Siesta Beach in Florida is the only U.S. beach included in The Worlds 50 Best Beaches list for 2025, recognized for its powdery white quartz sand, gentle slope, shallow waters, and pristine surroundings.
Global competition is steep, with 49 of the top 50 beaches located outside the U.S., including the top-ranked Cala Goloritze in Italy, making many of the world's best beach destinations potentially out of budget for American travelers.
Selection process involved votes from over 1,000 vetted travel professionals, judges, and influencers, aiming to highlight breathtaking and less touristy beach experiences worldwide.
Beach season is rapidly approaching, and in spite of tariffs and inflation, a recent survey shows Americans still plan to take a vacation this summer.
But alas, according to The Worlds 50 Best Beaches, 49 of the top beaches are in other countries and may be outside the budgets of many travelers. According to the list, Cala Goloritze is the worlds best beach, but unfortunately, its in Italy.
However, the lone American beach to make the list is Siesta Beach, on Floridas west coast. According to the list, Siesta Beach, located on Siesta Key, off shore of Sarasota, stands out for its rare, powdery white sand made up of 99% pure quartz from the Appalachian Mountains, which stays cool to the touch even under the hot Florida sun. This unique sand is one of the key features that sets Siesta Beach apart, often dubbed the world's finest, whitest sand.
The lists authors also cite the gentle slope of the beach, along with the shallow, calm waters, as creating an ideal environment for swimming, while also making it safe for children.
Pristine surroundings
Siesta Beach is also known for its pristine surroundings, free from large developments, which helps preserve its natural beauty and makes it one of the top beaches to visit in the U.S., the lists authors conclude.
The World's 50 Best Beaches is based on votes from its network of Judges as well as from over 1,000 vetted travel professionals, including industry experts and high-profile influencers.
"Our 2025 list is the result of countless days spent by our judges, Beach Ambassadors, and the World's 50 Best team exploring coastlines across the globe," Tine Holst, co-founder of The World's 50 Best Beaches, said in a press release. "Our mission is to inspire travelers to go beyond the typical tourist hotspots and discover the kind of beach experiences they've always dreamed ofplaces that are truly breathtaking, peaceful, and unforgettable."
For Americans willing to travel outside the U.S. to visit a great beach, the other 49 top beaches are listed here.
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Auto insurance costs are still rising in much of the country, with new data showing increases expected in 19 states in early 2026.
Where you live and what you drive can dramatically affect what you pay, with some drivers spending nearly 5% of their income on coverage.
Drivers still have ways to manage rising premiums, including shopping around regularly, using telematics or pay-per-mile programs, and looking for discounts through bundling and other policies.
If it feels like your car insurance bill has been creeping higher every year, youre not imagining it.
At a time when Americans are already juggling rising grocery prices, rent hikes, and higher interest rates, auto insurance has quietly become another growing strain on household budgets. And for many drivers, the increases havent been small.
On average, Americans are now spending more than $2,200 a year on auto insurance. This represents a meaningful slice of income especially in states where premiums are consuming nearly 5% of annual earnings.
To understand whats driving these costs, what could change in 2026, and how everyday decisions can affect your rate, ConsumerAffairs spoke with David Seider, Chief Commercial Officer at The Zebra.
Why are prices going up?
According to The Zebras report, car insurance is expected to rise in 19 states across the first half of the year. Seider broke down some of the reasons why this is happening nationwide.
The increases are largely related to two things: increased costs and/or increased risks, he said.
Costs for repairs and medical care are increasing all around due to economic factors including inflation, tariffs and supply chain issues. While these factors affect everyone, some states will see bigger increases locally.
Increased risk is a factor that varies significantly by location as well. Some states are seeing increases in extreme weather, larger numbers of uninsured drivers, or more frequent accidents. And these changes are more localized by city and ZIP code, so different parts of a state will see greater increases or decreases, and even different costs, than other areas.
Are there ways to lower your premium?
Seider explained that many consumers live in states where the cost of living is generally low but, for a number of reasons, have higher insurance rates. However, that isnt likely to be a bargaining chip in negotiations.
The insurance prices are high in these areas for reasons that are mostly out of drivers control, he said. For example, Florida experiences extreme weather risks, is a no-fault state, and has a lot of uninsured drivers (in part because insurance is unaffordable), all of which drive up the costs of insurance.
That said, our advice to find savings remains consistent: shop around, compare rates regularly, and track prices because prices can and do change.
Additionally, a telematics program that monitors your driving can be a tool for possibly lowering your premium. Seider explained that the program monitors phone motion, app usage, and screen interaction to determine if youre driving distracted. Adding this to your policy may be helpful in lowering your payments.
What you drive matters
Another key factor to consider: what kind of car you drive.
This makes sense when you consider the different costs for repairs and other factors like how appealing the car is to theft, Seider said.
Of the models we looked at, the cheapest to insure was the Ford Bronco at an average of $76 per month and the most expensive was the Nissan GT-R, which averages nearly $400 a month. The difference in the cost of insurance between the two is $3,888 a year. When choosing a new vehicle, the focus is usually on other factors but it makes sense to also consider insurance costs.
Managing costs
As insurance costs rise, there are a number of ways consumers can work to keep costs manageable. Seider shared his best tips:
Bundling insurance with your home, renters, or condo policy can earn you some savings, as can looking for discounts that might apply to you. Working with an insurance agent who can check multiple policies at once is one way of finding these savings, especially discounts.
If youre a good driver, consider looking into telematics policies.
If youre an infrequent driver, consider pay-per-mile policies to save.
Frequently compare and track prices because insurance prices for your specific ZIP code or circumstances can change substantially over time.
Americans are cutting back on essentials, not luxuries, with many reducing grocery spending and delaying health care just to make ends meet.
Financial safety nets are shrinking, as households dip into savings, take on debt, and struggle to prepare for unexpected expenses.
Experts warn these survival strategies can have long-term consequences, but small, realistic steps can help protect both financial and career stability.
For many Americans, the end of 2025 didnt bring financial relief it brought tougher choices. From trimming grocery bills to delaying doctor visits, households across the country have been cutting back wherever they can just to stay afloat and its not about splurges or luxury spending anymore. The pressure is coming from the basics.
New data from Resume Nows 2026 Cost-of-Living Crunch Report paints a sobering picture of how widespread that strain has become. Nearly all working Americans say theyve reduced their spending, often on essential items, as wages lag behind rising costs. Savings accounts are shrinking, debt is creeping up, and for many households, theres little room for an unexpected expense.
To help make sense of whats driving this financial stress and what it means for workers heading into 2026 Resume Now Career Expert Keith Spencer breaks down the biggest trends from the survey and explains why so many Americans feel stuck in survival mode, even while working full time.
The impact of cutting costs
Resume Nows survey found that 40% of people cut spending on groceries in 2025, while over 20% delayed doctor visits or health care appointments because of the price tag. Spencer explained that this can have long-term financial and personal risks for Americans.
Reducing the quality of your diet or skipping preventative care can lead to more serious health issues down the road, which in turn can result in higher medical costs and greater stress, he said.
These pressures compound, creating a cycle where short-term survival strategies may worsen long-term financial and health outcomes. The fact that working Americans are making these kinds of tradeoffs out of necessity highlights the real strain many households are under in todays economy.
Building up your safety net
Amid rising costs, nearly half of Americans surveyed dipped into their savings to help make ends meet last year. However, Spencer has some tips for those who may be struggling to build their safety net back.
First, its important to remove the stigma around dipping into savings, because this is exactly what emergency funds are for, he said. Using them out of necessity is not a personal failing, but a reflection of broader economic pressures that are well beyond your control.
For those who have fully depleted their safety nets, the focus should be on rebuilding slowly when possible. Avoid pressuring yourself to save aggressively at the expense of day-to-day well-being and, instead, look for small ways to reduce costs or save when you have extra. Also, consider exploring any community or employer-provided resources that could help ease expenses and support rebuilding your financial cushion.
Survival strategies
Another major finding from the survey was that 60% of households are prepared to cover three months of expenses or less. To help ease some of the concern around finances, Spencer offered some survival strategies.
The focus should be on protecting immediate financial stability and preparing for potential disruptions, he said. Prioritize essentials like housing, utilities, and groceries, and look for small ways to reduce non-essential spending.
At the same time, safeguard your career security by building key skills and keeping your resume and professional network up to date in case opportunities or emergencies arise. You can also explore additional income streams, community or employer resources, and low- or no-cost assistance programs to help cover necessities. These steps are about managing short-term survival while also positioning yourself to weather future challenges."
Owners of select Frigidaire minifridges sold at Target should unplug and seek a refund immediately.
Minifridges can short circuit and ignite, posing fire and burn hazards
About 330,000 units added to a prior recall of over 600,000
Consumers should stop using and request a refund
Consumers who purchased Frigidaire-brand minifridges, model EFMIS121, sold exclusively at Target from January 2020 through October 2023, should take immediate action following an expanded recall. The minifridges' electrical components can fail and cause fires, putting users at risk of serious burns or property damage.
The hazard
The affected minifridges have internal electrical components that can short circuit and ignite the surrounding plastic housing. At least six incidents of the model EFMIS121 catching fire have been reported, some resulting in property damage.
What to do
Consumers should immediately unplug the recalled minifridges and stop using them. Contact Curtis International to arrange a refund.
Company contact
Curtis International Ltd. toll-free at 888-727-0198 from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET, Monday through Friday, email at recall@curtiscs.com, or visit www.recallrtr.com/minifridge for more information.
RootStim beard serum recall for child poisoning risk
Consumers with RootStim Beard Growth Serums should stop use and request a free replacement bottle.
Packaging lacks required child-resistant features, risking poisoning if swallowed
About 16,900 bottles sold on Amazon between November 2024 and September 2025
Consumers should stop use and contact RootStim for a replacement
RootStim Beard Growth Serum sold on Amazon is being recalled due to packaging that does not meet child safety standards. The serum contains minoxidil and poses a serious risk if ingested by young children.
The hazard
The beard growth serum is required by law to be in child-resistant packaging. The recalled bottles are not, creating a risk of poisoning if the contents are swallowed by children.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact RootStim for a free child-resistant replacement bottle.
Company contact
RootStim at 202-743-1714 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at finergraceing@gmail.com, or visit https://rootstim.com and click Contact Us for more information.
Greatale self-feeding pillows recall for infant suffocation risk
Parents should stop using Greatale self-feeding pillows sold on Amazon and request a refund.
Pillows can cause aspiration and suffocation in infants
About 1,260 pillows sold on Amazon from September 2024 through July 2025
Stop use and contact Greatale for a refund
Greatale self-feeding pillows, designed to hold bottles in place for infants, are being recalled due to the risk of suffocation and aspiration. These pillows were sold online on Amazon and should not be used.
The hazard
The pillow holds the bottle at an unsafe angle and keeps it fixed so infants cannot pull away. This design can cause milk or formula aspiration, increasing the risk of suffocation.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled pillows and contact Greatale to obtain a refund.
Owners of HEZI brand power strips should unplug and return the product for a refund.
Power strips have ungrounded metal enclosures that can cause electrocution
About 1,320 units sold on major online retailers from May 2024 to October 2025
Consumers should stop use and request a refund
HEZI brand power strips sold on Amazon, Ebay, Kmart and Sears are recalled due to a risk of electric shock or death. The metal enclosure is not grounded and may become energized.
The hazard
The recalled power strips have a metal enclosure that lacks proper grounding. If energized, this poses a serious electrocution risk.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled power strips and contact HEZI HOME for a refund.
Company contact
HEZI HOME toll-free at 602-804-6830 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email recall_hezi@163.com, or visit amazon.com/hezi and click Product Recalls.
Morgan Lane childrens pajamas recall for burn hazard
Parents should stop using Morgan Lane Asher Pajama Sets and request a refund due to flammability risk.
Pajamas do not meet flammability standards, risking serious burns to children
About 95 pajama sets sold online from March 2024 to May 2025
Consumers should stop use and contact Morgan Lane for a refund
Morgan Lane, LLC is recalling certain childrens Asher Pajama Sets due to failure to meet mandatory flammability standards for sleepwear, posing a serious risk of burns.
The hazard
The recalled pajamas violate federal flammability standards, creating a risk of serious or fatal burns to children.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the pajamas and contact Morgan Lane for a refund.
Company contact
Email info@morgan-lane.com or visit www.morgan-lane.com and click Recall for more information.
Adams Adirondack patio chairs recall for fall and injury risk
Users of Adams RealComfort or StyleWell Adirondack patio chairs from Lowes or Home Depot should stop use and get a refund.
Chairs can crack and collapse, posing injury and fall hazards
About 6,100 units sold nationwide from August to October 2025
Stop using affected chairs and contact Adams Manufacturing for a refund
Adams Manufacturing Corp. is recalling select Adirondack-style patio chairs sold under Adams RealComfort and StyleWell brands due to a risk of cracking and collapse, which may cause falls or injuries.
The hazard
The recalled resin patio chairs can crack and collapse during use, creating a risk of falls and injury.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the chairs immediately and contact Adams Manufacturing to request a refund.
Company contact
Call Adams Manufacturing toll-free at 866-546-1806 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email recalls@adamsmfg.com, or visit www.adamsmfg.com/recalls for details.
KEAWIS crib mattress recall for infant suffocation hazard
Parents should stop using KEAWIS crib mattresses and contact Yixing Trading for a refund.
Mattresses violate crib safety standards and may cause entrapment or suffocation
About 1,500 units sold on Amazon between August 2024 and July 2025
Stop using the mattress and request a refund from Yixing Trading
KEAWIS crib mattresses sold by Yixing Trading are being recalled because they may not fit certain play yards or cribs properly, creating dangerous gaps that can cause entrapment or suffocation.
The hazard
The aftermarket mattresses may leave gaps in play yards or non-full-sized cribs, violating federal safety standards and posing a risk of deadly entrapment or suffocation.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the recalled mattresses and contact Yixing Trading for a refund.
Company contact
Email support@keawis.com for information on receiving a refund.
Consumers should stop using R.X.Y adult bike helmets sold on Amazon and request a refund.
Helmets do not meet federal safety requirements and may not protect in a crash
About 170 units sold online from September to November 2025
Stop using the helmet and contact R.X.Y for a refund
R.X.Y is recalling certain adult bicycle helmets sold on Amazon because they do not meet impact and labeling standards. Use of these helmets may not provide adequate protection from head injuries.
The hazard
The helmets fail to comply with required impact attenuation, positional stability, labeling and certification standards, putting users at risk of serious head injuries or death in a crash.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the helmets and contact R.X.Y for a refund.
Company contact
Email RXY-recall@outlook.com or contact R.X.Y through their Amazon.com Seller Profile.
About 11,900 units sold on Amazon from July 2024 to November 2025
Stop use and contact LSY Direct for a refund
BBWOO baby loungers sold by LSY Direct on Amazon are being recalled due to multiple safety hazards. The loungers do not meet federal safety standards for infant sleep products.
The hazard
The baby loungers have sides that are too low and openings that are too wide, increasing the risk of infants falling or becoming trapped. The lack of a stand also creates a fall hazard if used on elevated surfaces, creating a risk of death or serious injury.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the recalled baby loungers immediately and contact LSY Direct for a refund.
Energizer lantern recall due to battery overheating risk
Owners of Energizer Large Power Indicator Lanterns should stop use and request a refund.
Lithium-ion batteries can overheat, posing a burn hazard
About 4,100 lanterns sold nationwide between January and November 2025
Stop using and contact Energizer for a refund
Energizer Holdings is recalling its Large Power Indicator Lanterns due to the risk of battery overheating, which can cause burns. The recall affects lanterns with model BGAAL9 and date code June 2024.
The hazard
The lithium-ion batteries inside the lanterns can overheat. At least one incident of overheating has been reported, though no injuries occurred.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the lanterns and contact Energizer for a refund.
Company contact
Call Energizer toll free at 800-383-7323 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email customersupport@energizer.com, or visit https://energizer.com/lightings/lanternrecall.
Liberty Trike electric tricycles warning for fall injury risk
Riders should stop using Liberty Trike electric tricycles immediately due to a tipping hazard.
Tricycles can tip over during turns, risking serious injury from falls
Sold online from October 2015 to November 2025
CPSC urges disposal and warns not to resell or give away
CPSC warns consumers to stop using Liberty Trike 16-inch and 20-inch electric tricycles due to a fall hazard. The risk is especially high when turning or riding on slopes.
The hazard
The tricycles can tip over during turns, increasing the risk of falls and serious injuries, particularly on uneven surfaces.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using and dispose of the tricycles. Do not sell or give the trikes away.
Company contact
Report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.
Akavivo LED lights warning for battery ingestion hazard
Households should stop using Akavivo Submersible LED Lights and dispose of them immediately.
Lithium coin batteries are accessible and pose a serious ingestion hazard to children
Sold on Amazon and elsewhere between March and November 2025
CPSC urges immediate disposal and warns not to resell or give away
CPSC is alerting consumers to the dangers of Akavivo Submersible LED Lights due to easy access to lithium coin batteries, which can be swallowed by children.
The hazard
The included lithium coin batteries can be easily accessed by children, presenting a risk of battery ingestion and potentially fatal injuries.
What to do
Consumers should stop using and dispose of the LED lights immediately. Do not give away or resell the product.
JJGoo LED lights warning for button battery ingestion risk
Consumers should dispose of JJGoo Submersible LED Lights immediately due to child safety hazards.
Button cell batteries are easily accessible and lack required warnings
About 103,000 LED lights sold on Amazon from February 2020 through November 2025
CPSC urges immediate disposal and warns not to resell or give away
JJGoo Submersible LED Lights sold online are being flagged by CPSC for violating product safety standards. The lights contain button cell batteries that are easily accessible and lack required safety warnings.
The hazard
Children can access the button cell batteries in the lights, risking ingestion and potentially serious or fatal injuries. The required safety warnings are also missing.
What to do
Consumers should stop using and dispose of these LED lights immediately. Do not sell or give them away.
Malinaggg Happy Baby toy sets warning for choking and strangulation hazards
SUBTITLE: Parents should stop using Malinaggg Happy Baby Musical Instrument toy sets and dispose of them.
Maracas and drumsticks pose choking hazard; drum strap can strangle children
About 30 sets sold on Walmart.com from February to October 2025
CPSC urges immediate disposal and warns not to resell or give away
CPSC is warning consumers about Malinaggg Happy Baby Musical Instrument toy sets due to risks of choking and strangulation. The sets include multiple instruments, some with small parts and straps.
The hazard
The maracas and drumsticks have spherical ends that can cause choking, and the drum strap can entangle around a child's neck, posing a strangulation risk.
What to do
Consumers should immediately stop using and dispose of these toy sets. Do not give away or resell the product.
Company contact
Report incidents or defects to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov or call 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270).
Miocololy self-feeding pillow warning for infant suffocation risk
SUBTITLE: Parents should stop using Miocololy self-feeding pillows and dispose of them immediately.
Pillows hold bottles at unsafe angles, risking suffocation and aspiration in infants
Sold on Amazon from October 2024 through November 2025
CPSC urges immediate disposal and warns not to resell or give away
CPSC is warning parents about Miocololy self-feeding pillows, which can lead to suffocation and aspiration in infants. The product holds bottles in a fixed, unsafe position.
The hazard
The pillows keep bottles at an unsafe angle, preventing infants from pulling away and increasing the risk of suffocation and milk aspiration.
What to do
Consumers should stop using and dispose of these pillows immediately. Do not give away or resell the product.
Company contact
Report incidents or defects to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov or call 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270).
Yiiektily self-feeding pillow warning for infant suffocation risk
Parents should dispose of Yiiektily self-feeding pillows sold on Amazon to prevent infant harm.
Pillows pose suffocation and aspiration risk by fixing bottles in place
Sold by Yiiektily on Amazon from April 2024 to July 2025
CPSC urges immediate disposal and not to resell or give away
Yiiektily self-feeding pillows are being flagged by CPSC for potential suffocation and aspiration hazards. The pillows hold bottles at angles that are unsafe for infants.
The hazard
The design fixes bottles in front of the infant's face at an unsafe angle, increasing the risk of suffocation and aspiration.
What to do
Consumers should dispose of the pillows immediately and avoid selling or giving them away.
Social media has gone from a place to share vacation photos to a full-blown shopping channel. Its no longer just entertainment, with a whopping two-thirds of scrollers buying products that are put up on their feeds.
Its quietly redefining needs, as nearly half of users say trends influence what they feel is necessary to buy.
Impulse spending adds up fast, with many shoppers spending hundreds a year and more than half regretting those purchases later.
Social media has become one of the most powerful shopping platforms in the U.S., and many consumers dont realize how deeply its influencing their spending until the regret sets in.
According to a new survey from LendingTree, 67% of weekly social media users say theyve purchased a product after seeing it on a social platform. Nearly half say social media shapes what they consider necessary to buy, blurring the line between wants and needs in the process.
What starts as casual scrolling is increasingly turning into impulse spending, and for many households, its adding up fast.
From scrolling to spending
The LendingTree survey of more than 2,000 U.S. consumers found that social platforms now function like always-open storefronts.
Among weekly social media users:
67% have bought something after seeing it on social media
58% say an influencer prompted their purchase
68% admit they sometimes make impulse purchases because of social content
The most common categories are clothing (26%), beauty products (18%), and tech (15%), followed by food, home goods, digital products, and childrens items.
Younger users and parents are especially susceptible. More than 80% of Gen Zers, millennials, and parents with children under 18 report buying something after seeing it online. This shows that lifestyle content and family-focused ads are particularly effective.
When trends start to feel necessary
Social media doesnt just encourage buying, it reshapes expectations.
The survey found that:
43% of users feel pressure to keep up with trends they see online
49% say social media influences what they consider necessary to buy
48% say it increases their desire for new or trending products
78% believe social media is fueling consumerism overall
That pressure is strongest among Gen Z and parents, who are more likely to feel judged, or left behind, if they dont keep up with whats trending.
In other words, social media doesnt just suggest products, its actually resetting the baseline for what feels normal to own.
The hidden cost of scrolling
For many consumers, social-driven shopping isnt a one-off event. Its become more of a habit.
Over the past year:
30% of social media shoppers say they spent $500 or more on social-influenced purchases.
Nearly half of six-figure earners report spending at least that much.
29% of users say theyve cut back on social media specifically to save money.
While most shoppers estimate spending under $250, those small purchases can pile up fairly quickly.
Tips to shop social media without blowing your budget
The key is to make it harder to make those impulse purchases when scrolling on social platforms, especially TikTok, Instagram,and Facebook.
Here are some tips thatll do just that.
Turn payment into a pause
Make it harder to make impulse purchases by removing any saved credit cards and digital wallet connections from social apps. By having to manually enter your payment details, it slows down the process just enough for you to reconsider those quick buys.
Use alerts as a reality check
Set transaction alerts so you see social purchases in real time. Monthly statements broken down by category can also reveal patterns you may not notice day to day.
Dont finance trends
Using buy now, pay later or carrying a credit card balance for trend-driven purchases can turn short-lived excitement into long-term debt. Treat social shopping as discretionary spending and pay it off in full every month.
Mute the algorithm, not your willpower
Unfollow or mute accounts that constantly push shoppinghauls, must-haves, and affiliate links. Fewer triggers = fewer impulse buys.
Add a 24-hour rule for anything you didnt search for
If the algorithmdid it's job and found you while scrolling, consider waiting a full day before buying and see it you still want it 24 hours later. Most regret-driven purchases disappear once the initial hype wears off.
Widespread disruption: Verizons wireless network suffered a major outage Wednesday affecting voice, texting, and mobile data services for millions of users nationwide.
Service restored after hours: The outage persisted for much of the day but was largely resolved by late Wednesday night, with Verizon offering account credits to affected customers.
Public safety concerns and scrutiny: Some cities warned that emergency calling could be unreliable during the outage, and the FCC said it will review the incident.
Verizon has not yet disclosed the cause of Wednesdays massive outage that disrupted service to hundreds of thousands of customers nationwide, affecting wireless voice, data, and texting services for about 10 hours.
Service interruptions began around noon ET, peaking with over 170,000 reports on Downdetector, forcing many phones into SOS mode and prompting emergency alerts in cities like New York and Washington, D.C. Verizon confirmed engineers were investigating but provided no specifics on the trigger, ruling out a cyberattack.
Resolution and response
Reports of service disruptions spanned the country, hitting major metropolitan areas including New York City, Houston, Philadelphia, Dallas, Miami, Chicago, and Atlanta. Tens of thousands of users logged outage incidents at the peak of the disruption, and localized alerts from city officials advised residents to use landlines or alternative carriers if they needed to contact emergency services like 911.
News outlets and outage monitors recorded elevated report volumes throughout the afternoon, though numbers varied by source. While some trackers showed over 1.5 million customer reports by early evening, other data indicated several hundred thousand users were affected at peak times.
Company response and resolution
Verizon acknowledged the issue publicly and confirmed it had deployed engineering teams to address the service interruption. By approximately 10:20 p.m. ET Wednesday, the company said the primary outage was resolved and advised users still experiencing trouble to restart their devices to reconnect to the network.
In a message to customers, Verizon apologized for the disruption and announced it would offer account credits to those who were impacted by the outage.
The outage drew attention from regulators, including the Federal Communications Commission, which said it would review the incident and take appropriate action given concerns about communications infrastructure reliability and the potential strain on emergency services.
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