5 Things to Know This Morning

Jan. 22, 2014— -- Your look at the five biggest and most buzz-worthy stories of the morning.

1. Transportation Problems Linger Following Messy Storm
Travel remains troublesome as the Northeast digs out from Tuesday's storm. The swirling storm dumped nearly a foot and a half of snow on some areas, grounded thousands of flights, closed government offices in Washington, D.C. and made a mess of the evening commute. Some areas such as Manalapan, N.J. got more than 15 inches of snow. Philadelphia got slightly more than a foot, while New York City had 10 inches.

2. Syrian Peace Talks Stuck Over Assad's Future
Syrian peace talks began Wednesday in Switzerland with a bitter clash over President Bashar Assad's future.

3. Former Gov., Wife Liked to Live Large
Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were indicted on federal corruption charges for allegedly illegally accepting dozens of expensive gifts and donations from a wealthy friend. The indictment alleges that the McDonnells used the governor’s position to try to help Jonnie Williams, the CEO of dietary supplement company Star Scientific, in exchange for lavish gifts and donations. The former governor, who left office earlier this month, maintains he did nothing illegal in his interactions with Williams.

4. Warren Buffet Backs Billion Dollar March Madness Challenge
Financial guru Warren Buffet's company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., is insuring the colossal prize that would go to someone who successfully picks all 64 team brackets in the NCAA men's basketball tournament –- a feat so complex that the company is betting $1 billion it won't happen.

5. Norway’s Olympic Curling Team Gets Funky in Sochi
Curling could become the most popular sport at this year’s Winter Olympics: Norway’s men’s curling team is showing off its funky-fresh fashion sense, once again making the sheet of curling ice its red carpet runway.