06/30/2025
Utahns have higher debt amount but lower delinquency rate
Despite the high household debt rates, Utahns display a healthy debt-handling behavior with one of the lowest delinquency rates in the nation, according to a new study by WalletHub. The report stated that American households' debt amounted to $18.2 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, up $520 billion from the same period the previous year. WalletHub's data shows households in Utah, on average, have a debt amount of $236,197, which includes credit cards and installment loans. Of all trade lines — records of any type of credit activity reported to a credit bureau — in the Beehive State, 8.81% were delinquent on debt payments. After examining the delinquent accounts, WalletHub also assessed the proportion of the total debt amount that was delinquent. In Utah, 5.03% of the total loan balances across all borrowers was delinquent.
Horrifying Swarms of Killer Bees Spreading Across America
Africanized honey bees, also known by their menacing “killer bees” moniker, have been spreading across the United States. The insect species, which first arrived in America in 1990, has been found in 13 states in the South and Southwest, and are reportedly heading north as the weather warms up. In the past three months alone, killer bee swarms have led to the death of a Texas man mowing his lawn and the hospitalization of three tree trimmers. Three horses also died from thousands of bee stings. London’s Natural History Museum estimates that it would take approximately 1,000 stings to kill an adult human, but Africanized bees attack in swarms far greater. Some reports have counted as many as 300,000 to 800,000 bees in a single swarm. Africanized honey bees, which were bred by humans in the 1950s, are an aggressive species. They have been known to chase humans, animals, and motor vehicles for up to a mile and can sting through the standard protective clothing that beekeepers wear. Yet, some scientists hope that Africanized honey bees, which are more disease- and pest-resistant than many of their fellow bee species, can help sustain dying bee populations. However, if you encounter a killer bee swarm, they suggest running fast.
TSA Just Banned These 7 Surprising Snacks From Carry-On Bags
The Transportation Security Administration has recently cracked down on a handful of surprisingly common foods. These snacks violate the 3.4-ounce rule for liquids, gels, and spreadable items. Spreadable and scoopable snacks like hummus and peanut butter are high on the list of problematic items. Even if paired with pretzels in a handy travel pack, those creamy containers often exceed the carry-on limit. Yogurt and pudding, fan favorites among frequent flyers and parents alike, fall under the same category. Many individual-sized cups still cross the 3.4-ounce threshold, meaning they'll get flagged during bag checks. Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert are also considered too spreadable to pass muster. And it’s not just dairy that’s a problem—sweet items like honey and savory staples like salsa have joined the list as well. All are considered liquid or gel-like substances under TSA guidelines, and anything over the limit won’t make it through.
This Woman Is Hiking Colorado’s 14ers in High Heels
Many hikers set out to hike all 58 of Colorado’s 14ers—sought-after summits above 14,000 feet in elevation—but only one Coloradan, 27-year-old Erin Ton, is doing it in high heels. So far, Ton has knocked out 24 of the peaks in her three-inch sandals and plans to tick off the rest over the coming summers. At first, the project was just for fun. But over time, it’s become a statement about defying stereotypes. “I’ve had numerous women reach out to me saying it’s inspired them to wear what they want in the outdoors. All too often, women are siloed into one category, but being outdoorsy and feminine aren’t mutually exclusive,” she explained. “I’m showing you can be both as a woman.” As for the original hypothesis? Hiking in heels likely doesn’t make mountaineering any easier, Ton says. And it does have the potential to be hard on the lower legs.
Montana bank robbery: Man reportedly takes $1
On Wednesday afternoon, a man walked into a Three Forks bank and reportedly stated: "I 'm declaring this a bank robbery." Mark Gilbert, 59, then demanded that the teller give him one dollar. He then walked away from the teller, put the dollar bill on another countertop in the lobby, and reportedly asked the teller to call the police and tell them it was a bank robbery. Gilbert then sat on the steps in front of the bank until law enforcement arrived. A Gallatin County Sheriff's Office deputy noted in charging documents that the teller was emotionally upset and in fear of bodily injury at the time of law enforcement's arrival.