Americans are struggling to pay off their collective $1.12 trillion in credit card debt.

In Debt

The Story

Americans are struggling to pay off their collective $1.12 trillion in credit card debt.

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It’s not just credit card debt that’s a problem. New data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reveals the percentage of people struggling with serious delinquent payments (aka missing a payment for more than 90 days) has reportedly climbed to its highest level since 2012. A survey from last year found roughly half of cardholders carried their debt from month to month, potentially hurting their long-term financial health. Delinquency rates are especially bad among Gen Z and millennials — the same group already struggling with student loan debt. Unsurprisingly, experts point to inflation and high interest rates for the high number of delinquencies.

Break it down.

Inflation has pushed grocery bills, housing costs, and gas prices up. As Americans continued paying with plastic, the average credit card APR rate sat at around 20%. That shouldn’t be surprising given the Federal Reserve has kept its benchmark interest rate between 5.25% and 5.5% since July of last year. Fed Chair Jerome Powell reiterated yesterday that interest rates are likely to remain elevated as inflation is falling more slowly than expected.

theSkimm

The US economy grew more at the end of last year than previously thought and economists have said the job market is healthy. But with inflation stalling, this new data sheds light on the reality of the cost of living for many Americans.

What researchers took a closer look at…

Wegovy. Yesterday, drugmaker Novo Nordisk shared new analyses from the longest clinical trial of semaglutide — the active ingredient in weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic. One set of findings revealed that people taking Wegovy maintained an average 10% of weight loss for up to four years. It comes as other research has shown that people can gain weight after stopping treatment. A separate analysis found Wegovy also helped cut the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or other heart-related issues by 20% in some users. The results could lead to insurers covering the drug’s roughly $1,300 cost for a 28-day supply. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk also noted that about 17% of trial participants stopped taking Wegovy due to side effects like nausea.

Where the fallout continues…

The pageant world. Yesterday, the mothers of Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava spoke to Good Morning America about their daughters’ resignations. It comes after the two winners stepped down within days of each other, prompting calls for greater transparency from the Miss USA organization. Srivastava’s mom said her daughter’s dream job “turned out to be a nightmare.” Voigt’s mom said the organization didn’t apologize or act when her daughter received unwanted advances at public appearances. The Miss USA organization said it’s “committed to fostering a healthy, communicative, and supportive environment.” Meanwhile, the runner-up for Miss Teen USA rejected the invitation to replace Srivastava, citing prior commitments.

Where key races took place…

West Virginia and Maryland. Yesterday, voters cast their ballots in primary elections that could sway which party takes the Senate majority this fall. In West Virginia, Republican Gov. Jim Justice is one step closer to flipping retiring Sen. Joe Manchin’s (D-WV) seat to red. In Maryland, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) will go up against former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan. If Alsobrooks wins, she would be Maryland’s first Black senator. The races in both states could put the Democrat’s 51-49 majority in jeopardy come November, as the party tries to hold on to seats in other states.

Who’s not scoring any points…

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker. His graduation speech at Benedictine College last weekend is facing growing backlash. During his address at the Catholic college, Butker said women have been told “diabolical lies,” called LGBTQIA+ pride a “deadly sin,” and said abortion and surrogacy “stem from the pervasiveness of disorder.” Now, many are reportedly calling for him to be kicked out of the Chiefs.

While King Charles is looking red…

Gayle King is giving cover model.

Who’s taking another chance at love…

“The Golden Bachelorette.”

What you could own a piece of…

Red Lobster.

What’s bringing the pink to Amazon…

A “Legally Blonde” prequel.

Looking for a crossword that’s not impossible to solve? You’re in luck. This one even offers hints when you get stuck. The faster you finish, the better your score — and the more impressed the group chat will be. Go on.