5 Things to Know This Morning

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.