[Costello:] And you're looking at live pictures in New York City. These are pictures of protesters from the "Occupy Wall Street" movement earlier this morning, about 1:00 a.m. Eastern Time to be exact. New York City police asked protesters to clear out of Zuccotti Park so they could clean it. The protesters did that. But thousands of protesters have joined the cause because they fear they will not be allowed to go back to Zuccotti Park. So, this, I believe, is at Pine and Broadway. Protesters gathered there, thousands of them, although you can't see them in this picture. Police are pushing them out of that area to get them out of the street so that traffic can move. We're following the story. Poppy Harlow is on the scene. She says there's been dozens of arrests. She sees protesters in handcuffs. We'll check with Poppy in just a few minutes. But just to keep you updated, no reports of violence, but we have reports of arrest. This is your A.M. WAKE-UP CALL. Here's what's all new this morning: Former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky speaking out, says he's not a pedophile and that he simply around with the boys. Sandusky's charged with 40 counts related to sexual abuse. These are his first public comments since the scandal broke. A promising new study is out. Researchers found that heart damage may be reversible with stem cell therapy and without dangerous side effects. Sixteen patients underwent the procedure and showed major improvements in their heart functions. In money news, the Transportation Department is cracking down on lengthy tarmac delays. The agency slapped American Eagles Airlines with a $900,000 fine for keeping hundreds of passengers on 15 flights stranded on the runway for hours in May. A new rule caps tarmac delays at only three hours. It's the first time this rule has been enforced. In sports, no deal for the NBA, and this could mean no season at all. The players' union turned down the league's latest offer in a dispute over collective bargaining, calling it unfair. The union says they're planning to file an antitrust suit against the NBA. Now, let's get a check at today's weather. Meteorologist Rob Marciano in Atlanta. Good morning, Rob.
[Marciano:] Hi again, Carol. Threat for severe weather today across Texas, moving into Louisiana and points to the East, but mostly staying down to the South. Here it is highlighted graphically for you. We have one report of a tornado yesterday across Illinois and several reports of some wind damage and some hail. But the focus today will be across southeast Texas. We do have a severe thunderstorm watch that's posted for parts of the Hill Country in south central Texas. But damaging winds and large hail possible across the I-10 corridor eventually moving east of New Orleans. Here is the watch I spoke of, south of San Antonio, or west, I should say, of San Antonio, as that cluster of thunderstorms makes its way off towards the east, most of some heavier rains, and some hail and some gusty winds with those. And the north side of this front stretches all the way to the Northeast. And that's going to bring eventually some rain to the I-95 corridor, although right now for the most part is dry. Low clouds, though, in New York City later on today. Expect some delays because of that action. D.C. and Philly, if you are traveling, rain as well. So, yesterday, we were all clear as far as travel conditions are concerned. Today, a little bit more of a mess. And as we mentioned earlier, some cooler air coming in behind this. On average, 10 to 15-degree drop as to what you're seeing right now. So, cool down coming, Carol. Be prepared.
[Costello:] We're ready for it. We are. We have the winter coats out.
[Marciano:] Atta girl.
[Costello:] Thanks, Rob.
[Marciano:] You bet.
[Costello:] A first in the Arab world. Jordan's king appears to urge the embattled Syrian president to resign. King Abdullah saying that's what he would do if he was in Bashar al Assad's place. This comes during Syria's bloody crackdown on antigovernment protesters which the United Nations says has claimed more than 3,500 lives. Zain Verjee joins us live in London with more on this. Good morning, Zain.
[Zain Verjee, Cnn International Anchor:] Good morning, Carol. Dozens more have killed in yet more clashes in a brutal crackdown by the Syrian government. This comes a day after the king of Jordan, King Abdullah, said that Bashar al-Assad should step down. This is a really big deal. This is the first Arab leader that's come out and said something like this so explicitly. He said this: "I would step down and I would make sure whoever comes behind me has the ability to change the status quo that we're seeing." Now, that comment was preceded by the Arab League taking action. A lot of people thinking this is an organization that's essentially toothless. But they surprised everyone over the weekend by moving to swiftly temporarily kick out Syria from the group. At the same time, Carol, the European Union is pressuring Syria and targeting sanctions on at least 18 senior leaders of this country. So, the heat is on. And the question is: what will Bashar al- Assad do? Will he step down? Is this going to be the writing on the wall? And will more Arab leaders jump on the bandwagon here and ask for him to step down Carol.
[Costello:] Well, what we're all thinking: this is sort of how Libya went. So, everybody is worrying, if this if Assad refuses to step down, might some sort of military action be taken?
[Verjee:] Well, it's interesting because Syria's foreign minister, Walid Moualem actually spoke at a press conference. And he said essentially that Syria is no Libya. He also said that over at the Security Council, you've got the Chinese and the Russians that would never support military action against Syria. So, you know, that's what he says. Who knows what will happen. Everything in the Arab Spring has been so unpredictable. We all say, won't happen, can't happen, and then it does. So, we'll just have to wait and see.
[Costello:] Zain Verjee live in London, thanks so much. Still ahead, what would you do if your boss said you had to work on Thanksgiving? Well, one worker is mad he's launched an online protest and he's not alone. Tens of thousands of people have joined him.