Good morning. Robin is off today. Natasha Curry leads us into the weekend.

A witness who claims to have seen the Trayvon Martin shooting has come forward. Will this account help clear up all the fog on this story? Also, what the brother of shooter George Zimmerman is saying now about Zimmerman's reported injuries.
--–
And the line forms here... We'll get you caught up on Lottery Fever. You have a better chance of being hit by lightning. But if you've got that winning ticket, you're about to be half a billion dollars richer. How would you spend it? Tell us on Facebook, Tweet @morn_eXpress or email MorningExpress@HLNtv.com. We'll use your comments on air all morning.
--–
See incredible new video of a school bus hit by a tornado. You'll hear the story of the driver who saved the kids just minutes before that storm picked up the bus and threw it across the street!
--–
We're setting up the Final Four. Get your recliner ready. Morning Express sports Anchor Carlos Diaz is live in New Orleans at Champions Square near the Superdome... if you're out there come by, you could be on HLN! 7-9am Central time.
--–
The number of kids diagnosed with autism in the United States is skyrocketing. The problem is: No one's really sure why. We'll take a look.
--–
Also... Canada is ditching what it calls a “burden” on its economy. The culprit: the penny... U.S. support for the war in Afghanistan is plummeting... Lindsay Lohan is thanking the judge who released her from probation... see the frightening video of firefighters on the roof of a building on fire, as it begins to collapse... and we'll help you find the cheapest rates for rental cars.
--–
Today on Morning Express you'll meet Jake Wood who founded Team Rubicon as a way to help people hit by natural disasters AND bring military veterans together. Do you know someone like Jake who is making a difference in your community? Nominate a 2012 "Hero of the Year."

Filed under: Extras

Thursday is connected to Friday. Only thing that can beat that is....Saturday! Ha!

On Morning Express today on HLN:
--–

The father of George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch captain who shot and killed a Florida teen, says... Trayvon Martin beat his son and threatened to kill him.
But see video of Zimmerman that very same night, later at the police station.
And you'll see what Martin's family says after watching that.
--–
Our Country Votes:
A big big endorsement for Mitt Romney today. When you see who it is, you'll see why some are saying it's a sign that republicans will come together for the front runner.
--–
Tune in for this: amazing video of a family running for their lives – they had their camera on, as a fire got too close.
Watch and see if you'd react any differently.
--–
Student loans for kindergarten? Wait till you hear this one.
--–
Choose your weekend movie wisely: the saddest ones can affect your mood in the opposite way!
--–
You KNOW a basketball rivalry is heated when people start pummeling each other, at DIALYSIS!
And you know how long you gotta sit there for that... listening to someone yammering on and on trash talking? You gotta hear the peeps talk about what happened.
--–
And then...they went and got all scientific about which gender supposedly makes a better cook. The results are...in the show!

Posted by: Anchor Robin Meade
Filed under: Extras

Howdy! How is Wednesday feeling? I'm sending you love and positivity through the wire. Zap! There it is.

Today I'm positive you get another chance at becoming positively richer. Because... the abundance has grown... abundantly... in the Mega Millions jackpot. Check it out: HLNtv.com/Robin

Okay down to the nitty gritty:

Oh my word! Did you get a load of the crazy experience JetBlue passengers had when their pilot started acting berserk?
I mean so off the wall that the copilot locked him out if the cockpit!

Now: tune in to watch video from the flight. (I seriously might have needed a change of clothing if I were there.)

You tell me: When you hear about this, and the recent case where a flight attendant started screaming bizarre and scary things into the PA system, how are you feeling about flying these days? Got any outlook or wisdom to share with nervous flyers?
Hit me @RobinMeade on twitter, or go to HLNtv.com/Robin for our Facebook and email.
--–
We have a deal! Magic Johnson is among the group buying the Dodgers,
Wooo baby... wait 'til you hear the price tag.
(Larry King, in another group that wanted to buy the Los Angeles team tweeted that if the Dodgers sold for that much, how much does that make the Yankees worth!?)
--–
A new witness to the shooting death of Trayvon Martin? That's the word from the special prosecutor, who says someone may have seen what happened between the teenager and the neighborhood watch guy.
--–
Think you're having a bad day? How about the woman who got three speeding tickets in one hour. She does have an excuse for going that fast. Not to say she is excused of course.
--–
After getting his iPad stolen... a kid busts a multi-state crime ring...
Apparently, there's an app for that.

Posted by: Anchor Robin Meade
Filed under: Extras

Filed under: Extras • Sports • Viral Video of the Day • YouTube

Let's give Tuesday a run for its money. It's not ever seen the likes of you!
Hey thanks to my pal David Wild, music reviewer extraordinaire, for tweeting about the new songs I'm adding to my debut album.
The result: the DELUXE edition of "Brand New Day." Look for it starting next week on iTunes and Walmart stores near the candles.

On the show today:

Brand new info on what the neighborhood watchman says happened the night Trayvon Martin died.
Tell us what YOU think... sound off on the Morning Express with Robin Meade facebook page; tweet me: @RobinMeade; email: MorningExpress@HLNtv.com
Also, the Florida teenager's parents head to Capitol Hill this morning. Tune in for more on what they hope to do there.
Full coverage from every angle: HLNtv.com/TrayvonMartin
--–
There's only one word to describe the new Jets back-up quarterback Tim Tebow: EXCITED.
You'll understand when you watch the show. (He used "excited" over 2 dozen times in a press conference yesterday.)
--–
The people who work at plants that make the so-called "pink slime" meat product... are caught between the outrage over the ammonia-treated beef and the unemployment line.
But the people who run the plants say their stuff is nutritious, and has fallen victim to hysteria.
See what you think.
--–
The ex-husband of the late Whitney Houston is in trouble with the law. Get the details on what happened.
--–
Pictures you'll be talking about:
A bold smash-and-grab is caught on tape.
--–
Are you in? Mega Millions lottery is tonight.
Ooo la la. It's time to play "What would you do if you win?"
I think my team and I would still do the morning show. Except it might start at 11 in the morning and end at noon. Ha! And Bob would appear wearing whatever he wanted. Bwaaa.

Posted by: Anchor Robin Meade
Filed under: Extras

Monday will make you appreciate the weekend you just had, won't it?

If you are into March Madness.. how are your picks standing up?
By the looks of it, I'm leading all the on-air folks at HLN...even the good doctor, Dr. Drew. Let's see how the rest of the tourney plays out.
I bet it's the last time they ask me to play
On the show on HLN today...the Final 4 is set.
--–
If you see people wearing hooded sweatshirts to work today, they could be doing it in support of the teen who was killed by a neighborhood watch volunteer. It's been 1 month since Trayvon Martin died. You'll see what plans there are to mark that today.
--–
Pink slime is getting the boot from schools.
Here's a follow-up to the ammonia-treated bits of cow parts that were deemed safe enough as a low-cost alternative for schools.
--–
Where are you more likely to lose your cell phone? If it's anything like my iPad... here, there and everywhere!
--–
The Queen of England has a new title: wedding crasher. Imagine what the bride and groom thought. Well...they did invite her after all.
--–
Frost returns to some viewers in the Northeast, while folks further south feel like they went somewhere tropical for spring break! Bob's got a look at the forecast for the week.
--–
See ya.

Posted by: Anchor Robin Meade
Filed under: Extras

It's one of the worst feelings in the world. Suddenly you realize your cell phone has become separated from you. Quick, check your pockets. Check 'em again! WHERE IS IT? Retrace your steps... you sent a text just before you went into the supermarket... and then... did you leave it in the cereal aisle? AAAAAGH!!!

It's terrifying and frustrating. It costs Americans tens of millions of dollars a year. And it happens MOSTLY in coffee shops. That's according to a survey featured on SmartMoney.com. Here's a list

The top 10 places for lost or stolen phones:
1. Coffee Shop
2. Bar
3. Office
4. Restaurant
5. Apartment & condo
6. Grocery store
7. Gas station
8. Residential homes
9. Pharmacy or drug store
10. Park

And if you live in Philly or Seattle... you are even more at risk of finding yourself doing the frantic, cell phone, self pat-down. Those are the top 2 cities for lost phones. Find out if your town made the top 10 at SmartMoney.com.

Filed under: Extras

Hey there. You ready for Friday? Because it’s coming for you like a tricked-out limo, people hanging out the sides and a thmmp thitty thmmmp bass pumpin’ out the back. What? You gotta get through the day? You're in a Friday kind of mind yet? A few more hours...a few more hours....

On the show today:
We now know what killed Whitney Houston, according to the coroner.
Heart disease and cocaine were contributing factors in her drowning.
But you gotta hear what else was in her system.
Also, her former manager and sister-in-law describes what this info means to the family.

In the Trayvon Martin case…
The police chief of Sanford, Florida is “temporarily” stepping aside. But Trayvon Martin’s parents say that’s not nearly enough.

Last night’s NCAA games probably destroyed a lot of brackets. The first #1 seed in March Madness has been knocked out.

Vending machines move to a new frontier. Your cab!

And what's the deal with this person? Jealous? Wanna-be makeup artist? Check out what happened when someone threw white powder on Kim Kardashian.

See you on the show.

Posted by: Anchor Robin Meade
Filed under: Extras

You know that Saturday morning feeling of waking up late and feeling rested... like the entire day is laid out for you to pick and choose what you want to do? Let's trick ourselves into thinking that's today. There! That just makes for a whole new feel-good outlook didn't it.

Today on our show with news in the fast lane …

We now know where Tim Tebow will play next year.
You gotta check out the headlines from one of New York’s papers about it.
But is that locker room the right one for him?
Tell me what you think of the trade and Tebow in a Jets uniform.
Tweet me@robinmeade or link to our Facebook page at hlntv.com/robin.
-–
Thousands of people marched in New York over the killing of Florida teenager by a neighborhood watch captain.
Trayvon Martin’s parents were there. You’ll hear what they said.
-
The hammer of the NFL comes down on the head coach of the Saints for their bounty system.
No pay in 2012 for Sean Payton.
But the league saved the harshest punishment for the coordinator behind the pay-for-injury scandal.
--
A comment about Etch-a-Sketeches is shaking up (get it?) Mitt Romney’s campaign.
-
A Louisiana man walked away after a big tree fell on his car. Wait ‘til you see the pictures.
-
Does red meat make you happy?
To me it feels like the findings in a new study are opposite some info we just brought ya! NOW what r you supposed to do?

See you on the show…

Posted by: Anchor Robin Meade
Filed under: Extras

Is your family getting wise to your trick of simply hiding peas in the mac and cheese?

Chef, nutritionist and author Ellie Krieger is a regular guest on Morning Express with Robin Meade and she has some new ways to make veggies the secret star of meals that go way beyond peas and pasta. Impress your picky eaters with these recipes, some of which you can also find in her book "The Comfort Food Fix" and on her website: EllieKrieger.com.

--–

Butternut Squash Risotto:
This dish is pure luxury made with the simplest ingredients. Its decadent creaminess comes from the natural starch or the Arborio rice and the butternut squash puree. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan and a hint of fresh sage make it unforgettably delicious.
Ingredients
5 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup pureed butternut squash (one 10-ounce package frozen butternut squash puree, thawed)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1 1/2 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Heat the broth in a pan on the stove until it is hot but not boiling.
Reduce the heat to low and cover to keep warm.
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened but not browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the wine and simmer until it is absorbed, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes.
Add 1/2 cup of the hot broth and simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it is absorbed. Repeat with the remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more, about 30 minutes total. When all the broth is incorporated and the rice is tender and creamy, add the squash, sage, all but 2 tablespoons of the cheese, the salt, and pepper. Season with additional salt to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with the reserved cheese.
Makes 4 servings.
SERVING SIZE: 1 1/2 cups
PER SERVING: Calories 440; Total Fat 9 g (Sat Fat 3 g, Mono Fat 4.2 g, Poly Fat 0.9 g); Protein 17 g; Carb 70 g; Fiber 5 g; Cholesterol 10 mg; Sodium 550 mg
EXCELLENT SOURCE OF: Fiber, Niacin, Protein, Vitamin A
GOOD SOURCE OF: Calcium, Copper, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Riboflavin

--–

Mashed Potatoes with Cauliflower:
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds of Yukon Gold or creamery potatoes
1 small head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into 1 inch florets
2/3 cup 1% low-fat milk
2 tablespoons of butter (optional)
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Scrub the potatoes and cut into 2-inch pieces. Arrange the potatoes in a steamer basket, and steam for 10 minutes. Add the cauliflower to the basket and cook until the potatoes and cauliflower are tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, about 15 minutes longer. Heat the milk and butter, if using, in a small saucepan. Put the cooked vegetables and warm milk in a large pot or bowl and mash with a potato masher until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Makes 6 servings.

SERVING SIZE: 3/4 cup
PER SERVING: (with butter) Calories 160; Total Fat 4.5 g; Protein 6 g; Carb 27 g; Fiber 6 g; Cholesterol 10 mg; Sodium 65 mg
PER SERVING: (without butter) Calories 130; Total Fat 1 g; Protein 6 g; Carb 27 g; Fiber 6 g; Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 65 mg
EXCELLENT SOURCE OF: Fiber, Folate, Potassium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin K
GOOD SOURCE OF: Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Phosphorus, Protein, Riboflavin, Thiamin

--–

Chicken Alfredo with Zucchini Ribbons:
Ingredients
2 medium zucchini (about 8 ounces each)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 pieces thinly sliced skinless boneless chicken breast cutlets (1 pound total)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces fettuccine pasta, preferably whole wheat
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup cold low-fat (1%) milk
1/2 cup evaporated skim milk (not condensed milk)
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves

Slice the ends off the zucchini and discard. Using a mandolin or carefully with a sharp knife, slice the zucchini lengthwise into very thin slices. Stack the slices and cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-wide ribbons.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add half the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the zucchini ribbons, cover, stirring occasionally, and cook until the zucchini is just tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt and the black pepper and cook until cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Cook the pasta al dente according to the directions on the package. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and return it to the pasta pot.
Meanwhile, make the sauce. Combine the flour and low-fat milk, stirring until the flour is dissolved. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the milk-flour mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes more. Add the evaporated skim milk, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the cheese and cook, stirring, until the cheese is melted, about 1 minute.
Add 1 cup of the sauce, the zucchini, and 3 tablespoons of the parsley to the pasta in the pot and toss to combine. Add a little of the reserved pasta water as necessary to loosen the sauce.
To serve, place 2 cups of the pasta mixture on each plate. Top with a piece of chicken. Drizzle with the remaining sauce and garnish with the remaining parsley.
Makes 4 servings.

SERVING SIZE: 2 cups of pasta mixture and 1 piece of chicken breast
PER SERVING: Calories 660; Total Fat 20 g (Sat Fat 5 g, Mono Fat 9.2 g, Poly Fat 1.7 g); Protein 49 g; Carb 79 g; Fiber 11 g; Cholesterol 90 mg; Sodium 880 mg
EXCELLENT SOURCE OF: Calcium, Copper, Fiber, Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Riboflavin, Selenium, Thiamin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Zinc
GOOD SOURCE OF: Iodine, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D

Filed under: Ellie Krieger • Live Better Now