ron claiborne not feeling so well this morning. but we're happy to have you instead. good morning, sir. >> thanks for having me back today. >>> and good morning, everyone. thousands of faithful packed st. peter's square this morning for pope benedict's easter mass. in his blessing to the city and the world, he called on syrian's government to end its violence and begin serious peace talks. the pope also gave his traditional easter greeting in dozens of languages. >>> the obama administration is taking a hard-line approach to nuclear talks with iran which are set to begin this week. "the new york times" reports that the u.s. will open talks that iran immediately close and disarm a new nuclear facility deep under a mountain. president obama has said that the talks are iran's last chance for a diplomatic solution. >>> the u.s. in afghanistan are announcing a deal on controversial night raids by american forces. the raids have been a constant source of tension between the countries.

. >>> now, let's get to ron claiborne with the rest of the morning's stories. the bespectacled ron claiborne. >> we begin with a scare on the tarmac at l.a. international airport. two planes collided last night. one was preparing to takeoff to the parked sky west plane. it clipped wings. the faa is investigating that accident. >>> and pakistan has launched an investigation into its second, major air disaster in less than two years. all 127 people onboard were killed on friday, when a jet crashed that was trying to land during a thunderstorm at islamabad's main airport. authorities believe the weather is to blame. the head of the airline has been blocked from leaving the country and placed into custody. >>> and president obama has a big financial edge over republican rival mitt romney, although that is not expected to lost. the president has more than $100 million in his campaign war chest. about ten-times what romney has. the drawn-out gop primary depleted romney's bank account. but he's expected to benefit from major donors. >>> and good news for smokers and f

. >>> let's go to ron claiborne for the other headlines. >>> good morning, everyone. concerns this morning about safety for george zimmerman. abc's matt gutman joins us now from orlando, florida with the latest. matt? >> reporter: hey, good morning, ron. that's right. security remains the major issue. you saw george zimmerman go into that bail hearing wearing that bullet proof vest. the bond is set at $150,000. the family will probably have to go to bondsman, another set of people who know zimmerman's whereabouts. he'll be wearing that ankle bracelet. there are journalists are waiting outside the jail waiting for him to leave. ron? >> okay, matt gutman reporting from orlando, florida. >>> more fallout from the sex scandal rocking the u.s. secret service. one agent already fired. we're learning more about the supervisor who uncovered the scandal. abc's david kerley joins us with the latest. >> reporter: ron, there are still a half dozen agents under investigation. one is going to fight. this is highly unusual to take his grievances publicly. we're learned that it was a

ron claiborne has a look at the developing stories. >> good morning, everyone. the secret service is tightening its rules for agents in the aftermath of that prostitution scandal in colombia. the new rules ban agents from drinking too much, visiting strip clubs and brothels and from having foreigners in their room. the scandal in colombia has cost nine agents their jobs. >>> and the core of al qaeda is eventually gone. that's according to u.s. counterterrorism officials. speaking one year after the raid that killed osama bin laden in pakistan. they say the group's new leader, ayman al zawahiri, still aspires to strike inside the u.s. but less threat of a major attack here. the affiliates are a bigger threat. >>> and the man who shot trayvon martin will not have to put up more bail money, at least for now. a florida judge rejected a request, to increase george zimmerman's bail, after he learned he had received more than $200,000 in online contribution for his defense. zimmerman was released from jail on monday. >>> wall street finished the week higher, despite ne

. >> ron claiborne sets three alarms. >> three? >> actually four. >> i'll try that next time. >>> let's pull up the picture. check out this rock. angelina jolie wearing the engagement ring. can you see it? the close-up there? >> i cannot see it. >> there it is. a closer shot. pitt spent months designing this. yesterday, they announced they are officially getting married after seven years and six kids. we have full details coming up. this is like our royal wedding. >> well, almost, as special as the wedding between dan harris and your wife, bianca. almost. does she take his name? >> probably not. right? >> i don't think so. >>> we do have a lot of news to get to this morning, including what is turning into the most explosive political trial in years. the mistress of john edwards, the mother of his love child, is now expected to testify in his trial. and she's not the only surprise on the witness list. we have much more on that coming up. but he faces up to 30 years in prison. >> a long time. >> if convicted. >> a long fall. he was c

ron claiborne is here with the other top stories. good morning, ron. >> good morning, everyone. the core of al qaeda is eventually gone. that's according to u.s. counterterrorism officials. speaking one year after the raid that killed osama bin laden in pakistan. they say the group's new leader, ayman al zawahiri, still aspires to strike inside the u.s. but there's less threat of a major attack here. the officials warn that al qaeda's affiliates are a bigger threat to this country. >>> new pictures of north korea's nuclear test site appear to show that the rogue nation is preparing for another nuclear test. the photos show a lot of activity at the site. if it happens, it would be north korea's third nuclear test. and was widely expected after the failed rocket launch earlier this month. >>> and the man who shot trayvon martin will not have to put up more money to remain free, at least for now. a florida judge rejected a request to increase george zimmerman's bail, after it was disclosed that he had received more than $200,000 online for his defense. but the judge wants to know m

. >>> now, let's get to ron claiborne with the rest of the morning's top stories. the bespectacled ron claiborne. good morning, sir. >> good morning to you, dan and sharyn. good morning, everyone. we begin with a scare on the tarmac at l.a. international airport. no, not birds. two planes collided last night. one was preparing to take off. you see the damage in this video, to the parked sky west plane. they clipped wings. the faa is investigating that accident. >>> and pakistan has launched an investigation into its second, major air disaster in less than two years. all 127 people onboard were killed on friday, when a jet crashed that was trying to land during a thunderstorm at islamabad's main airport. authorities believe the weather is to blame. the head of the airline has been blocked from leaving the country and placed into custody. >>> and president obama has a big financial edge over republican rival mitt romney, although that is not expected to lost. the president has more than $100 million in his campaign war chest. about ten-times what romney has. the draw

. >> ron claiborne sets three alarms. >> three? >> actually four. >> i'll try that next time. very, very good tip there. >>> let's pull up the picture. check out this rock. angelina jolie wearing the engagement ring. can you see it? the close-up there? >> i cannot see it. >> there it is. a closer shot. pitt spent months designing this. yesterday, they announced they are officially getting married after seven years and six kids. we have full details coming up. this is like our royal wedding. >> well, almost, as special as the wedding between dan harris and your wife, bianca. almost. so, does she take his name? >> probably not. right? >> i don't think so. >>> we do have a lot of news to get to this morning, including what is turning into the most explosive political trial in years. the mistress of john edwards, the mother of his love child, is now expected to testify in his trial. and she's not the only surprise on the witness list. we have much more on that coming up. but he faces up to 30 years in prison. >> a long time. >> if convicted. >> a long fall. he was considered a ser

good morning, ron claiborne. >> good morning again, everyone. in the news, one person was killed and five others seriously injured when powerful winds ripped a beer tent from a bar in st. louis. roughly 200 people were there after a cardinals game. about half were treated at the scene. >>> in washington state, a tense standoff between police and a man suspected of killing his wife and daughter came to an end when police stormed his underground bunker. inside they found the body of peter keller dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. >>> the reigning nba mvp is out of the playoffs after just one game. chicago bulls star derrick rose injured his knee badly ending his season and likely they any chance for the bulls winning the title. crushing blow there. >>> finally, if you're ever dreaming of walking in billionaire warren buffett's shoes, well, you may be able to. brooks sports has new sneakers featuring a cartoon version of buffett in a running suit and a headband. buffett's company owns brooks. dan, this is a toss. time now for the weather and

. >>> now, let's get to ron claiborne with the rest of the morning's top stories. the bespectacled ron claiborne. good morning, sir. >> good morning to you, dan and sharyn. good morning, everyone. we begin with a scare on the tarmac at l.a. international airport. no, not birds. two planes collided last night. one was preparing to take off. you see the damage in this video, to the parked sky west plane, after it clipped wings with another plane pulling back from the gate. the faa is investigating that accident. >>> and pakistan has launched an investigation into its second, major air disaster in less than two years. all 127 people onboard were killed on friday, when a jet crashed that was trying to land during a thunderstorm at islamabad's main airport. authorities believe that the weather is to blame. the head of the airline has been blocked from leaving the country and placed into custody. >>> and president obama has a big financial edge over republican rival mitt romney, although that is not expected to last. the president has more than $100 million in his campai

. >>> we want to get to ron claiborne who has the other head lines. >>> north korea's new leader is making his first public speech emphasizing that nation's military first policy, ruling out another new missile. abc's bob woodruff is in the north korean capital where they celebrated the 100th birthday of the nation's late founder. bob? >> another big parade downtown. the big change today, the voice of the new leader kim jong-un, we never heard from his father. this time, kim jong-un spoke for 20 minutes. take a listen. one other significant change, there were some weaponry in the very end of this parade, there was longer, more heavy missiles that don't know exactly what the details of that they are. one other change they didn't mention whatsoever the rocket launch today, which was a failure, and they didn't talk about this possible nuclear test that might be coming up. i have to say, ron, they didn't mention the united states at all in his speech. >> thanks very much, bob woodruff reporting. >> the first talks from iran offer its nuclear program is being called constructive. iran and the w

. >>> let's go to ron claiborne for the other headlines. >>> good morning, everyone. there are concerns this morning about safety for george zimmerman. if as expected he's to be released from jail. abc's matt gutman joins us now from orlando, florida, with the latest. matt? >> reporter: hey, good morning, ron. that's right. security remains the major issue. you saw george zimmerman go into that bail hearing wearing that bulletproof vest. his attorney said that assassination is still a major concern. the bond is set at $150,000. the family wanted to pay off it themselves. but instead, the family will probably have to go to bondsman, another set of people who know zimmerman's whereabouts. he'll be wearing that ankle bracelet. there are journalists waiting outside the jail hoping to catch that moment to leave. ron? >> okay, matt gutman reporting from orlando, florida. >>> more fallout from the sex scandal rocking the u.s. secret service. one agent already fired. about to go public with his story. we're learning more about the supervisor who uncovered the scandal. abc's d

ron claiborne, not feeling so well this morning. good morning, sir. >> thanks for having me back today. >>> good morning, everyone. thousands of faithful packed st. peter's square this morning for the pope benedict's easter message. he called on syrian's government to end its violence and begin serious peace talks. he gave his traditional easter greeting in dozens of language. >>> the obama administration is taking hard-line approach with the nuclear talks with iran that are set to begin this week. "new york times" is reporting that u.s. will open talks that iron disarm a nuclear facility deep under a mountain. president obama has said that the talks are iran's last chance for a diplomatic solution. >>> the u.s. in afghanistan are announcing a deal on controversial night raids by u.s. forces. they have been a constant source of tensions between the countries. the afghan president karzai has called for an immediate end to them. the agreement is a key step to the finalizing partnership to govern u.s. forces in afghanistan after combat

. >>> a lot of other news breaking overnight, so we want to get to ron claiborne who has the other headlines. >> good morning, dan and paula. >>> north korea's new leader is making his first public speech emphasizing that nation's military first policy, ruling out yet another new missile. abc's bob woodruff is in the north korean capital where they are celebrating the 100th birthday of the nation's late founder. bob? >> reporter: good morning, ron. yeah, another big parade downtown today, but the big change, the new thing that we heard today was the voice of kim jong-un, the new leader of north korea. his father, we never heard from him at all inter septemb-septemr for 20 years ago, one sentence. that's it. this time, kim jong-un, he spoke for 20 minutes. take a listen. [ speaking a foreign language ] >> reporter: also one other significant change. there was some new weaponry in the very end of this parade, there was longer, more heavy missiles. they don't know exactly what the details of that they are. but also one other change, they did not mention whatsoever the rocket launch today, which

ron claiborne has the latest headlines. >>> good morning, everyone. investigators searching for the traces of etan patz. the 6-year-old boy who disappeared in 1979 have finished ripping up the concrete floor of a new york city basement, they found a stain of interest on drywall. but caution not too read too much into that. >>> the u.n. security council has voted to expand the number of observers to monitor the cease-fire in syria from 30 to 300. activists there say that security forces there are shelling suburbs of the capital of damascus. >>> and this soccer ball and volleyball appear to be the first pieces of debris from last year's tsunami in japan to wash ashore in alaska. the writing on the ball traces it back to a school in japan. >>> and a new mexico animal shelter is on a mission to help this fat cat shed some weight, you saw him here. 2-year-old tabby, weighs in at 40 pounds. about 20 kilos. >> thank you. i don't understand unless it's in metric. >> dan, we'll take talk later on facebook. >>> and we have some breaking royal news. for both of

good morning, ron claiborne. >> good morning again, everyone. in the news, one person was killed and five others seriously injured when powerful winds ripped a beer tent from a bar in st. louis. >>> in washington state, a tense standoff between police and a man accused of killing his wife and daughter when police stormed his underground bunker. they found him dead inside of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. >>> the reigning nba mvp is out. chicago bulls star derrick rose injured his knee and is out for the season. probably quashing the hopes of the bulls winning the title. >>> finally, if you're ever dreaming of walking in billionaire warren buffett's shoes, you may be able to. baracks sports has tennis shoes with a cartoon version of the billionaire inside the shoes. dan, this is a toss. >> we're doing tv 101. so much fun. more than 200 severe weather reports. 169 of the hail reports came from missouri, indiana, kentucky, and illinois. really concentrated along that line near st. louis. the hail, we can show you the reports. let's show you the vi

good morning, ron claiborne. >> good morning again, everyone. in the news, one person was killed and five others seriously injured when powerful winds ripped a beer tent from a bar in st. louis. >>> in washington state, a tense standoff between police and a man accused of killing his wife and daughteter when police stord his underground bunker. they found him dead inside of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. >>> the reigning nba mvp is out. chicago bulls star derrick rose injured his knee and is out for the season. probably quashing the hopes of the bulls winning the title. >>> finally, if you're ever dreaming of walking in billionaire warren buffett's shoes, you may be able to. baracks sports has tennis shoes with a cartoon version of the billionaire inside the shoes. dan, this is a toss. >> we're doing tv 101. so much fun. more than 200 severe weather reports. 169 of the hail reports came from missouri, indiana, kentucky, and illinois. really concentrated along that line near st. louis. the hail, we can show you the reports. let's show you the vi

. >> ron claiborne ss three alarms. >> three? >> actually four. >> i'll try that next time. >>> let's pull up the picture. check out this rock. angelina jolie wearing the engagement ring. can you see it? the close-up there? >> i cannot see it. >> there it is. yesterday, they announced they are officially getting married after seven years and six kids. we have full details coming up. this is like our royal wedding. >> almost, as specialist the wedding between dan harris and your wife, bianca. almost. does she take his name? >> probably not. right? >> i don't think so. >>> we have a lot of news to get to this morning, including what is turning into the most explosive political trial in years. the mistress of john edwards, the mother of his love child, is now expected to testify in his trial. and she's not the only surprise on the witness list. we have much more on that coming up. but he faces up to 30 years in prison. >> a long time. >> if convicted. >> a long fall. he was considered a serious contender for president of the united

ron claiborne not feeling so well this morning. but we're happy to have you instead. good morning, sir. >> thanks for having me back today. >>> and good morning, everyone. thousands of faithful packed st. peter's square this morning for pope benedict's easter mass. in his blessing to the city and the world, he called on syrian's government to end its violence and begin serious peace talks. the pope also gave his traditional easter greeting in dozens of languages. >>> the obama administration is taking a hard-line approach to nuclear talks with iran which are set to begin this week. "the new york times" reports that the u.s. will open talks that iran immediately close and disarm a new nuclear facility deep under a mountain. president obama has said that the talks are iran's last chance for a diplomatic solution. >>> the u.s. in afghanistan are announcing a deal on controversial night raids by american forces. the raids have been a constant source of tension between the countries. afghan president hamid karzai has called for an immediate end to themment the agreement is

abc's ron claiborne has the dust-up. >> reporter: he is new jersey's biggest rock star -- ♪ born to run >> reporter: he is the state's biggest and most famously pugnacious political star. >> get the hell off the beach in asbury park. >> reporter: chris christie is also a big fan of the boss. a veteran of more than 120 springsteen concerts. including this one in new york city's madison square garden just a few weeks ago. so imagine the governor's embarrassment when a fellow concertgoer snapped this photo of christie apparently snoozing in midconcert. >> falling asleep at a bruce springsteen concert is about the worst thing a new jersey politician can possibly do. it's worse than insulting the cast of "the jersey shore." ♪ >> reporter: but christie is not taking the accusations lying down. he is fighting back. >> during rocky ground which is kind of a really spiritual song, people sat. so i sat up on the seat and i put my head back and closed my eyes and listened to the song. >> reporter: the incident dubbed snoozegate was quickly splashed across newspaper headlines from cape may to hob

good morning, ron claiborne. >> good morning again, everyone. in the new, one person was killed and five others seriously injured when powerful winds ripped a beer tent from a scene in st. louis. >>> in washington state, a tense standoff between police and man accused of killing his wife and daughter when police stormed his underground bunker. they found him dead inside of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. >>> the reigning nba mvp is out. he hurt his knee and is out for the season. >>> finally, if you're ever dreaming of walking in billionaire warren buffett's shoes, you may be able to. brooks sports that has tennis shoes with a cartoon version of the billionaire in side the shoes. dan this is a toss. >> we're doing tv 101. so much fun. more than 200 severe weather reports. 169 of the hail reports came from missouri indiana, kentucky. really concentrated along that line. the hail, we can show you the reports. let's show you the video. when is the last time you saw grapefruit-sized or 4 1/2-inch hail. they got it in fairmont. the primary threat wil

abc's ron claiborne has the dust-up. >> reporter: he is new jersey's biggest rock star -- ♪ >> reporter: he is the state's biggest and most famously pugnacious political star. >> get the hell off the beach in asbury park. >> reporter: chris christi is also a big fan of the boss. a veteran of more than 120 springsteen concerts. including this one in new york city's madison square garden just a few weeks ago. so imagine the governor's embarrassment when a fellow concertgoer snapped this photo of christie apparently snoozing in midconcert. >> falling asleep at a bruce springsteen concert is about the worst thing a new jersey politician can possibly do. it's worse than insulting the cast of "the jersey shore." ♪ >> reporter: but christie is not taking the accusations lying down. he is fighting back. >> during rocky ground which is kind of a really spiritual song, people sat. so i sat up on the seat and i put my head back and closed my eyes and listened to the song. >> reporter: the incident dubbed snoozegaelt was quickly splashed across newspaper headlines from cape may to hoboken and bey

. >>> let's get over to ron claiborne. good morning. >>> good morning, tens of thousands of people are expected to turn out for a rally in miami in remembrance of trayvon martin, just comes day after thousands held a protest in sanford. protesters shouted justice for trayvon. put pressure on them until zimmerman is arrested. >>> some tough talk from secretary of state hillary clinton aimed at iran. she warned iran that time is running out for diplomacy over its nuclear program. negotiations resume later this month. she expressed doubt on whether iran has any intention of making a deal that satisfies the u.s. >>> linsanity, it's over at least for now. jeremy lin, the biggest story in pro basketball this season, will go undergo knee surgery, that will sidelined him for six weeks, that will leave the knicks without their breakout star, he could return in time for the playoffs if the knicks make it that far. >>> finally, something for our friend and colleague bianna golodryga to think about, in the final stages of her pregnanc

abc's ron claiborne has the dust-up. >> reporter: he is new jersey's biggest rock star -- ♪ >> reporter: he is the state's biggest and most famously pugnacious political star. >> get the hell off the beach in asbury park. >> reporter: chris christi is also a big fan of the boss. tha springsteen concerts. including this one in new york city's madison square garden just a few weeks ago. so imagine the governor's embarrassment when a fellow concertgoer snapped this photo of christie apparently snoozing in midconcert. >> falling asleep at a bruce springsteen concert is about the worst thing a new jersey politician can possibly do. it's worse than insulting the cast of "the jersey shore." ♪ >> reporter: but christie is not taking the accusations lying down. he is fighting back. >> during rocky ground which is kind of a really spiritual song, people sat. so i sat up on the seat and i put my head back and closed my eyes and listened to the song. >> reporter: the incident dubbed snoozegaelt was quickly splashed across newspaper headlines from cape may to hoboken and beyond. fair or not, chris

ron claiborne's not feeling so well. so, john berman is filling in on the newsdesk. john, good morning to you, sir. >> good morning, guys. great to see you. sorry to hear about ron. good morning, everyone. we begin with a bold, new claim about iran's nuclear capabilities. for the first time, a prominent iranian lawmaker says iran has the knowledge and scientific capability to produce nuclear weapons. but he says iran will never do so. the u.s. believes iran is using its civilian nuclear program as a cover to develop weapons. >>> syria has launched an offensive against anti-government activists. a new one, just days before a u.n.-brokered cease-fire is supposed to take effect. at least 24 people were report think killed today. the u.n. ambassador says syria is not pulling out forces in accordance to the deal. >>> florida's governor has signed a bill called caylee's law, inspired by caylee anthony. it increases a maximum penalty for knowingly making a false statement to police about a missing child. casey anthony was convicted on four counts of lying to investigators.

ron claiborne's not feeling so well. so, john berman is filling in on the newsdesk. >> great to see you. sorry to hear about ron. good morning, everyone. we begin with a bold, new claim about iran's nuclear capabilities. for the first time, a prominent iranian lawmaker says iran has capability to produce nuclear weapons. but he says iran will never do so. the u.s. believes iran is using its civilian nuclear program as a cover to develop weapons. >>> syria has launched an offensive against anti-government attacks. at least 24 people were report think killed today. the u.s. ambassador to syria says syria is not pulling out forces in accordance to the deal. >>> a florida governor has signed a bill by caylee's law. it increases a maximum penalty for knowingly making a false statement to police about a missing child. casey anthony was convicted on four counts of lying to investigators. she completed her four-year sentence while awaiting trial. >>> top executives are taking a pay cut at three companies bailed out by taxpayers.

. >>> let's get over to ron claiborne now with the other top stories developing this morning. good morning. >>> good morning. tens of thousands of people are expected to turn out for a rally today in miami in remembrance of trayvon martin. this comes a day after thousands held a protest in sanford. it was the town where he was shot and killed by george zimmer a little over a month ago. protesters shouted justice for trayvon. they chanted justice for trayvon and that put pressure on them until zimmerman is arrested. >>> and some tough talk from secretary of state hillary clinton aimed at iran. speaking in saudi arabia, clinton warned iran that time is running out for diplomacy over its nuclear program. negotiations resume later this month. but clinton expressed doubt about whether iran has any intention of making a deal that satisfies the u.s. >>> and linsanity, remember that, well, it's over at least for now. jeremy lin, the biggest story in pro basketball this season, will undergo knee surgery, which will sideline him for six weeks. that will leave the knicks without their br