5 Things to Know This Morning

Dec. 14, 2012 — -- Your look at the five biggest and most buzz-worthy stories of the morning.

1. Rice Withdraws Name From Secy. of State Consideration
UN Ambassador Susan Rice withdrew her name from consideration for the Secretary of State slot on Thursday. President Obama said that Rice's decision shows "an admirable commitment to rise above the politics of the moment to put our national interests first."

2. Storms Rolling Over Southern California
The first in a series of 3 storms moved through southern California on Thursday bringing record rainfall from San Diego to Las Vegas. Parts of San Diego got more than 3 inches of rain in just hours. Two weaker storms are forecast to move through the region over the weekend.

3. Columbus Circle Murder: Police Reportedly Identify Suspect
Police have reportedly identified one of the two suspects in the murder of a man near Columbus Circle in New York City. The suspect is believed to be the driver of the getaway car.

4. New Oil May be Leaking From Deepwater Horizon Site
BP and the Coast Guard are reportedly working to determine whether new oil is leaking from the Deepwater Horizon drill site. Satellite photos have been documented oil slicks in the Gulf of Mexico.

5. Brooke Burke-Charvet On Mend After Cancer Surgery
After undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous nodule on her thyroid last week, "Dancing with the Stars" co-host Brooke Burke-Charvet is on the mend. Burke- Charvet tweeted that her life is "getting back to normal" and that seven days after her surgery she's "still sore but getting there."