5 Things to Know This Morning

5 Things to Know This Morning

ByABC News
December 9, 2013, 1:24 AM
In this Dec. 28, 2011 file photo, North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, front center, is followed by his uncle Jang Song Thaek, vice chairman of the National Defense Commission, as he salutes beside the hearse carrying the body of his late father North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.
In this Dec. 28, 2011 file photo, North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, front center, is followed by his uncle Jang Song Thaek, vice chairman of the National Defense Commission, as he salutes beside the hearse carrying the body of his late father North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.
Kyodo News, File/AP Photo

Dec. 9, 2013— -- Your look at the five biggest and most buzz-worthy stories of the morning.

1. North Korea Purges Kim Jong Un's Powerful Uncle
North Korea confirmed a major shakeup today in top leadership with its purge of Kim Jong Un's uncle, who was accused of drug abuse, improper relations with women and living a "capitalist lifestyle."

2. Ukrainian Protesters Rally in Kiev
Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to Kiev's streets in an escalating standoff with President Viktor Yanukovic to get rid of his government and abandon plans for closer ties to Russia.

3. '127 Hours' Adventurer Arrested
Adventurer Aron Ralston who inspired the movie "127 Hours" was arrested in Denver on charges of assault and wrongs to minors.

4. Big Storm Causes Massive Pile-Ups Along East Coast
A 50-car pile-up in Pennsylvania left one driver dead and dozens of motorists stranded on the state turnpike for hours in the middle of a major snowstorm.

5. Obama to Pay Tribute to Mandela in South Africa
President Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter are en route to South Africa to celebrate Nelson Mandela's life.