5 Things to Know This Morning

— -- Your look at the five biggest and most buzz-worthy stories of the morning.

1. Serious Measles Vaccine Side Effects Extremely Rare, Doctors Say

Many parents who refuse to vaccinate their children against measles and mumps do so because they fear autism and other possible side effects from the shots. But doctors say this worry is unfounded.

“Like all biological products, you can never say anything is 100 percent safe,” explained Dr. William Schaffner, professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University. “But after millions of doses given around the world, I can tell you that adverse events are extremely rare.”

2. Bobbi Kristina Brown 'Is Fighting for Her Life,' Says Her Family

Bobbi Kristina Brown is a fighter, the family of Brown's late mother, Whitney Houston, told ABC News.

The 21-year-old Brown was hospitalized over the weekend after being found unresponsive in a bathtub.

“Bobbi Kristina is fighting for her life and is surrounded by immediate family," the Houston family said in a statement. "As her father already stated, we are asking you to honor our request for privacy during this difficult time. Thank you for your prayers, well wishes, and we greatly appreciate your continued support."

3. Bitter Cold, Tricky Travel Follow Deadly Snowstorm

Sections of the country face tricky travel conditions and bitter cold this morning following a major storm that's being blamed for at least seven deaths.

Temperatures dipped into the single digits and teens across the Northeast and Midwest overnight, with snow and slush still coating roadways.

The storm brought more than a foot and a half of snow in some areas – including 19 inches of snow in Chicago, and 18 inches expected in northeastern Maine.

4. Cuba Releases New Photos of Fidel Castro

Cuban state media released nearly two dozen photos of Fidel Castro around midnight Monday, the first new images showing the former president in nearly six months. The photo release follows renewed rumors about Castro's health.

The photos show 88-year-old Castro meeting with Randy Perdomo Garcia, the president of a University of Havana student union, at his home in Havana on Jan. 23.

Garcia penned a lengthy article in the state-run newspaper Granma about the three-hour visit, describing Castro as "animated" and "full of life."

5. 'American Sniper' Chris Kyle's Alleged Killer on Trial Next Week

Monday marked "Chris Kyle Day" in Texas as Gov. Greg Abbott made a proclamation in the Navy SEAL's honor.

The announcement came on the second anniversary of Kyle's death and on the week before the trial is scheduled to begin for his alleged killer, Eddie Ray Routh.

Details about the thorough jury selection process have been revealed just days ahead of the alleged killer's murder trial.