Exclusive: Mueller’s Parents Say U.S. ‘Waited Too Long’ for ISIS Rescue Attempt

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Mall Threat  The White House called the video threat from Somali terror group Al Shabab against U.S. shopping malls pure propaganda, but security is still being tightened at Minnesota’s Mall of America, where one shopper said,“I’m very uneasy about the threats.” Bomb sniffing dogs and social media monitors are in effect and federal law enforcement called for increased vigilance nationwide.     Learn More

DHS Shutdown?  A big fight is erupting in Washington over the money to fund the Department of Homeland Security. While Democrats and Republicans argue and blame each other, the funds are set to run out this week for TSA officers, border patrol and customs agents, the Coast Guard, FEMA workers and the Secret Service. As today’s Senate debate failed to resolve the issue, President Obama is appealing to state governors.     Learn More

Exclusive: Kayla Mueller’s Family  In an emotional interview, the parents of slain ISIS hostage Kayla Mueller shared the agony of knowing their daughter was in ISIS hands. They told NBC’s Savannah Guthrie the U.S. “waited too long” to try to rescue her and other hostages, addressed reports she may have been forced to marry an ISIS fighter, and shared their chilling belief that “we had a chance to get Kayla out.”     Learn More

South Snarled by Sleet and Ice  An entire season’s worth of sleet and freezing rain hit Texas in a single day, causing a 25-vehicle pileup and turning Dallas into a ghost town. This bone-chilling winter has left snow on the ground in every state except Florida and Hawaii. Thousands remain without power in Tennessee, while in Alaska the weather is so warm a 2,000 mile sled race was cancelled.     Learn More

911 Emergency Calls  You expect 911 dispatchers to trace your call and find you immediately in an emergency. But an NBC News investigation found dispatchers can’t locate six out of 10 cell phone calls because of old technology. A recent example of this is heartbreaking: A 31-year-old woman called while trapped in her sinking SUV. She wasn’t located fast enough.     Learn More

Something to Say  Viewership was down 18 percent from last year’s Academy Awards. But those who watched the movie “Birdman” take top honors were left with plenty to talk about. Winners throughout the evening strayed from the traditional “thank yous” to share the spotlight with their personal and pet issues.     Learn More