5 Things to Know This Morning

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

1. California Braces for Mudslides From 'Pineapple Express' Storm

Thousands of electric customers were without power along the West Coast overnight, with mudslides expected in burn areas due the “pineapple express” storm that hammered the coast from California to Washington. The storm is pushing southward, with rain and heavy winds reported in parts of the San Fernando Valley.

The huge, swirling system – the worst storm to strike the area in years – covered much of California Thursday, bringing strong gales and much-needed rain and snow that caused widespread blackouts in Northern California and whiteouts in the Sierra Nevada.

The brunt of the storm hit the San Francisco Bay Area, flooding freeways, toppling trees and keeping thousands of people home from work and school.

2. House Approves $1.1T Bill to Avoid Government Shutdown, Sends Bill to Senate

Just hours before a midnight deadline approached, the House of Representatives voted to approve a $1.1 trillion spending package to keep the federal government open -- sending the measure over to the Senate for final passage.

The House voted 219-206 to approve the measure with 57 Democrats joining 162 Republicans to pass the package.

At the conclusion of the House vote, House Speaker John Boehner, said “My job tonight is to say thank you and Merry Christmas.”

The House and Senate approved a 48-hour continuing resolution to keep the government open so the Senate has time to pass the measure without shutting down the government. If a time agreement is reached, the Senate could vote on the funding measure as soon as Friday evening. If not, a Senate vote could be pushed into Monday.

3. Case Tossed Vs. Woman Held 22 Years in Son's Death

In a scathing critique of Arizona's criminal justice system, a state appeals court on Thursday ordered the dismissal of murder charges against a woman who spent 22 years on death row for the killing of her 4-year-old son.

The Arizona Court of Appeals leveled harsh criticism against prosecutors over their failure to turn over evidence during Debra Jean Milke's trial about a detective with a long history of misconduct and lying. The court called prosecutors' actions "a severe stain on the Arizona justice system."

A three-judge panel of the appeals court said it agreed with Milke's argument that a retrial would amount to double jeopardy.

4. Korean Air Chairman, Daughter Apologize for 'Nut Rage' Incident

The Korean Air Lines Co. executive who delayed a flight in an incident dubbed "nut rage" bowed deep in apology Friday, expressing sorrow for bursting into anger when the crew served her macadamia nuts in a bag, not on a plate.

Cho Hyun-ah, who was head of cabin service at Korean Air, ordered a senior crew member off the plane, forcing it to return to the gate at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.

"I sincerely apologize. I'm sorry," Cho said trembling in front of dozens of reporters before facing questioning by transport officials. The ministry is going to investigate whether her actions violated aviation safety law.

5. Oldest Time Capsule in US Unearthed at Massachusetts State House

Conservators from the Boston Museum of Fine Arts labored in the chill and snow for hours to unearth what is believed to be the oldest unopened time capsule in the country, buried under the Golden Dome of the Massachusetts State House in 1795 by then-Governor Samuel Adams and Paul Revere, according to state records.

The 219-year-old capsule is made of cowhide and was initially discovered during State House renovations in 1855. When the repairs were complete, the state’s 23rd governor, Henry Gardner, re-buried it in the granite cornerstone of the historic building, adding new items, including coins.

Four coins clinked on the cold ground today as conservator Pam Hitchfield laid on her back and chiseled at the cornerstone. The silver pieces were picked up and displayed to reporters who stood in the mud around the fenced-in dig site.