DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $1.09 billion after no one matched the six numbers drawn Monday night, continuing a three-month winless streak for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpots-mega-millions-powerball-80fcb836622ba8e18883ce778786c1cc">the top prize</a>.

The numbers drawn were: 19, 24, 40, 42, 56 and the Powerball 23.

No one has won Powerball’s jackpot since New Year’s Day, a stretch of 39 drawings without anyone matching the game’s six numbers. If no one wins the jackpot Wednesday night, the game will match its record of 41 consecutive drawings on Saturday night.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-mega-millions-winning-odds-numbers-a3e5a8e8e7ed15d7500c1d6acdab6785">reason for the jackpot drought</a>&nbsp;is simple: The odds of winning the top prize are miserable, at 1 in 292.2 million. It’s those odds that create the large jackpots that are designed to attract attention and drive up sales.

The $1.09 billion prize is for a sole winner who makes the rare decision to be paid over 30 years through an annuity. Nearly all winners instead take the cash option, which for Wednesday night would be an estimated $527.3 million.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $1.09 billion after no one matched the six numbers drawn Monday night, continuing a three-month winless streak for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpots-mega-millions-powerball-80fcb836622ba8e18883ce778786c1cc">the top prize</a>.The numbers drawn were: 19, 24, 40, 42, 56 and the Powerball 23.No one has won Powerball’s jackpot since New Year’s Day, a stretch of 39 drawings without anyone matching the game’s six numbers. If no one wins the jackpot Wednesday night, the game will match its record of 41 consecutive drawings on Saturday night.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-mega-millions-winning-odds-numbers-a3e5a8e8e7ed15d7500c1d6acdab6785">reason for the jackpot drought</a>&nbsp;is simple: The odds of winning the top prize are miserable, at 1 in 292.2 million. It’s those odds that create the large jackpots that are designed to attract attention and drive up sales.The $1.09 billion prize is for a sole winner who makes the rare decision to be paid over 30 years through an annuity. Nearly all winners instead take the cash option, which for Wednesday night would be an estimated $527.3 million.

Powerball jackpot rises to $1.09 billion, stretches a 3-month losing streak

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;posted a $175 million bond on Monday in his New York civil fraud case, halting collection of the more than $454 million he owes and preventing the state from seizing his assets to satisfy the debt while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-civil-fraud-verdict-attorney-general-cf9df608a576d561393b4ceeac4cae3a">he appeals</a>, according to a court filing.

A New York appellate court had given the former president 10 days to put up the money after a panel of judges agreed last month to slash the amount needed to stop the clock on enforcement.

The bond Trump is posting with the court now is essentially a placeholder, meant to guarantee payment if the judgment is upheld. If that happens, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee will have to pay the state the whole sum, which grows with daily interest.

If Trump wins, he won't have to pay the state anything and will get back the money he has put up now.

“As promised, President Trump has posted bond. He looks forward to vindicating his rights on appeal and overturning this unjust verdict,” said one of Trump's lawyers, Alina Habba.

Until the appeals court intervened to lower the required bond, New York Attorney General Letitia James had been poised to initiate efforts to collect the judgment, possibly by seizing some of Trump's marquee properties. James, a Democrat, brought the lawsuit on the state’s behalf. Her office declined to comment Monday.

The court ruled after Trump’s lawyers complained it was “a practical impossibility” to get an underwriter to sign off on a bond for the $454 million, plus interest, that he owes.

The company that underwrote the bond is Knight Specialty Insurance, which is part of the Knight Insurance Group. The chairman of that company, billionaire Don Hankey, told The Associated Press that both cash and bond were used as collateral for Trump’s appellate bond.

“This is what we do at Knight Insurance, and we’re happy to do this for anyone who needs a bond,” said Hankey, who is best known in the business world for making high-risk, high-interest loans to car buyers with flawed credit histories. Hankey told the AP he has never met or spoken with Trump.

Trump is fighting to overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24432595-trump-civil-trial-decision">a judge's Feb. 16 finding</a>&nbsp;that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-civil-fraud-trial-engoron-new-york-646814bb4945306f19a22f38fdb246a5">lied about his wealth</a>&nbsp;as he fostered the real estate empire that launched him to stardom and the presidency. The trial focused on how Trump's assets were valued on financial statements that went to bankers and insurers to get loans and deals.

Trump denies any wrongdoing, saying the statements actually&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-trial-testimony-dca74420da0f92ee9bc9caff7a92c3b2">lowballed his fortune</a>, came with disclaimers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-letitia-james-fraud-trial-testimony-f73b28ef92cf3606d66bc9418f3025bc">weren’t taken at face value</a>&nbsp;by the institutions that lent to or insured him.

The state courts’ Appellate Division has said it would hear arguments in September. A specific date has not been set. If the schedule holds, it will fall in the final weeks of the presidential race.

Under New York law, filing an appeal generally doesn’t hold off enforcement of a judgment. But there’s an automatic pause — in legalese, a stay — if the person or entity obtains a bond guaranteeing payment of what’s owed.

Courts sometimes grant exceptions and lower the amount required for a stay, as in Trump’s case.

Trump’s lawyers had told the appeals court more than 30 bonding companies were unwilling to take a mix of cash and real estate as collateral for a $454 million-plus bond. Underwriters insisted on only cash, stocks or other liquid assets, the attorneys said.

They said most bonding companies require collateral covering 120% of the amount owed.

Trump recently claimed to have almost a half-billion dollars in cash — along with billions of dollars worth of real estate and other assets — but said he wanted to have some cash available for his presidential run.

Recent legal debts have taken a sizable chunk out of Trump’s cash reserves.

In addition to the $175 million he had to put up in the New York case, Trump has posted a bond and cash worth more than $97 million to cover money he owes to writer E. Jean Carroll while he appeals verdicts in a pair of federal civil trials. Juries found that he sexually assaulted her in the 1990s and defamed her when she went public with the allegation in 2019. He denies all the allegations.

In February, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-new-york-times-taxes-lawsuit-slapp-f39342501d9a2a5cfd36181f9f336215">paid the $392,638 in legal fees a judge ordered him to cover for The New York Times</a>&nbsp;and three reporters after he unsuccessfully sued them over a Pulitzer Prize-winning 2018 story about his family’s wealth and tax practices.

In March, a British court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-steele-dossier-uk-lawsuit-russia-55427915a83f33a8ead484109b8a89f6">ordered Trump to pay to pay legal fees of 300,000 pounds</a>&nbsp;($382,000) to a company he unsuccessfully sued over the so-called Steele dossier that contained salacious allegations about him. Trump said those claims were false.

Trump could eventually generate cash by selling some of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cash-spac-digital-world-dwac-ce4b055545378ab05d52513ffe2d4d4f">nearly 60% of stock</a>&nbsp;he owns in his newly public social media company, Trump Media &amp; Technology Group — but that would be a longer-term play. Trump’s stake could be worth billions of dollars, but a “lock-up” provision prevents insiders like him from selling their shares for six months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711383346720.png" alt="File photo Donald Trump in a New York Appeals Court March 25-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo Donald Trump in a New York Appeals Court March 25-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;posted a $175 million bond on Monday in his New York civil fraud case, halting collection of the more than $454 million he owes and preventing the state from seizing his assets to satisfy the debt while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-civil-fraud-verdict-attorney-general-cf9df608a576d561393b4ceeac4cae3a">he appeals</a>, according to a court filing.A New York appellate court had given the former president 10 days to put up the money after a panel of judges agreed last month to slash the amount needed to stop the clock on enforcement.The bond Trump is posting with the court now is essentially a placeholder, meant to guarantee payment if the judgment is upheld. If that happens, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee will have to pay the state the whole sum, which grows with daily interest.If Trump wins, he won't have to pay the state anything and will get back the money he has put up now.“As promised, President Trump has posted bond. He looks forward to vindicating his rights on appeal and overturning this unjust verdict,” said one of Trump's lawyers, Alina Habba.Until the appeals court intervened to lower the required bond, New York Attorney General Letitia James had been poised to initiate efforts to collect the judgment, possibly by seizing some of Trump's marquee properties. James, a Democrat, brought the lawsuit on the state’s behalf. Her office declined to comment Monday.The court ruled after Trump’s lawyers complained it was “a practical impossibility” to get an underwriter to sign off on a bond for the $454 million, plus interest, that he owes.The company that underwrote the bond is Knight Specialty Insurance, which is part of the Knight Insurance Group. The chairman of that company, billionaire Don Hankey, told The Associated Press that both cash and bond were used as collateral for Trump’s appellate bond.“This is what we do at Knight Insurance, and we’re happy to do this for anyone who needs a bond,” said Hankey, who is best known in the business world for making high-risk, high-interest loans to car buyers with flawed credit histories. Hankey told the AP he has never met or spoken with Trump.Trump is fighting to overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24432595-trump-civil-trial-decision">a judge's Feb. 16 finding</a>&nbsp;that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-civil-fraud-trial-engoron-new-york-646814bb4945306f19a22f38fdb246a5">lied about his wealth</a>&nbsp;as he fostered the real estate empire that launched him to stardom and the presidency. The trial focused on how Trump's assets were valued on financial statements that went to bankers and insurers to get loans and deals.Trump denies any wrongdoing, saying the statements actually&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-trial-testimony-dca74420da0f92ee9bc9caff7a92c3b2">lowballed his fortune</a>, came with disclaimers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-letitia-james-fraud-trial-testimony-f73b28ef92cf3606d66bc9418f3025bc">weren’t taken at face value</a>&nbsp;by the institutions that lent to or insured him.The state courts’ Appellate Division has said it would hear arguments in September. A specific date has not been set. If the schedule holds, it will fall in the final weeks of the presidential race.Under New York law, filing an appeal generally doesn’t hold off enforcement of a judgment. But there’s an automatic pause — in legalese, a stay — if the person or entity obtains a bond guaranteeing payment of what’s owed.Courts sometimes grant exceptions and lower the amount required for a stay, as in Trump’s case.Trump’s lawyers had told the appeals court more than 30 bonding companies were unwilling to take a mix of cash and real estate as collateral for a $454 million-plus bond. Underwriters insisted on only cash, stocks or other liquid assets, the attorneys said.They said most bonding companies require collateral covering 120% of the amount owed.Trump recently claimed to have almost a half-billion dollars in cash — along with billions of dollars worth of real estate and other assets — but said he wanted to have some cash available for his presidential run.Recent legal debts have taken a sizable chunk out of Trump’s cash reserves.In addition to the $175 million he had to put up in the New York case, Trump has posted a bond and cash worth more than $97 million to cover money he owes to writer E. Jean Carroll while he appeals verdicts in a pair of federal civil trials. Juries found that he sexually assaulted her in the 1990s and defamed her when she went public with the allegation in 2019. He denies all the allegations.In February, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-new-york-times-taxes-lawsuit-slapp-f39342501d9a2a5cfd36181f9f336215">paid the $392,638 in legal fees a judge ordered him to cover for The New York Times</a>&nbsp;and three reporters after he unsuccessfully sued them over a Pulitzer Prize-winning 2018 story about his family’s wealth and tax practices.In March, a British court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-steele-dossier-uk-lawsuit-russia-55427915a83f33a8ead484109b8a89f6">ordered Trump to pay to pay legal fees of 300,000 pounds</a>&nbsp;($382,000) to a company he unsuccessfully sued over the so-called Steele dossier that contained salacious allegations about him. Trump said those claims were false.Trump could eventually generate cash by selling some of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-cash-spac-digital-world-dwac-ce4b055545378ab05d52513ffe2d4d4f">nearly 60% of stock</a>&nbsp;he owns in his newly public social media company, Trump Media &amp; Technology Group — but that would be a longer-term play. Trump’s stake could be worth billions of dollars, but a “lock-up” provision prevents insiders like him from selling their shares for six months.

Trump posts $175m bond in civil fraud case and averts asset seizures

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska lawmaker implored the Legislature's Executive Board on Thursday to hold a colleague accountable for invoking her name in a graphic reading on the legislative floor, which some say constitutes sexual harassment.

The decision of whether Republican state Sen. Steve Halloran will face a censure vote of the full Legislature now rests with a group of their colleagues who are mostly men.

“If we don't move this forward, we are in fact condoning this kind of speech,” Democratic state Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh said at a hearing on her resolution. “This has traumatized the public. It has traumatized my family.”

The Executive Board consists of eight men and one woman. All but one are Republican in the officially nonpartisan Nebraska Legislature.

The hearing was held 10 days after Halloran took to the mic on the floor and repeatedly called out the name “Sen. Cavanaugh” while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-lawmaker-halloran-rape-415eb8066a43c973128ec2601dee85a8">reading a graphic account</a>&nbsp;of rape from a best-selling memoir, making it appear as if that lawmaker was the subject of the assault. His embellished reading from the memoir “Lucky” by Alice Sebold came during debate of a bill that would have held school librarians and teachers criminally responsible for providing what it considers to be “obscene material” to students in grades K-12.

Most people in the chamber at the time — including Cavanaugh — understood the graphic comments to be directed at her, and she was visibly shaken immediately after Halloran's remarks. Halloran insisted later that he was invoking the name of her brother and fellow Democratic Nebraska lawmaker, state Sen. John Cavanaugh, as a way to get him to pay attention to the remarks.

On Thursday, Machaela Cavanaugh tearfully begged the board not to wait any longer to make a decision about whether Halloran will face censure, noting it made no difference whether Halloran was targeting a woman or a man in his graphic reading — either constitutes sexual harassment.

The board must vote on whether to advance Machaela Cavanaugh's censure resolution to the full Legislature for a vote. A vote to censure Halloran would only repudiate his remarks and have no effect on his ability to legislate, speak during debate or serve on legislative committees.

In the hearing, Machaela Cavanaugh also cast doubt on Halloran's explanation that he was seeking her brother's attention, noting that Halloran had approached her privately before making the public remarks to recite the scene about sexual violence, which had been read by a supporter of the obscenity bill during a public hearing.

“I said something to the effect of, ‘OK, Steve. I’m going to walk away now,'” she recounted.

This week, Halloran was accused of joking privately with other lawmakers inside the legislative chamber that Machaela Cavanaugh likes to view pornography. Speaker of the Legislature Sen. John Arch — who is a member of the Executive Board — confirmed to The Associated Press on Thursday that he confronted Halloran about those remarks and that Halloran acknowledged he had made them.

Machaela Cavanaugh was the only person to testify at Thursday's hearing, although her brother and another Democratic lawmaker, state Sen. George Dungan, whom Halloran addressed after his graphic reading, were invited to speak.

Halloran declined to appear for the hearing, but submitted written testimony in which he railed against it as a violation of legislative rules that protect lawmakers from being censured for words spoken in debate. He also blasted the decision to make the hearing public, saying the complaints against him are “a legislative internal matter.”

“An accusation of sexual harassment is one of the most significant accusations that can be made in our modern world,” he wrote. “Look at the last decade for evidence of this. Even a false accusation — even if made just once — can be the death knell to somebody's career and livelihood.”

The only woman on the Executive Board, Republican state Sen. Julie Slama, reiterated her support for the Cavanaugh siblings and brought up her own struggle years earlier when then-Sen. Ernie Chambers, a Democrat, implied she was appointed to her seat in exchange for sexual favors. Chambers, the Nebraska Legislature’s longest serving lawmaker and the state's first Black legislator, also invoked Slama's name on the mic in 2020 while denouncing U.S. President Andrew Jackson for being a slaveholder.

“Suppose I enslaved Sen. Slama and used her the way I wanted to?” Chambers said. Slama was 23 at the time.

Slama said at the hearing Thursday that she wished she had done more at the time to try to hold Chambers accountable for his remarks.

“The same people that are trying to silence you now are the ones who pressured me not to act in 2020,” Slama said to Cavanaugh. “You've had so much courage in this that I didn't have.”

Cavanaugh apologized to Slama for not doing more to come to her defense four years earlier.

“You had the courage,” Cavanaugh said. “You just didn't have the support.”

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska lawmaker implored the Legislature's Executive Board on Thursday to hold a colleague accountable for invoking her name in a graphic reading on the legislative floor, which some say constitutes sexual harassment.The decision of whether Republican state Sen. Steve Halloran will face a censure vote of the full Legislature now rests with a group of their colleagues who are mostly men.“If we don't move this forward, we are in fact condoning this kind of speech,” Democratic state Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh said at a hearing on her resolution. “This has traumatized the public. It has traumatized my family.”The Executive Board consists of eight men and one woman. All but one are Republican in the officially nonpartisan Nebraska Legislature.The hearing was held 10 days after Halloran took to the mic on the floor and repeatedly called out the name “Sen. Cavanaugh” while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-lawmaker-halloran-rape-415eb8066a43c973128ec2601dee85a8">reading a graphic account</a>&nbsp;of rape from a best-selling memoir, making it appear as if that lawmaker was the subject of the assault. His embellished reading from the memoir “Lucky” by Alice Sebold came during debate of a bill that would have held school librarians and teachers criminally responsible for providing what it considers to be “obscene material” to students in grades K-12.Most people in the chamber at the time — including Cavanaugh — understood the graphic comments to be directed at her, and she was visibly shaken immediately after Halloran's remarks. Halloran insisted later that he was invoking the name of her brother and fellow Democratic Nebraska lawmaker, state Sen. John Cavanaugh, as a way to get him to pay attention to the remarks.On Thursday, Machaela Cavanaugh tearfully begged the board not to wait any longer to make a decision about whether Halloran will face censure, noting it made no difference whether Halloran was targeting a woman or a man in his graphic reading — either constitutes sexual harassment.The board must vote on whether to advance Machaela Cavanaugh's censure resolution to the full Legislature for a vote. A vote to censure Halloran would only repudiate his remarks and have no effect on his ability to legislate, speak during debate or serve on legislative committees.In the hearing, Machaela Cavanaugh also cast doubt on Halloran's explanation that he was seeking her brother's attention, noting that Halloran had approached her privately before making the public remarks to recite the scene about sexual violence, which had been read by a supporter of the obscenity bill during a public hearing.“I said something to the effect of, ‘OK, Steve. I’m going to walk away now,'” she recounted.This week, Halloran was accused of joking privately with other lawmakers inside the legislative chamber that Machaela Cavanaugh likes to view pornography. Speaker of the Legislature Sen. John Arch — who is a member of the Executive Board — confirmed to The Associated Press on Thursday that he confronted Halloran about those remarks and that Halloran acknowledged he had made them.Machaela Cavanaugh was the only person to testify at Thursday's hearing, although her brother and another Democratic lawmaker, state Sen. George Dungan, whom Halloran addressed after his graphic reading, were invited to speak.Halloran declined to appear for the hearing, but submitted written testimony in which he railed against it as a violation of legislative rules that protect lawmakers from being censured for words spoken in debate. He also blasted the decision to make the hearing public, saying the complaints against him are “a legislative internal matter.”“An accusation of sexual harassment is one of the most significant accusations that can be made in our modern world,” he wrote. “Look at the last decade for evidence of this. Even a false accusation — even if made just once — can be the death knell to somebody's career and livelihood.”The only woman on the Executive Board, Republican state Sen. Julie Slama, reiterated her support for the Cavanaugh siblings and brought up her own struggle years earlier when then-Sen. Ernie Chambers, a Democrat, implied she was appointed to her seat in exchange for sexual favors. Chambers, the Nebraska Legislature’s longest serving lawmaker and the state's first Black legislator, also invoked Slama's name on the mic in 2020 while denouncing U.S. President Andrew Jackson for being a slaveholder.“Suppose I enslaved Sen. Slama and used her the way I wanted to?” Chambers said. Slama was 23 at the time.Slama said at the hearing Thursday that she wished she had done more at the time to try to hold Chambers accountable for his remarks.“The same people that are trying to silence you now are the ones who pressured me not to act in 2020,” Slama said to Cavanaugh. “You've had so much courage in this that I didn't have.”Cavanaugh apologized to Slama for not doing more to come to her defense four years earlier.“You had the courage,” Cavanaugh said. “You just didn't have the support.”

A mostly male board will decide whether a Nebraska lawmaker faces censure for sexual harassment

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thunder and lightning delayed the start of the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-easter-egg-roll-jill-biden-f1bbacddf2ae3b35812a5083ce12bc09">Easter egg roll</a>&nbsp;at the White House on Monday, but the event eventually rolled ahead under gray skies with a large crowd including many youngsters wearing ponchos or colorful jackets against intermittent rain.

More than 40,000 people — 10,000 more than last year — were expected to attend, with children attempting to coax colorfully dyed hard-boiled eggs across the lawn to a finish line, among other “egg-tivities.” This year's theme was “EGG-ucation,” and led by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jill-biden">Jill Biden</a>, a teacher for more than 30 years.

“Easter reminds us of the power of hope and renewal, and sacrifice and resurrection,” President Joe Biden told attendees, speaking from the White House balcony, where he was flanked by two large Easter bunnies, one wearing sunglasses fashioned like his trademark Ray-Bans. “But mainly love and grace towards one another."

Biden said it's a time to “cherish the blessings, the possibilities that we have as Americans."

“That’s what I see in our country. We’re a great nation because we’re a good people,” he said. "Our values are solid.”

The president, accompanied by the first lady, then went down to the lawn, bending down to help a few youngsters with their eggs. He blew a whistle to officially start the roll — one of the oldest White House traditions&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/whho/planyourvisit/easter-egg-roll.htm">first held in 1878</a>.

Participants included thousands of military and veteran families, their caregivers and survivors. Members of the general public claimed tickets through an online lottery. All were being admitted in nine waves until the evening.

A large schoolhouse erected on the South Lawn offered kids activities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM — including making circuit-breakers, simulating a fossil dig and learning about next week's solar eclipse. Youngsters also wrote notes to U.S. troops and first responders with Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit organization.

The American Egg Board donated 64,000 eggs to the White House for the event — 40,000 for egg rolling and 24,00 for decorating and other uses.

“I'm a teacher so I love any time when we can turn the White House into a classroom,” the first lady said, noting that the South Lawn had been turned into a "learning playground and school community.”

After blowing a whistle to help with a few egg roll games, Jill Biden went to the garden outside the East Wing and read “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” to a group.

The first couple also gave a brief interview Monday to NBC's “Today” and said Easter Sunday for them featured putting dollar bills in plastic easter eggs and holding a hunt with their grandchildren. “We’re still missing one,” joked the first lady.

The Democratic president drew criticism from top conservatives and the campaign of former President Donald Trump, a Republican who is running to reclaim the White House, by proclaiming March 31 — the same day as Easter — as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/03/29/a-proclamation-on-transgender-day-of-visibility-2024/">“Transgender Day of Visibility.</a>&nbsp;″

Asked about the criticism as he was leaving the lawn, Biden said his critics were ”thoroughly uninformed" and that he did not arrange for Easter and transgender recognition to fall on the same day.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the president's chief spokesperson, was more direct and slammed as “cruel, hateful and dishonest” what she said was being pushed “to divide us.”

At her daily press briefing, Jean-Pierre said that "folks who understand the calendar and how it works” know that the date for Easter changes every year and that this year it coincided with Transgender Day of Visibility.

Separately, Biden was asked in the NBC News interview about his final campaign as he seeks a second term. He said he was optimistic and thinks “people are so tired of the negativity" they hear from the other side that he will be reelected.

“I think people are going to surprise people again,” Biden said.

The White House Easter Egg Roll, one of its oldest traditions,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehousehistory.org/questions/what-is-the-history-of-the-white-house-easter-egg-roll">dates to the presidency of</a>&nbsp;Rutherford B. Hayes, who opened the White House lawn to children after they were kicked off the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thunder and lightning delayed the start of the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-easter-egg-roll-jill-biden-f1bbacddf2ae3b35812a5083ce12bc09">Easter egg roll</a>&nbsp;at the White House on Monday, but the event eventually rolled ahead under gray skies with a large crowd including many youngsters wearing ponchos or colorful jackets against intermittent rain.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden kicks off the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, which dates back to the 1870s. <a href="https://t.co/TtsiL2kMqz">pic.twitter.com/TtsiL2kMqz</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1774900182225666136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>More than 40,000 people — 10,000 more than last year — were expected to attend, with children attempting to coax colorfully dyed hard-boiled eggs across the lawn to a finish line, among other “egg-tivities.” This year's theme was “EGG-ucation,” and led by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jill-biden">Jill Biden</a>, a teacher for more than 30 years.(click below to watch the fun)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1389389235047315%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=5" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“Easter reminds us of the power of hope and renewal, and sacrifice and resurrection,” President Joe Biden told attendees, speaking from the White House balcony, where he was flanked by two large Easter bunnies, one wearing sunglasses fashioned like his trademark Ray-Bans. “But mainly love and grace towards one another."Biden said it's a time to “cherish the blessings, the possibilities that we have as Americans."“That’s what I see in our country. We’re a great nation because we’re a good people,” he said. "Our values are solid.”The president, accompanied by the first lady, then went down to the lawn, bending down to help a few youngsters with their eggs. He blew a whistle to officially start the roll — one of the oldest White House traditions&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/whho/planyourvisit/easter-egg-roll.htm">first held in 1878</a>.Participants included thousands of military and veteran families, their caregivers and survivors. Members of the general public claimed tickets through an online lottery. All were being admitted in nine waves until the evening.A large schoolhouse erected on the South Lawn offered kids activities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM — including making circuit-breakers, simulating a fossil dig and learning about next week's solar eclipse. Youngsters also wrote notes to U.S. troops and first responders with Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit organization.The American Egg Board donated 64,000 eggs to the White House for the event — 40,000 for egg rolling and 24,00 for decorating and other uses.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">First lady Jill Biden reads &quot;Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?&quot; at the White House Easter Egg Roll. <a href="https://t.co/5fKT52Emrs">pic.twitter.com/5fKT52Emrs</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1774890757398118778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I'm a teacher so I love any time when we can turn the White House into a classroom,” the first lady said, noting that the South Lawn had been turned into a "learning playground and school community.”After blowing a whistle to help with a few egg roll games, Jill Biden went to the garden outside the East Wing and read “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” to a group.The first couple also gave a brief interview Monday to NBC's “Today” and said Easter Sunday for them featured putting dollar bills in plastic easter eggs and holding a hunt with their grandchildren. “We’re still missing one,” joked the first lady.The Democratic president drew criticism from top conservatives and the campaign of former President Donald Trump, a Republican who is running to reclaim the White House, by proclaiming March 31 — the same day as Easter — as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/03/29/a-proclamation-on-transgender-day-of-visibility-2024/">“Transgender Day of Visibility.</a>&nbsp;″Asked about the criticism as he was leaving the lawn, Biden said his critics were ”thoroughly uninformed" and that he did not arrange for Easter and transgender recognition to fall on the same day.Karine Jean-Pierre, the president's chief spokesperson, was more direct and slammed as “cruel, hateful and dishonest” what she said was being pushed “to divide us.”At her daily press briefing, Jean-Pierre said that "folks who understand the calendar and how it works” know that the date for Easter changes every year and that this year it coincided with Transgender Day of Visibility.Separately, Biden was asked in the NBC News interview about his final campaign as he seeks a second term. He said he was optimistic and thinks “people are so tired of the negativity" they hear from the other side that he will be reelected.“I think people are going to surprise people again,” Biden said.The White House Easter Egg Roll, one of its oldest traditions,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehousehistory.org/questions/what-is-the-history-of-the-white-house-easter-egg-roll">dates to the presidency of</a>&nbsp;Rutherford B. Hayes, who opened the White House lawn to children after they were kicked off the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.

🎥White House Easter egg roll draws a huge crowd

Lincoln, NE – April 1, 2024 – The Nebraska Lottery recently distributed among its beneficiary funds $13,525,644, derived from a share of Scratch and Lotto ticket sales for the previous three months.

A total of $978,693,466 has been distributed in quarterly transfers since the Nebraska Lottery began operation on September 11, 1993. The latest transfer, made the week of March 29, was distributed among beneficiaries in the following manner:

Nebraska Education Improvement Fund, $6,018,912;Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $6,018,912;Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $1,352,564; andCompulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $135,256.

Amendment 4 passed by Nebraska voters in November of 2004 established the following distribution formula: Education as directed by the Legislature (44.5 percent) - currently distributed to the Nebraska Education Improvement Fund; Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund (44.5 percent); Nebraska State Fair (10 percent); and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund (1 percent, plus the first $500,000 in fund proceeds each fiscal year).

The funds' respective totals to date are:

Nebraska Education Improvement Fund, $163,450,034;Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $420,141,356;Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $74,871,824; andCompulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $21,616,938.

Prior to July 1, 2016, the Education Innovation Fund received proceeds totaling $174,222,842, and the Nebraska Opportunity Grant Fund received proceeds totaling $100,929,476.

Prior to July 1, 1997, the Solid Waste Landfill Closure Assistance Fund received proceeds totaling $18,460,996. In 2004, the Legislature directed that a one-time transfer of $5 million be made to the State General Fund.

Criteria for proceeds distribution are established by the beneficiary funds in accordance with legislative mandates. Every county in Nebraska has received service through grants funded with Nebraska Lottery proceeds.

The Nebraska Lottery marked $3.5 billion in total sales (since 1993) in December 2021.

Neil WatsonNebraska LotteryLincoln, NE – April 1, 2024 – The Nebraska Lottery recently distributed among its beneficiary funds $13,525,644, derived from a share of Scratch and Lotto ticket sales for the previous three months.A total of $978,693,466 has been distributed in quarterly transfers since the Nebraska Lottery began operation on September 11, 1993. The latest transfer, made the week of March 29, was distributed among beneficiaries in the following manner:Nebraska Education Improvement Fund, $6,018,912;Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $6,018,912;Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $1,352,564; andCompulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $135,256.Amendment 4 passed by Nebraska voters in November of 2004 established the following distribution formula: Education as directed by the Legislature (44.5 percent) - currently distributed to the Nebraska Education Improvement Fund; Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund (44.5 percent); Nebraska State Fair (10 percent); and the Compulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund (1 percent, plus the first $500,000 in fund proceeds each fiscal year).The funds' respective totals to date are:Nebraska Education Improvement Fund, $163,450,034;Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, $420,141,356;Nebraska State Fair Support and Improvement Fund, $74,871,824; andCompulsive Gamblers Assistance Fund, $21,616,938.Prior to July 1, 2016, the Education Innovation Fund received proceeds totaling $174,222,842, and the Nebraska Opportunity Grant Fund received proceeds totaling $100,929,476.Prior to July 1, 1997, the Solid Waste Landfill Closure Assistance Fund received proceeds totaling $18,460,996. In 2004, the Legislature directed that a one-time transfer of $5 million be made to the State General Fund.Criteria for proceeds distribution are established by the beneficiary funds in accordance with legislative mandates. Every county in Nebraska has received service through grants funded with Nebraska Lottery proceeds.The Nebraska Lottery marked $3.5 billion in total sales (since 1993) in December 2021.

$13.5 Million in Proceeds Raised for Nebraska Lottery Beneficiaries

At approximately 1:57 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2024 Kearney Police were called to an&nbsp; assault and stabbing in progress at a residence located in the 1900 block of W 38th Street.&nbsp;

Upon Officers arrival, they observed two male subjects and a female subject outside of the&nbsp; residence. A 47-year-old male subject was laying on the ground and was suffering from&nbsp; multiple stab wounds from a knife to his upper torso. An ambulance was immediately summoned for the injured subject and he was transported to a local hospital where he was&nbsp; treated and released for multiple stab wounds. The female subject was not injured, however&nbsp; the suspect intentionally caused damage to her vehicle.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The second male subject was identified as twenty-three-year-old Chance Sanders, of Kearney&nbsp; and the suspect in the assault, stabbing, and vehicle damage. Sanders was arrested and&nbsp; lodged at the Buffalo County Jail for Attempted Homicide, 1st Degree Assault, Use of a Weapon&nbsp; to Commit a Felony, and Criminal Mischief.&nbsp;

Kearney Police Department continues to investigate this incident. Anyone with information&nbsp; about this incident is asked to contact Investigator Taillon at the Kearney Police Department at&nbsp; (308) 237-2104, Buffalo County Crimestoppers at (308) 237-3424, or by using the See&nbsp; Something Send Something App.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711882348294.jpeg" alt="Chance Sanders (Courtesy of Buffalo County Jail)" />
 <figcaption>Chance Sanders (Courtesy of Buffalo County Jail)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kearney Police DepartmentAt approximately 1:57 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2024 Kearney Police were called to an&nbsp; assault and stabbing in progress at a residence located in the 1900 block of W 38th Street.&nbsp;Upon Officers arrival, they observed two male subjects and a female subject outside of the&nbsp; residence. A 47-year-old male subject was laying on the ground and was suffering from&nbsp; multiple stab wounds from a knife to his upper torso. An ambulance was immediately summoned for the injured subject and he was transported to a local hospital where he was&nbsp; treated and released for multiple stab wounds. The female subject was not injured, however&nbsp; the suspect intentionally caused damage to her vehicle.&nbsp;&nbsp;The second male subject was identified as twenty-three-year-old Chance Sanders, of Kearney&nbsp; and the suspect in the assault, stabbing, and vehicle damage. Sanders was arrested and&nbsp; lodged at the Buffalo County Jail for Attempted Homicide, 1st Degree Assault, Use of a Weapon&nbsp; to Commit a Felony, and Criminal Mischief.&nbsp;Kearney Police Department continues to investigate this incident. Anyone with information&nbsp; about this incident is asked to contact Investigator Taillon at the Kearney Police Department at&nbsp; (308) 237-2104, Buffalo County Crimestoppers at (308) 237-3424, or by using the See&nbsp; Something Send Something App.&nbsp;

Kearney man arrested after early Saturday morning knife attack

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen joined leaders from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), and advocates in announcing the elimination of the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Registry to better support Nebraskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

“This is a breakthrough way to reimagine how services are offered to individuals with IDD in Nebraska and save taxpayer dollars,” said Gov. Pillen. “This is the first time in Nebraska history the DD Registry will be eliminated, which is a huge step forward to ensure all Nebraskans have the opportunity and support to live the Good Life.”

Historically, the DHHS Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has maintained a registry for developmental disability service waivers. The registry serves as a waitlist for individuals who want to be enrolled in the Comprehensive DD waiver program, but cannot be enrolled due to limited funding.

The State’s new approach will provide a full continuum of care that adapts to individuals’ changing needs as they age. It will include:&nbsp;

“It is the mission of DHHS to care for and enrich the lives of vulnerable Nebraskans by offering services at the time support is needed. The elimination of the registry will enhance the full continuum of care for individual with IDD and build stronger and healthier communities,” said Dr. Steve Corsi, CEO of DHHS.

Eliminating the DD Registry is important for all Nebraskans as it is an innovation in offering individuals with IDD and their families access to support to help them achieve their goals, be active members of their communities, and live a meaningful life.

“The elimination of the current registry will enhance the support for individuals and families impacted and will promote self-independence and self-determination. Access to resources improves the health and well-being of the individual receiving care, their families, caregivers, and others in their community,” said Dr. Jeffrey Gold, Chancellor of UNMC.

Earlier this month, Gov. Pillen proclaimed March as&nbsp;Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month&nbsp;in Nebraska. It’s a time to celebrate the achievements made by and for individuals with IDD.

“On March 1 the Division of Developmental Disabilities launched the Family Support Waiver which laid the framework to eliminate the DD Registry by providing services to over 800 children ages birth to 21 years old with intellectual or developmental disabilities with the goal of allowing families to live and grow together,” said Tony Green, Director of DDD. “I cannot think of a more exciting way to close out&nbsp;Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month&nbsp;than to announce the elimination of the DD Registry, as this month is about celebrating the accomplishments of folks with IDD, and the folks that offer services and leadership to the DD community.”

The news conference on March 28 was hosted by the Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI), an institute within the UNMC enterprise that has earned designation as a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.

“The Munroe-Meyer Institute strives to transform the lives of individuals with disabilities and special health care needs through comprehensive clinical services, community engagement, education, and research,” said Dr. Karoly Mirnics, Director of the Munroe-Meyer Institute. “We provide care at more than 40 locations across Nebraska. MMI is a premier resource for individuals and families and is committed to training health care professionals who provide care to children and adults with disabilities.”

The elimination of the DD Registry will include new models of staffing including telehealth, virtual support, and the expansion of independent providers. The new policies are expected to be rolled out over the next 12 to 18 months.

For more information on programs for individuals with IDD, or to apply for services, please visit the DDD website:&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Developmental-Disabilities.aspx" target="_blank">https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Developmental-Disabilities.aspx</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1711977126893.jpeg" alt="(Pictured Left to Right: DHHS CEO Steve Corsi; Becky Gilbert, Manager of the Monroe-Meyer IT team; Steve Green, Deveopmental Disabilities Director for DHHS; UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey Gold; Gov. Jim Pillen; Dr. Karoly Mirnics, director of the Monroe-Meyer Institute)" />
 <figcaption>(Pictured Left to Right: DHHS CEO Steve Corsi; Becky Gilbert, Manager of the Monroe-Meyer IT team; Steve Green, Deveopmental Disabilities Director for DHHS; UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey Gold; Gov. Jim Pillen; Dr. Karoly Mirnics, director of the Monroe-Meyer Institute)</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen joined leaders from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), and advocates in announcing the elimination of the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Registry to better support Nebraskans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).“This is a breakthrough way to reimagine how services are offered to individuals with IDD in Nebraska and save taxpayer dollars,” said Gov. Pillen. “This is the first time in Nebraska history the DD Registry will be eliminated, which is a huge step forward to ensure all Nebraskans have the opportunity and support to live the Good Life.”Historically, the DHHS Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has maintained a registry for developmental disability service waivers. The registry serves as a waitlist for individuals who want to be enrolled in the Comprehensive DD waiver program, but cannot be enrolled due to limited funding.The State’s new approach will provide a full continuum of care that adapts to individuals’ changing needs as they age. It will include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Medicaid for DD-eligible children that meet the required level of care</li><li>Additional access to family support and day services waivers that allow families to live together</li><li>Case management services for individuals that do not require waiver services</li><li>Employment services</li><li>Comprehensive DD waivers based on a needs assessment developed by DHHS with the support of stakeholders</li>
 </ul>“It is the mission of DHHS to care for and enrich the lives of vulnerable Nebraskans by offering services at the time support is needed. The elimination of the registry will enhance the full continuum of care for individual with IDD and build stronger and healthier communities,” said Dr. Steve Corsi, CEO of DHHS.Eliminating the DD Registry is important for all Nebraskans as it is an innovation in offering individuals with IDD and their families access to support to help them achieve their goals, be active members of their communities, and live a meaningful life.“The elimination of the current registry will enhance the support for individuals and families impacted and will promote self-independence and self-determination. Access to resources improves the health and well-being of the individual receiving care, their families, caregivers, and others in their community,” said Dr. Jeffrey Gold, Chancellor of UNMC.Earlier this month, Gov. Pillen proclaimed March as&nbsp;Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month&nbsp;in Nebraska. It’s a time to celebrate the achievements made by and for individuals with IDD.“On March 1 the Division of Developmental Disabilities launched the Family Support Waiver which laid the framework to eliminate the DD Registry by providing services to over 800 children ages birth to 21 years old with intellectual or developmental disabilities with the goal of allowing families to live and grow together,” said Tony Green, Director of DDD. “I cannot think of a more exciting way to close out&nbsp;Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month&nbsp;than to announce the elimination of the DD Registry, as this month is about celebrating the accomplishments of folks with IDD, and the folks that offer services and leadership to the DD community.”The news conference on March 28 was hosted by the Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI), an institute within the UNMC enterprise that has earned designation as a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.“The Munroe-Meyer Institute strives to transform the lives of individuals with disabilities and special health care needs through comprehensive clinical services, community engagement, education, and research,” said Dr. Karoly Mirnics, Director of the Munroe-Meyer Institute. “We provide care at more than 40 locations across Nebraska. MMI is a premier resource for individuals and families and is committed to training health care professionals who provide care to children and adults with disabilities.”The elimination of the DD Registry will include new models of staffing including telehealth, virtual support, and the expansion of independent providers. The new policies are expected to be rolled out over the next 12 to 18 months.For more information on programs for individuals with IDD, or to apply for services, please visit the DDD website:&nbsp;<a href="https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Developmental-Disabilities.aspx" target="_blank">https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Developmental-Disabilities.aspx</a>

Governor Pillen Announces Elimination of Developmental Disabilities Registry

CAIRO (AP) — The U.S. military said Sunday its forces destroyed one unmanned aerial vehicle in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthi</a>&nbsp;rebel-held area of war-ravaged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/yemen">Yemen</a>&nbsp;and another over a crucial shipping route in the Red Sea. It was the latest development in months of tension between the Iran-backed rebels and the U.S.

The drones, which were destroyed Saturday morning, posed a threat to U.S. and coalition forces and merchant vessels in the region, said the U.S. Central Command.

It said that one done was destroyed over the Red Sea, while the second was destroyed on the ground as it was prepared to launch.

“These actions are necessary to protect our forces, ensure freedom of navigation, and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels,” CENTCOM said.

There was no comment from the Houthi rebels, which control much of Yemen’s north and west.

The rebels launched a campaign of drone and missile attacks on shipping in the Red Sea in November. They have also fired missiles toward Israel, although those have largely fallen short or been intercepted.

The rebels have described their campaign as an effort to pressure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel to end its war on Hamas</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip. The ships targeted by the Houthis, however, largely have had little or no connection to Israel, the U.S. or other nations involved in the war.

The Houthis have kept up their campaign of attacks despite more than two months of U.S.-led airstrikes.

Earlier this month, CENTCOM said its forces also destroyed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthi-yemen-airstrikes-military-red-sea-0f9ec3c7f85340f9b7f627b9c863f201">four unmanned aerial vehicles</a>&nbsp;in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. It also said Houthis fired four anti-ship ballistic missiles toward the Red Sea, but no injuries or damages were reported by U.S., coalition or commercial ships.

The escalation in the Red Sea and the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza impacted the U.N.-led efforts to relaunch political talks to end Yemen’s yearslong conflict, according to the U.N. envoy for Yemen.

Hans Grundberg told the U.N. Security Council in mid-March that he had hoped to reach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-yemen-houthi-gaza-war-red-sea-1dcc903129785cf9f49a88d4135af260">an agreement on a nationwide cease-fire</a>&nbsp;in Yemen by the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began early in March.

He warned that Yemen could be propelled back into war, saying that “the longer the escalatory environment (in the region) continues, the more challenging Yemen’s mediation space will become.”

The war between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/yemen-dirty-war">the Houthis and pro-government forces</a>&nbsp;backed by a coalition of Gulf Arab states has raged since 2014, when the Houthis swept down from the mountains, seized much of northern Yemen and the country’s capital, Sanaa, and forced the internationally recognized government to flee into exile to Saudi Arabia.

Since then, more than 150,000 people have been killed by the violence and 3 million have been displaced.

Fighting has decreased markedly in Yemen since a truce in April 2022, but there are still hotspots in the country.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703990687604.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>CAIRO (AP) — The U.S. military said Sunday its forces destroyed one unmanned aerial vehicle in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Houthi</a>&nbsp;rebel-held area of war-ravaged&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/yemen">Yemen</a>&nbsp;and another over a crucial shipping route in the Red Sea. It was the latest development in months of tension between the Iran-backed rebels and the U.S.The drones, which were destroyed Saturday morning, posed a threat to U.S. and coalition forces and merchant vessels in the region, said the U.S. Central Command.It said that one done was destroyed over the Red Sea, while the second was destroyed on the ground as it was prepared to launch.“These actions are necessary to protect our forces, ensure freedom of navigation, and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels,” CENTCOM said.There was no comment from the Houthi rebels, which control much of Yemen’s north and west.The rebels launched a campaign of drone and missile attacks on shipping in the Red Sea in November. They have also fired missiles toward Israel, although those have largely fallen short or been intercepted.The rebels have described their campaign as an effort to pressure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel to end its war on Hamas</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip. The ships targeted by the Houthis, however, largely have had little or no connection to Israel, the U.S. or other nations involved in the war.The Houthis have kept up their campaign of attacks despite more than two months of U.S.-led airstrikes.Earlier this month, CENTCOM said its forces also destroyed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthi-yemen-airstrikes-military-red-sea-0f9ec3c7f85340f9b7f627b9c863f201">four unmanned aerial vehicles</a>&nbsp;in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. It also said Houthis fired four anti-ship ballistic missiles toward the Red Sea, but no injuries or damages were reported by U.S., coalition or commercial ships.The escalation in the Red Sea and the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza impacted the U.N.-led efforts to relaunch political talks to end Yemen’s yearslong conflict, according to the U.N. envoy for Yemen.Hans Grundberg told the U.N. Security Council in mid-March that he had hoped to reach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-yemen-houthi-gaza-war-red-sea-1dcc903129785cf9f49a88d4135af260">an agreement on a nationwide cease-fire</a>&nbsp;in Yemen by the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which began early in March.He warned that Yemen could be propelled back into war, saying that “the longer the escalatory environment (in the region) continues, the more challenging Yemen’s mediation space will become.”The war between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/yemen-dirty-war">the Houthis and pro-government forces</a>&nbsp;backed by a coalition of Gulf Arab states has raged since 2014, when the Houthis swept down from the mountains, seized much of northern Yemen and the country’s capital, Sanaa, and forced the internationally recognized government to flee into exile to Saudi Arabia.Since then, more than 150,000 people have been killed by the violence and 3 million have been displaced.Fighting has decreased markedly in Yemen since a truce in April 2022, but there are still hotspots in the country.

US military destroyed more terrorist drones over the Red Sea 

NEW YORK (AP) — The theft of sensitive information belonging to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/att-data-breach-dark-web-passcodes-fbef4afe0c1deec9ffb470f2ec134f41">millions of AT&amp;T's current and former customers</a>&nbsp;has been recently discovered online, the telecommunications giant said this weekend.

In a Saturday announcement addressing the data breach, AT&amp;T said that a dataset found on the “dark web” contains information including some Social Security numbers and passcodes for about 7.6 million current account holders and 65.4 million former account holders.

Whether the data “originated from AT&amp;T or one of its vendors" is still unknown, the Dallas-based company noted — adding that it had launched an investigation into the incident. AT&amp;T has also begun notifying customers whose personal information was compromised.

WHAT INFORMATION WAS COMPROMISED IN THIS BREACH?

Although varying by each customer and account, AT&amp;T says that information involved in this breach included Social Security numbers and passcodes — which, unlike passwords, are numerical PINS that are typically four digits long.

Full names, email addresses, mailing address, phone numbers, dates of birth and AT&amp;T account numbers may have also been compromised. The impacted data is from 2019 or earlier and does not appear to include financial information or call history, the company said.

Consumers impacted by this breach should be receiving an email or letter directly from AT&amp;T about the incident. The email notices began going out on Saturday, an AT&amp;T spokesperson confirmed to The Associated Press.

Beyond these notifications, AT&amp;T said that it had already reset the passcodes of current users. The company added that it would pay for credit monitoring services where applicable.

AT&amp;T also said that it “launched a robust investigation” with internal and external cybersecurity experts to investigate the situation further.

HAS AT&amp;T SEEN DATA BREACHES LIKE THIS BEFORE?

AT&amp;T has seen several data breaches that range in size and impact&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/at-t-employee-improperly-viewed-customer-accounts-d67d2f088d7c4edbb4a79a5f20445b41">over the years</a>.

While the company says the data in this latest breach surfaced on a hacking forum nearly two weeks ago, it closely resembles a similar breach that surfaced in 2021 but which AT&amp;T never acknowledged,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/739a98e040034eb79be4f951e72d52f8">cybersecurity researcher Troy Hunt</a>&nbsp;told the AP Saturday.

“If they assess this and they made the wrong call on it, and we’ve had a course of years pass without them being able to notify impacted customers,” then it’s likely the company will soon face class action lawsuits, said Hunt, founder of an Australia-based website that warns people when their personal information has been exposed.

A spokesperson for AT&amp;T declined to comment further when asked about these similarities Sunday.

Avoiding data breaches entirely can be tricky in our ever-digitized world, but consumers can take some steps to help protect themselves going forward.

The basics include creating hard-to-guess passwords and using&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-twitter-inc-technology-software-mobile-phones-b9110ad02f8d5e17d130b259fa19d852">multifactor authentication</a>&nbsp;when possible. If you receive a notice about a breach, it's good idea to change your password and monitor account activity for any suspicious transactions. You'll also want to visit a company's official website for reliable contact information — as scammers sometimes try to take advantage of news like data breaches to gain your trust through look-alike phishing emails or phone calls.

In addition, the Federal Trade Commission&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-credit-freezes-fraud-alerts">notes</a>&nbsp;that nationwide credit bureaus — such as Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — offer free credit freezes and fraud alerts that consumers can set up to help protect themselves from identity theft and other malicious activity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711934822314.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The theft of sensitive information belonging to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/att-data-breach-dark-web-passcodes-fbef4afe0c1deec9ffb470f2ec134f41">millions of AT&amp;T's current and former customers</a>&nbsp;has been recently discovered online, the telecommunications giant said this weekend.In a Saturday announcement addressing the data breach, AT&amp;T said that a dataset found on the “dark web” contains information including some Social Security numbers and passcodes for about 7.6 million current account holders and 65.4 million former account holders.Whether the data “originated from AT&amp;T or one of its vendors" is still unknown, the Dallas-based company noted — adding that it had launched an investigation into the incident. AT&amp;T has also begun notifying customers whose personal information was compromised.Here's what you need to know.WHAT INFORMATION WAS COMPROMISED IN THIS BREACH?Although varying by each customer and account, AT&amp;T says that information involved in this breach included Social Security numbers and passcodes — which, unlike passwords, are numerical PINS that are typically four digits long.Full names, email addresses, mailing address, phone numbers, dates of birth and AT&amp;T account numbers may have also been compromised. The impacted data is from 2019 or earlier and does not appear to include financial information or call history, the company said.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?Consumers impacted by this breach should be receiving an email or letter directly from AT&amp;T about the incident. The email notices began going out on Saturday, an AT&amp;T spokesperson confirmed to The Associated Press.WHAT ACTION HAS AT&amp;T TAKEN?Beyond these notifications, AT&amp;T said that it had already reset the passcodes of current users. The company added that it would pay for credit monitoring services where applicable.AT&amp;T also said that it “launched a robust investigation” with internal and external cybersecurity experts to investigate the situation further.HAS AT&amp;T SEEN DATA BREACHES LIKE THIS BEFORE?AT&amp;T has seen several data breaches that range in size and impact&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/at-t-employee-improperly-viewed-customer-accounts-d67d2f088d7c4edbb4a79a5f20445b41">over the years</a>.While the company says the data in this latest breach surfaced on a hacking forum nearly two weeks ago, it closely resembles a similar breach that surfaced in 2021 but which AT&amp;T never acknowledged,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/739a98e040034eb79be4f951e72d52f8">cybersecurity researcher Troy Hunt</a>&nbsp;told the AP Saturday.“If they assess this and they made the wrong call on it, and we’ve had a course of years pass without them being able to notify impacted customers,” then it’s likely the company will soon face class action lawsuits, said Hunt, founder of an Australia-based website that warns people when their personal information has been exposed.A spokesperson for AT&amp;T declined to comment further when asked about these similarities Sunday.HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF GOING FORWARD?Avoiding data breaches entirely can be tricky in our ever-digitized world, but consumers can take some steps to help protect themselves going forward.The basics include creating hard-to-guess passwords and using&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-twitter-inc-technology-software-mobile-phones-b9110ad02f8d5e17d130b259fa19d852">multifactor authentication</a>&nbsp;when possible. If you receive a notice about a breach, it's good idea to change your password and monitor account activity for any suspicious transactions. You'll also want to visit a company's official website for reliable contact information — as scammers sometimes try to take advantage of news like data breaches to gain your trust through look-alike phishing emails or phone calls.In addition, the Federal Trade Commission&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-credit-freezes-fraud-alerts">notes</a>&nbsp;that nationwide credit bureaus — such as Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — offer free credit freezes and fraud alerts that consumers can set up to help protect themselves from identity theft and other malicious activity.

AT&T: Data breach leaked millions of customers' information online

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/endangered-species-biden-trump-rollbacks-9791aaaa955d26b599ba802d7c931e7c">on Thursday restored</a>&nbsp;rules to protect imperiled plants and animals that had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/david-bernhardt-animals-ap-top-news-politics-donald-trump-9bf4541d89e6444783814e53302ce479">rolled back</a>&nbsp;under former President Donald Trump.

Among the changes, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will reinstate a decades-old regulation that mandates blanket protections for species newly classified as threatened. That means officials won't have to craft time-intensive plans to shield each individual species while protections are pending, as has been done recently with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wolverine-species-endangered-climate-change-024ec09a032851a26a248fab93ad7d0e">North American wolverines</a>&nbsp;in the Rocky Mountains,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/environment-and-nature-lakes-wildlife-turtles-alligators-bd236f66da0ffd11fd46aa42ccc505d3">alligator snapping turtles</a>&nbsp;in the southeastern U.S. and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-us-fish-and-wildlife-service-california-climate-environment-owls-fe794372cf1650407ef60f12da663958">spotted owls in California</a>.

The restoration of more protective regulations rankled Republicans who said the Endangered Species Act was being wielded too broadly and to the detriment of economic growth. Meanwhile, wildlife advocates were only partially satisfied, saying some potentially harmful changes under Trump were untouched.

The blanket protections rule had been dropped in 2019 as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/david-bernhardt-animals-ap-top-news-politics-donald-trump-9bf4541d89e6444783814e53302ce479">a suite of changes to the application of the species law</a>&nbsp;under Trump that were encouraged by industry. Those changes came as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-north-america-us-news-ap-top-news-science-aaf1091c5aae40b0a110daaf04950672">extinctions accelerate</a>&nbsp;globally due to habitat loss and other pressures.

Another rule Thursday said officials will not&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ms-state-wire-mt-state-wire-ap-top-news-tx-state-wire-la-state-wire-643be5ec34895c008809a9ab4cfcd518">consider economic impacts</a>&nbsp;when deciding if animals and plants need protection. The rules from the wildlife service and National Marine Fisheries Service make it easier to designate areas as critical for a species’ survival, even if it is no longer found in those locations.

Species that could benefit from the rules include imperiled fish and freshwater mussels in the Southeast, where the aquatic animals in many cases are absent from portions of their historical range, officials have said.

Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams said in a statement that the rule changes underscored the agency's commitment to using the best available science to halt population declines as “climate change, degraded and fragmented habitat, invasive species, and wildlife disease” threaten many species.

Details on the rules were obtained by The Associated Press in advance of their public release. Officials said almost a half-million public comments were submitted on the three rules.

Environmentalists expressed frustration that it took years for Democratic President Joe Biden to act on some of the Trump-era rollbacks. Stoking their urgency is the prospect of a new Republican administration following the 2024 election that could yet again ease protections.

Jamie Rappaport Clark, a former Fish and Wildlife Service director and now president at Defenders of Wildlife, characterized Thursday's announcement as a “marginal win” that restores essential protections for wildlife, but leaves in place some of the changes made in 2019 under Trump. The environmental group said the retained provisions would open the door to the destruction of habitat critical for some species to survive.

The rules have gotten strong pushback from Republican lawmakers, who say Biden's Democratic administration has hampered oil, gas and coal development, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-lands-conservation-leases-biden-c96bb20ed80e2b5f459bb7afc366f651">favors conservation over development</a>.

“We know the Endangered Species Act is an outdated piece of legislation that has repeatedly failed its primary goal of recovering listed species, yet Biden is now undoing crucial reforms and issuing new regulations that will not benefit listed species,” said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman, a Republican from Arkansas.

Many energy companies, ranchers, developers and representatives of other industries have long viewed the 1973 Endangered Species Act as an impediment. Under Trump, they successfully lobbied to weaken the law’s regulations as part of a broad dismantling of environmental safeguards.

Trump officials also rolled back endangered species rules and protections for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-wildlife-washington-oregon-environment-7b9c53a88608054d521ac7d6025461fa">northern spotted owl</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-white-environment-and-nature-wildlife-wolves-0961f3065ab154ee693936295c18a5a0">gray wolves</a>&nbsp;and other species.

The spotted owl decision was reversed in 2021 after officials said Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-california-forests-oregon-48c1dc3a59bda47c178437d6b1e538bd">political appointees used faulty science</a>&nbsp;to justify opening millions of acres of West Coast forest to potential logging. Protections for wolves across most of the U.S. were restored by a federal court in 2021.

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/endangered-species-biden-trump-rollbacks-9791aaaa955d26b599ba802d7c931e7c">on Thursday restored</a>&nbsp;rules to protect imperiled plants and animals that had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/david-bernhardt-animals-ap-top-news-politics-donald-trump-9bf4541d89e6444783814e53302ce479">rolled back</a>&nbsp;under former President Donald Trump.Among the changes, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will reinstate a decades-old regulation that mandates blanket protections for species newly classified as threatened. That means officials won't have to craft time-intensive plans to shield each individual species while protections are pending, as has been done recently with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wolverine-species-endangered-climate-change-024ec09a032851a26a248fab93ad7d0e">North American wolverines</a>&nbsp;in the Rocky Mountains,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/environment-and-nature-lakes-wildlife-turtles-alligators-bd236f66da0ffd11fd46aa42ccc505d3">alligator snapping turtles</a>&nbsp;in the southeastern U.S. and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-us-fish-and-wildlife-service-california-climate-environment-owls-fe794372cf1650407ef60f12da663958">spotted owls in California</a>.The restoration of more protective regulations rankled Republicans who said the Endangered Species Act was being wielded too broadly and to the detriment of economic growth. Meanwhile, wildlife advocates were only partially satisfied, saying some potentially harmful changes under Trump were untouched.The blanket protections rule had been dropped in 2019 as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/david-bernhardt-animals-ap-top-news-politics-donald-trump-9bf4541d89e6444783814e53302ce479">a suite of changes to the application of the species law</a>&nbsp;under Trump that were encouraged by industry. Those changes came as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-north-america-us-news-ap-top-news-science-aaf1091c5aae40b0a110daaf04950672">extinctions accelerate</a>&nbsp;globally due to habitat loss and other pressures.Another rule Thursday said officials will not&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ms-state-wire-mt-state-wire-ap-top-news-tx-state-wire-la-state-wire-643be5ec34895c008809a9ab4cfcd518">consider economic impacts</a>&nbsp;when deciding if animals and plants need protection. The rules from the wildlife service and National Marine Fisheries Service make it easier to designate areas as critical for a species’ survival, even if it is no longer found in those locations.Species that could benefit from the rules include imperiled fish and freshwater mussels in the Southeast, where the aquatic animals in many cases are absent from portions of their historical range, officials have said.Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams said in a statement that the rule changes underscored the agency's commitment to using the best available science to halt population declines as “climate change, degraded and fragmented habitat, invasive species, and wildlife disease” threaten many species.Details on the rules were obtained by The Associated Press in advance of their public release. Officials said almost a half-million public comments were submitted on the three rules.Environmentalists expressed frustration that it took years for Democratic President Joe Biden to act on some of the Trump-era rollbacks. Stoking their urgency is the prospect of a new Republican administration following the 2024 election that could yet again ease protections.Jamie Rappaport Clark, a former Fish and Wildlife Service director and now president at Defenders of Wildlife, characterized Thursday's announcement as a “marginal win” that restores essential protections for wildlife, but leaves in place some of the changes made in 2019 under Trump. The environmental group said the retained provisions would open the door to the destruction of habitat critical for some species to survive.The rules have gotten strong pushback from Republican lawmakers, who say Biden's Democratic administration has hampered oil, gas and coal development, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-lands-conservation-leases-biden-c96bb20ed80e2b5f459bb7afc366f651">favors conservation over development</a>.“We know the Endangered Species Act is an outdated piece of legislation that has repeatedly failed its primary goal of recovering listed species, yet Biden is now undoing crucial reforms and issuing new regulations that will not benefit listed species,” said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman, a Republican from Arkansas.Many energy companies, ranchers, developers and representatives of other industries have long viewed the 1973 Endangered Species Act as an impediment. Under Trump, they successfully lobbied to weaken the law’s regulations as part of a broad dismantling of environmental safeguards.Trump officials also rolled back endangered species rules and protections for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-wildlife-washington-oregon-environment-7b9c53a88608054d521ac7d6025461fa">northern spotted owl</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-white-environment-and-nature-wildlife-wolves-0961f3065ab154ee693936295c18a5a0">gray wolves</a>&nbsp;and other species.The spotted owl decision was reversed in 2021 after officials said Trump’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-california-forests-oregon-48c1dc3a59bda47c178437d6b1e538bd">political appointees used faulty science</a>&nbsp;to justify opening millions of acres of West Coast forest to potential logging. Protections for wolves across most of the U.S. were restored by a federal court in 2021.

Biden restores threatened species protections dropped by Trump

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Stock up on groceries. Print off driving directions. And be very, very patient.

Small towns and rural enclaves along the path of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/total-solar-eclipse-april-2024-83164668ee08b0a0c92e1d2ac41e91aa">April's total solar eclipse</a>&nbsp;are steeling for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/total-solar-eclipse-travel-14b52646d918184922d651bf8c8daab2">huge crowds of sun chasers</a>&nbsp;who plan to catch a glimpse of day turning into dusk in North America.

Tourism and community leaders in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7rpUg8NkM0">path of totality from Texas to Maine</a>&nbsp;have trucked in extra fuel and port-a-potties, and urged residents and visitors to be prepared. Some counties have issued disaster declarations to get extra help with policing and other aid, similar to the aftermath of severe storms. And in Oklahoma, the National Guard will help.

Because of expected heavy traffic and other disruptions, hundreds of schools are closing or switching to remote learning in states including Texas, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont.

Look no further back than the last U.S. total solar eclipse in 2017 to understand the concern, said Tom Traub, who is part of NASA's eclipse ambassador program.

That year, he traveled to Beatrice, Nebraska, where the normal population of around 12,000 swelled to around 40,000 as eclipse watchers arrived.

“You had gas stations running out of gas," said Traub, who also serves on the board that runs the Martz-Kohl Observatory near Frewsburg, New York. “You had restaurants running out of food. You had restrooms that were full and closed.”

This time around, top viewing locations want to avoid a repeat.

“They are preparing for mostly a worst-case scenario," he said. "And hopefully that won’t be the case.”

In central Texas, emergency officials in Hays County recommend a "solar eclipse survival bag” stocked with items including a mobile phone and charger.

The bag, the instructions advise, also should contain a hard copy of maps and a compass — “goin’ old school!”

The reminder to bring a fully charged phone — but to expect possible jammed signals — is widespread in prime viewing spots. In 2017, drivers using their cellphones to share photos and navigate through traffic overwhelmed towers.

“Write down key phone numbers just in case,” advised the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Austin.

Don't wait until the last minute to buy groceries is common advice from several Texas counties that have issued disaster declarations so they can get get extra help with the crowds.

Among them is Kerr County, located about 65 miles (105 kilometers) northwest of San Antonio in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, where the normal population of 53,000 is expected to double or triple.

“Make sure your vehicles are tanked up, that you have sufficient grocery supplies, that your prescriptions are filled and that you are stocked up on provisions for any animals in your care,” Rob Kelly, the county's top official who signed the disaster declaration, said in an online post.

In Ohio, where Gov. Mike DeWine signed an executive order this month to assure the state was well prepared, emergency management officials are urging residents to top off their gas tanks or fully charge their electric vehicles before heading out.

Traub suggests people treat the eclipse like a snowstorm: “Stock up, get ready, prepare to hunker down.”

At Serafin’s Food Market in Erie, Pennsylvania, owner Dan Serafin is ordering extra milk, eggs, water and batteries in preparation. “This is nuts,” he said.

Even smaller regional airports are getting ready. In Cape Girardeau, Missouri, extra fuel is being hauled in, said airport manager Katrina Amos.

The airport was caught off guard in 2017, when the city of around 40,000 along the Mississippi River also was in the path of totality.

Between 40 to 50 extra planes landed that day. ‘We didn’t expect this,’” said Amos.

This year, volunteers have signed up to help park all the extra planes that are expected. There also will be hamburgers and hot dogs, Amos said.

Offshore, the Coast Guard will have boats patrolling in Lake Erie; it's along the path and some boaters plan to watch from the water.

It will be all hands on deck at fire departments in the path of the eclipse, said Dr. Brad Raetzke, an emergency room doctor in Columbus, Ohio, who also is a medical director for several fire departments in the area.

He's concerned about eye injuries if people stare at the sun without protective glasses. And with all the extra traffic, there also will likely be more crash injuries, said Raetzke.

In 2017, he went with his family to Nashville, Tennessee, to watch the eclipse. The return trip took 15 hours, instead of the typical six. “So I can understand the importance of planning,” he said.

In Erie, where hotels are nearing capacity, residents are urged to leave the interstates to visitors, with signs posted more than 150 miles (241 kilometers) outside the city limits warning of delays.

Traffic will be "just almost nightmarish once totality ends,” said Chris Temple, the VisitErie spokesperson, who has been in meetings for more than a year planning for an onslaught of visitors that could double the size of the city of 94,000.

Despite the hassles, the city's tourism slogan to get eclipse-ready — SHINE — ends with a reminder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711653070657.png" alt="Employees and visitors at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory stopped to watch the solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017. Credit: NASA/Josh Krohn" />
 <figcaption>Employees and visitors at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory stopped to watch the solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017. Credit: NASA/Josh Krohn</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Stock up on groceries. Print off driving directions. And be very, very patient.Small towns and rural enclaves along the path of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/total-solar-eclipse-april-2024-83164668ee08b0a0c92e1d2ac41e91aa">April's total solar eclipse</a>&nbsp;are steeling for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/total-solar-eclipse-travel-14b52646d918184922d651bf8c8daab2">huge crowds of sun chasers</a>&nbsp;who plan to catch a glimpse of day turning into dusk in North America.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711653160174.png" alt="You can wear eclipse glasses to safely view the Sun during the partial eclipse phases of a solar eclipse, before and after totality. NASA/Mamta Patel Nagaraja" />
 <figcaption>You can wear eclipse glasses to safely view the Sun during the partial eclipse phases of a solar eclipse, before and after totality. NASA/Mamta Patel Nagaraja</figcaption>
 </figure>Tourism and community leaders in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7rpUg8NkM0">path of totality from Texas to Maine</a>&nbsp;have trucked in extra fuel and port-a-potties, and urged residents and visitors to be prepared. Some counties have issued disaster declarations to get extra help with policing and other aid, similar to the aftermath of severe storms. And in Oklahoma, the National Guard will help.Because of expected heavy traffic and other disruptions, hundreds of schools are closing or switching to remote learning in states including Texas, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont.WHY ALL THE WARNINGS?Look no further back than the last U.S. total solar eclipse in 2017 to understand the concern, said Tom Traub, who is part of NASA's eclipse ambassador program.That year, he traveled to Beatrice, Nebraska, where the normal population of around 12,000 swelled to around 40,000 as eclipse watchers arrived.“You had gas stations running out of gas," said Traub, who also serves on the board that runs the Martz-Kohl Observatory near Frewsburg, New York. “You had restaurants running out of food. You had restrooms that were full and closed.”This time around, top viewing locations want to avoid a repeat.“They are preparing for mostly a worst-case scenario," he said. "And hopefully that won’t be the case.”CELLPHONES MIGHT NOT WORKIn central Texas, emergency officials in Hays County recommend a "solar eclipse survival bag” stocked with items including a mobile phone and charger.The bag, the instructions advise, also should contain a hard copy of maps and a compass — “goin’ old school!”The reminder to bring a fully charged phone — but to expect possible jammed signals — is widespread in prime viewing spots. In 2017, drivers using their cellphones to share photos and navigate through traffic overwhelmed towers.“Write down key phone numbers just in case,” advised the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Austin.STOCK UP ON FUEL AND FOODDon't wait until the last minute to buy groceries is common advice from several Texas counties that have issued disaster declarations so they can get get extra help with the crowds.Among them is Kerr County, located about 65 miles (105 kilometers) northwest of San Antonio in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, where the normal population of 53,000 is expected to double or triple.“Make sure your vehicles are tanked up, that you have sufficient grocery supplies, that your prescriptions are filled and that you are stocked up on provisions for any animals in your care,” Rob Kelly, the county's top official who signed the disaster declaration, said in an online post.In Ohio, where Gov. Mike DeWine signed an executive order this month to assure the state was well prepared, emergency management officials are urging residents to top off their gas tanks or fully charge their electric vehicles before heading out.Traub suggests people treat the eclipse like a snowstorm: “Stock up, get ready, prepare to hunker down.”At Serafin’s Food Market in Erie, Pennsylvania, owner Dan Serafin is ordering extra milk, eggs, water and batteries in preparation. “This is nuts,” he said.PREPARATIONS IN THE AIR AND AT SEAEven smaller regional airports are getting ready. In Cape Girardeau, Missouri, extra fuel is being hauled in, said airport manager Katrina Amos.The airport was caught off guard in 2017, when the city of around 40,000 along the Mississippi River also was in the path of totality.Between 40 to 50 extra planes landed that day. ‘We didn’t expect this,’” said Amos.This year, volunteers have signed up to help park all the extra planes that are expected. There also will be hamburgers and hot dogs, Amos said.Offshore, the Coast Guard will have boats patrolling in Lake Erie; it's along the path and some boaters plan to watch from the water.BRACE FOR TRAFFIC HASSLEIt will be all hands on deck at fire departments in the path of the eclipse, said Dr. Brad Raetzke, an emergency room doctor in Columbus, Ohio, who also is a medical director for several fire departments in the area.He's concerned about eye injuries if people stare at the sun without protective glasses. And with all the extra traffic, there also will likely be more crash injuries, said Raetzke.In 2017, he went with his family to Nashville, Tennessee, to watch the eclipse. The return trip took 15 hours, instead of the typical six. “So I can understand the importance of planning,” he said.In Erie, where hotels are nearing capacity, residents are urged to leave the interstates to visitors, with signs posted more than 150 miles (241 kilometers) outside the city limits warning of delays.Traffic will be "just almost nightmarish once totality ends,” said Chris Temple, the VisitErie spokesperson, who has been in meetings for more than a year planning for an onslaught of visitors that could double the size of the city of 94,000.Despite the hassles, the city's tourism slogan to get eclipse-ready — SHINE — ends with a reminder.“Enjoy the moment," said Temple

 Some tips to prepare for April's total solar eclipse

By CASEY QUINLAN,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/19/rural-hospitals-gird-for-unwinding-of-pandemic-medicaid-coverage/">States Newsroom</a>

Americans are still worried about their financial stability even as their recession fears lessen.

High prices at the grocery store and consumers’ memories of their pre-pandemic budgets may be playing a role. Here’s what financial and economic experts have to say about what this week’s economic indicators tell us about people’s perception of the economy.

The Consumer Confidence Index,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.conference-board.org/topics/consumer-confidence">released</a>&nbsp;by the business nonprofit and research organization the Conference Board, is a survey indicating how optimistic or pessimistic consumers feel about their financial well-being and the economy.

The Consumer Confidence Index fell slightly in March from 104.8 to 104.7, well below some economist expectations of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.barrons.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-032624/card/consumer-confidence-dips-on-growing-economic-worries-pDVBQ69ULE3gKM0XJyge#:~:text=Confidence%20has%20improved%20considerably%20since,147.6%20in%20the%20prior%20month.">106.5</a>. Although consumers’ perception of the likelihood of a recession fell this month, consumers were less confident about their family’s financial situation in the next six months. The percentage of consumers who expected their incomes to fall rose from 11.9% in February to 13.8% in March.

Elizabeth Pancotti, director of special initiatives for the Roosevelt Institute, said that consumers’ experience of the economy and their financial situation may come down to crises they’re feeling that may not show up at a macro level but may strike their budgets particularly hard.

“When egg prices finally come down and chicken prices finally come down, but orange juice is high because of some random citrus greening disease or some other shocking food item, your total grocery bill doesn’t come down and that really highlights it,” she said.&nbsp; “There’s one crisis after another at a micro level, which I think is really why we’re not seeing that divergence between overall economic strength and at a very micro level, the feelings of average consumers.”

Pancotti acknowledged that housing is also one of the highest expenses for consumers right now, and those prices aren’t showing as much movement as other areas of consumers’ budgets.

“For most families, it is the largest purchase they make every month,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642689710083.jpeg" alt="-High prices at the grocery store and consumers’ memories of their pre-pandemic budgets may be playing&nbsp;a role in how Americans feel about their finances as recession fears recede. " />
 <figcaption>-High prices at the grocery store and consumers’ memories of their pre-pandemic budgets may be playing&nbsp;a role in how Americans feel about their finances as recession fears recede. </figcaption>
 </figure>By CASEY QUINLAN,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/19/rural-hospitals-gird-for-unwinding-of-pandemic-medicaid-coverage/">States Newsroom</a>Americans are still worried about their financial stability even as their recession fears lessen.High prices at the grocery store and consumers’ memories of their pre-pandemic budgets may be playing a role. Here’s what financial and economic experts have to say about what this week’s economic indicators tell us about people’s perception of the economy.<h2>What is driving consumer confidence?</h2>The Consumer Confidence Index,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.conference-board.org/topics/consumer-confidence">released</a>&nbsp;by the business nonprofit and research organization the Conference Board, is a survey indicating how optimistic or pessimistic consumers feel about their financial well-being and the economy.The Consumer Confidence Index fell slightly in March from 104.8 to 104.7, well below some economist expectations of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.barrons.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-032624/card/consumer-confidence-dips-on-growing-economic-worries-pDVBQ69ULE3gKM0XJyge#:~:text=Confidence%20has%20improved%20considerably%20since,147.6%20in%20the%20prior%20month.">106.5</a>. Although consumers’ perception of the likelihood of a recession fell this month, consumers were less confident about their family’s financial situation in the next six months. The percentage of consumers who expected their incomes to fall rose from 11.9% in February to 13.8% in March.Elizabeth Pancotti, director of special initiatives for the Roosevelt Institute, said that consumers’ experience of the economy and their financial situation may come down to crises they’re feeling that may not show up at a macro level but may strike their budgets particularly hard.“When egg prices finally come down and chicken prices finally come down, but orange juice is high because of some random citrus greening disease or some other shocking food item, your total grocery bill doesn’t come down and that really highlights it,” she said.&nbsp; “There’s one crisis after another at a micro level, which I think is really why we’re not seeing that divergence between overall economic strength and at a very micro level, the feelings of average consumers.”Pancotti acknowledged that housing is also one of the highest expenses for consumers right now, and those prices aren’t showing as much movement as other areas of consumers’ budgets.“For most families, it is the largest purchase they make every month,” she said.<h2>Why isn’t consumer sentiment higher?</h2>Consumer sentiment, a smaller survey conducted by the University of Michigan, also gauges people’s sense of the economy overall, the labor market, and how they see inflation. On Thursday, U.S. consumer sentiment jumped to 79.4 from 76.9 in February and 62 a year earlier, making this its highest level since July 2021.Joanne Hsu, director of the survey, said in the report that this number is an indication that consumers believe the economy is “holding steady.”“As the election season progresses and debates over economic policy become more salient for consumers, their outlook for the economy could become more volatile in the months ahead,” she added.”Kevin Kliesen, business economist and research officer at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, said consumer confidence and consumer sentiment are still far below pre-pandemic levels and that it’s a puzzle as to why when the economy has “been growing fairly strongly” in the past year and a half. But like Pancotti, he added that high prices at the store compared to pre-pandemic prices may be playing a role in those measures.“If you’re like me, you look at something, and you go, ‘Oh my gosh. I remember when it was so much less before the pandemic.’ So I think that calls into question, probably, a lot of people’s perceptions of the overall state of the economy and importantly their consumer finances,” he said.<h2>What can we expect from inflation and the Fed?</h2>As the Federal Reserve looks to its favorite inflation measure, the personal consumption expenditures price index, economists are watching the PCE closely for signs the Fed will cut rates in the coming months. This policy change is expected to have effects on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/03/20/fed-declines-to-cut-interest-rates-saying-its-not-clear-inflation-has-slowed-enough-yet/">housing market</a>&nbsp;as well as the growth of businesses.The PCE rose 0.3% from January to February and 2.5% over the past year,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bea.gov/news/2024/personal-income-and-outlays-february-2024">according to</a>&nbsp;the&nbsp; Bureau of Economic Analysis’s Friday release. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell responded to the news when he spoke at the San Francisco Fed and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-29/powell-says-latest-inflation-data-in-line-with-expectations?utm_medium=social&amp;cmpid=socialflow-twitter-business&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=socialflow-organic&amp;utm_content=business">said</a>&nbsp;the numbers were “in line with expectations” but not as reassuring as the numbers Fed officials saw last year.Despite this reception from Powell, some financial experts believe inflation will ease up soon. Cristian Tiu, associate professor of finance at the University at Buffalo, said that although the economy is adding jobs, he doesn’t believe the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ubwp.buffalo.edu/job-quality-index-jqi/">quality of those jobs</a>&nbsp;is high enough to sustain this price growth for much longer.“Prices basically on consumer goods can’t be driven up forever just by the very top of the wage distribution. The rest of the wage distribution actually looks pretty modest. So I don’t think these price increases can actually be sustained,” Tiu said.For this reason, he doesn’t think the Fed should continue to put brakes on the economy through restrictive monetary policy. Tiu added that he sees inflation as driven partly by corporate profit-seeking, with companies&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/03/20/fed-declines-to-cut-interest-rates-saying-its-not-clear-inflation-has-slowed-enough-yet/">taking advantage of inflation</a>&nbsp;to continue to keep prices higher than they can justify for the American consumer.