Small, nonthreatening balloon intercepted over Utah by NORAD

By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM
Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A small balloon spotted flying high over the mountainous Western United States has been intercepted by a fighter jet over Utah. North American Aerospace Defense Command fighter pilots sent to investigate the balloon determined it was not maneuverable and did not present a threat to national security. There has been heightened interest in reports of balloon overflights after the military identified and eventually shot down a Chinese spy balloon that crossed much of the country last year. Officials say the balloon intercepted Friday was not sent by a foreign adversary and poses no threat to aviation or the U.S.