5 Things to Know This Morning

Dec. 19, 2012 — -- Your look at the five biggest and most buzz-worthy stories of the morning.

1. Obama to Announce Plan to Create New Policies in Newtown Aftermath
President Obama will announce today that Vice President Biden will spearhead an interagency process to formulate policies in the aftermath of the Newtown tragedy.

2. Sales of Bulletproof Backpacks Triple
The president of Amendment II, a Utah-based company that manufactures lightweight body armor for military and law enforcement use, says they introduced a new line of bulletproof backpacks six months ago, designed to keep kids safe in the event of school shootings. Since Friday's shooting, sales of the backpacks have tripled.

3. Investment Firm Severing Ties with Gun Manufacturer
Private investment firm Cerberus Capital Management announced Tuesday that it would severe its interest in Bushmaster, the company that built the weapon used in the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last week. The move marks the first in what experts say is likely to be a difficult period for the weapons manufacturer.

4. Giants' Cruz Visits Newtown Victim's Home
New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz visited the Connecticut home of 6-year-old Jack Pinto on Tuesday, a victim of Friday's school shooting and huge fan of the football player. Several young children played touch football in the family's front yard and left with autographed footballs and jerseys.

5. Northwest Storm Moves Into Plains
The western storm that brought wind, rain and waves to the Pacific Northwest moved into the Plains on Tuesday night, and is forecast to bring a major snow storm to parts of the west and Midwest. The storm could bring up to a foot of snow from Denver to Green Bay and could bring heavy rain to the Northeast on Thursday and Friday.