern. Read more in HEALTH.
5. California Jail Escapees Had Help, Kidnapped Cabbie: Sheriff
Three inmates who pulled off an intricate getaway from an Orange County jail had outside help from a man who gave them escape tools and a ride to safety before they kidnapped a taxi driver at gunpoint and held him captive while arguing over whether to kill him, authorities said Monday. One inmate turned himself in, and the other two were captured in San Francisco last week. Read more in NEWS.
6. Engineer Recalls 'Dream-Like' Memory Before Amtrak Crash
The engineer at the controls of the Amtrak train that ran off the rails outside Philadelphia last May said he doesn't remember the moments before the crash that left eight people dead. Brandon Bostian, 32, said he had a "dream-like" memory of his locomotive going too fast around a curve, and hitting the brakes as he realized the train was going to tip over. Read more in NEWS.
7. L.A. Officials Mistakenly Release Alleged Murderer
Murder suspect Steven Lawrence Wright, 37, was "erroneously released" from Los Angeles' Inmate Reception Center on Tuesday morning. "He should be assumed to be armed and dangerous because he is a known gang member," Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Cmdr. Keith Swensson. Read more in NEWS.
Nightly Spotlight: Brokaw Weighs In on 2016 Presidential Race
NBC News’ Tom Brokaw — who has been to every Iowa caucus since 1980 — weighs in on one of the most unpredictable presidential campaigns in modern history.
