"US Military Intercepts High-Altitude Balloon Over Western US, Deems It Non-Threatening"

NORAD intercepted a 50-foot high-altitude balloon flying over Utah at 43,000-45,000 feet, determining it to be non-maneuverable and not a threat to national security. The balloon, with an unknown payload, was allowed to continue flying above the U.S. after coordination with the FAA. Its origins and purpose remain unclear, but the incident follows the previous tracking and shootdown of a Chinese spy balloon, leading to increased detection and interception of high-altitude balloons by NORAD.