Latest news with #Hulsey
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Yahoo
UPS told California man his son's guitar was destroyed in a wildfire — and then he found it for sale online
Tony Diaz purchased a rare guitar for his son, but when the package never arrived and UPS claimed it was lost, Diaz wasn't buying it. UPS actually offered several explanations for why the guitar didn't arrive, including a claim that it was destroyed in the recent Southern California wildfires, but Diaz was unconvinced. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) "I just had an intuition that the guitar was stolen and that it wasn't damaged and destroyed," Diaz, who lives in Hayward, California, shared with ABC7 News. His hunch paid off. After searching online, Diaz spotted the exact guitar for sale on Guitar Center's website, identified by its unique serial number. Adam Hulsey, who sold the guitar to Diaz, immediately 'snatched it up' before Diaz made the roughly seven-hour round trip to Bakersfield to retrieve it. "It was 3.5 hours to get up there and it was 4 hours to get back," said Diaz. 'Was it worth it? Yeah, it was absolutely worth it.' When this dedicated dad couldn't get UPS to own up to its mistake, Hulsey and Diaz contacted ABC7's investigative unit, 7 On Your Side. Reporter Melanie Woodrow reached out to a UPS security supervisor, who claimed the guitar had been stolen but said the company couldn't reimburse Hulsey for more than the insured value. After additional conversations, UPS eventually agreed to revisit the case. Diaz ordered the Dean Dime Slime guitar — a signature model from 'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott, former guitar player for the metal band Pantera — from Hulsey, who manages a small shop called Adam's Guitar Addict in Denison, Texas. Hulsey reportedly shipped three guitars that Diaz had purchased at the same time, but only two arrived. When Hulsey contacted UPS to track down the missing guitar, he got a series of conflicting stories. "Burned up in a California wildfire, fell off a truck, fell off a train. So many different stories," said Hulsey. UPS eventually told Hulsey the package was severely damaged during shipping and was discarded. The shipping company did send Hulsey some compensation, but only based on the declared value at the time of shipping, which wasn't enough. After recovering the guitar, which now has a dent and a visible scratch on the back, Diaz and Hulsey filed a police report and contacted UPS again, but the call reportedly didn't go well. "UPS was kind of — 'hey why are you calling with this tracking number, this is already a closed case. The guitar was damaged and destroyed,' and I told them on the phone — well, that's so funny that the guitar was damaged and destroyed because I just bought it from Guitar Center and I have it in my car with me,' said Diaz. Now, with the help of 7 On Your Side, the lime green electric guitar is where it belongs — in the hands of Damian Diaz, Tony's 16-year-old son. "It's a nice guitar. I like its tone a lot," said the boy as he played his new guitar in front of the ABC7 camera crew. In a statement to ABC7, a UPS representative said, "We strive to provide excellent service. We've been in contact with the customer and have resolved the situation." Hulsey and Diaz confirmed that they received a larger refund and were finally satisfied with UPS' response. But the question remains: why were Hulsey and Diaz given so many different explanations? According to UPS, a 'casualty code' was assigned to the shipment and it's possible that customer service representatives didn't understand what the code meant. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it When a package goes missing during shipping, who's on the hook depends on the situation and whether the item was insured. In general: The shipper (in this case, Hulsey) is responsible for getting the item to the buyer. If a package is lost or damaged in transit, the seller typically must refund or replace it, regardless of whether the loss was their fault. The carrier (like UPS) is liable up to the amount declared or insured at shipping time. If the item wasn't properly insured, reimbursement may be limited. This means the buyer may be out of luck when packages are lost or stolen, unless the item is insured or purchased through a platform with strong buyer protections. So, what can you do to protect yourself when making expensive purchases online? Here are a few tips to safeguard your valuable items, as well as your wallet: Insure high-value items for their full replacement cost. Don't underreport the value just to save on shipping. Pay attention to your package's tracking. If the tracking stops or the status seems stuck, contact the seller immediately. The seller can then contact the shipper to get to the bottom of the delayed or missing shipment. Save receipts and documentation. If you need to report a missing package, you'll need proof of value and proof of shipping. Make sure you buy through reputable platforms that offer protection if something goes wrong during shipment. When shipping, request a signature confirmation on expensive items to prevent theft after delivery. For Diaz and Hulsey, it took persistence, a long road trip and an investigative news team to resolve what should have been a routine delivery. And while they're happy the guitar has been given to its rightful owner — blemishes and all — this story is a cautionary tale for anyone shipping or receiving valuable items. Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
School cellphone ban approved by Alabama House of Representatives
The Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday approved a bell-to-bell cellphone ban for students in public schools. HB 166, sponsored by Rep. Leigh Hulsey, R-Helena, passed the chamber 79-15. It requires local school boards to adopt a policy to store student cellphones during class hours. Hulsey said during a floor debate on Thursday that the devices could be stored in a device like a Yondr Pouch or a shoe organizer. 'The majority of the schools already participating in this are storing the cellphones in the classroom in various ways,' Hulsey said. Yondr Pouches are an expensive option compared to a $10 plastic over-the-door shoe organizer. Pike Road Junior High School Principal Christy Wright showed the Senate Education Policy Committee how the school implements a ban in February. The $30 Yondr Pouches at Pike Road were purchased with a grant. According to the bill, cell phones can be stored in a locker, car or other storage device so long as the device is not on the student's person. According to the Pew Research Center, 72% of U.S. high school teachers say that cellphone distraction is a major issue in their classrooms. Democratic representatives were concerned about how a student would access their phones in an emergency. Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, said that with school shootings a constant threat, a child should be able to contact their parents. According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, there were 332 school shootings in 2024. There have been 52 in 2025 so far. 'We as a body need to protect our kids since we will not pass a bill to keep guns away from our school children,' Drummond said. Drummond has sponsored bills over the last several years that would effectively require parents to safely store firearms at home. The bills would also have allowed parents to be charged with misdemeanors if a child brought an unsecured weapon to school. But the legislation has not moved. A House committee killed Drummond's latest version of the bill in February. More: Alabama Senate passes bill expanding religious exemptions from vaccines Rep. Napoleon Bracy, D-Prichard, brought up another potential event that could develop at school where a child may need to contact their parents. He said a student could need a change of clothes in the middle of the day. 'It's not a situation where it's life or death, it's not like somebody is coming in for a school shooting,' he said. 'I just think it's overreaching.' According to the bill, a student can have access to their phones under three exceptions: if they study under an Individualized Education Plan that allows it; for teacher-approved instruction and for medical purposes. Hulsey claimed that there is data that shows that cell phone bans cause improved test scores, retained information and students' mental health. Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham, said she would like to see that data. 'I've just not seen the preponderance of students playing games while the teacher is trying to teach, the room being disrupted and out of order,' she said. 'I would just like to see that data at some point.' Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Kimberly Boswell said in February the mental health of students would improve under the ban. Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, echoed that and supported the legislation on the House floor Thursday. 'It's going to make a difference,' Collins said. The House approved an amendment that removed punishments on schools that do not comply. Hulsey said she wished that was still in the bill but would bring a bill in a few years after seeing compliance. There is a survey required in the legislation to monitor compliance. 'I haven't passed a bill yet that I've loved every single thing about it,' Hulsey said. 'All of it takes compromise to move the needle a little bit.' Rep. Pebblin Warren, D-Tuskegee, said that enforcement could be difficult without sanctions. 'We need to put some teeth into this bill,' Warren said. 'If we don't we're going to be in the same position next year as we are this year.' The legislation moves to the Senate. Sen. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, has filed a companion bill in that chamber. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Will Alabama ban students' cellphones in public schools?
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Parents react to passage of House bill banning cell phone use in Alabama public schools
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Alabama House of Representatives approved a bill banning students from using their cellphones in public schools on Thursday. However, there are three exceptions listed in the measure. Representative Leigh Hulsey of Helena tells CBS 42 News that the teachers were asking for this. Hulsey said that when you look at the data, cell phone use is hurting academic performance and the students' well-being. A Pew Research Center survey conducted in November of 2023 indicated that 72% of U.S. high school teachers say students being distracted by cellphones is a major problem. Busy mother of twins Tayroya Hawthorne is also a substitute teacher at Minor Middle School. She didn't mince words when asked how she feels about the passage of the bill in the house that would ban cell phone use in Alabama public schools during classroom hours. 'If you can just tell them like put your phone away or keep it in your pocket as long as it's not out,' she explained. 'But as far as you're talking about putting it in their locker turning it off, somebody run up in the school and my baby got to run to their locker to get they phone and risk being shot, I don't agree with it,' she said. According to HB166 students would not be allowed to possess a wireless communication device in any public elementary or secondary school building during the instructional day 'unless the wireless communication device is turned off and stored in a locker, backpack, car, or similar storage location.' Homewood Library Foundation hosting block party 'I feel it's necessary for some children and necessary for some cases, very needed, maybe the kids will learn more,' remarked Jameisha Watson. She has a daughter in the 9th grade at Minor High School, and a 7- and 8-year-old at Midfield Elementary. While supportive of the measure in general, she believes there should be exceptions: 'Some kids actually need a cell phone for safety reasons, so I think for some reasons some kids may need to have it.' While mother of three Tiffany Bennett of Roebuck plans to send her kids to private school, she's supportive of the measure: 'I think it's a great idea,' she said. 'Cell phones are very distracting, especially during classroom work, they just distract the kids, there's just so much going on online, and social media, I'm just excited about it actually.' The bill now moves onto a state Senate committee. Right now, Alabama schools have local control, so school systems make their own rules and policies under their local school board and superintendent. Jefferson County Public Schools policy states that the use of personal wireless communication devices such as cell phones, smartwatches or wearable technology, iPads, iPhones, or other electronic communication devices are prohibited during school hours or while being transported on a school bus without specific authorization by school officials. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Alabama House passes public school cell phone ban
Rep. Leigh Hulsey, R-Helena, arranges papers during a debate over a bill sponsored by Hulsey limiting cell phone access in public schools in the Alabama House of Representatives on April 3, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The House passed the ban 79-15 on Thursday.(Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) The Alabama House of Representatives Thursday approved a bell-to-bell cell phone ban for students in public schools. HB 166, sponsored by Rep. Leigh Hulsey, R-Helena, passed the chamber 79-15. It requires local school boards to adopt a policy to store student cell phones during class hours. Hulsey said during a floor debate on Thursday that the devices could be stored in a device like a Yondr Pouch or a shoe organizer. 'The majority of the schools already participating in this are storing the cell phones in the classroom in various ways,' Hulsey said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Yondr Pouches are an expensive option compared to a $10 plastic over-the-door shoe organizer. Pike Road Junior High School Principal Christy Wright showed the Senate Education Policy Committee how the school implements a ban in February. The $30 Yondr Pouches at Pike Road were purchased with a grant. According to the bill, cell phones can be stored in a locker, car or other storage device so long as the device is not on the student's person. According to the Pew Research Center, 72% of U.S. high school teachers say that cellphone distraction is a major issue in their classrooms. Democratic representatives were concerned about how a student would access their phones in an emergency. Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, said that with school shootings a constant threat, a child should be able to contact their parents. According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, there were 332 school shootings in 2024. There have been 52 in 2025 so far. 'We as a body need to protect our kids since we will not pass a bill to keep guns away from our school children,' Drummond said. Drummond has sponsored bills over the last several years that would effectively require parents to safely store firearms at home. The bills would also have allowed parents to be charged with misdemeanors if a child brought an unsecured weapon to school. But the legislation has not moved. A House committee killed Drummond's latest version of the bill in February. Rep. Napoleon Bracy, D-Prichard, brought up another potential event that could develop at school where a child may need to contact their parents. He said a student could need a change of clothes in the middle of the day. 'It's not a situation where it's life or death, it's not like somebody is coming in for a school shooting,' he said. 'I just think it's overreaching.' According to the bill, a student can have access to their phones under three exceptions: if they study under an Individualized Education Plan that allows it; for teacher-approved instruction and for medical purposes. Hulsey claimed that there is data that shows that cell phone bans cause improved test scores, retained information and students' mental health. Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham, said she would like to see that data. 'I've just not seen the preponderance of students playing games while the teacher is trying to teach, the room being disrupted and out of order,' she said. 'I would just like to see that data at some point.' Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Kimberly Boswell said in February the mental health of students would improve under the ban. Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, echoed that and supported the legislation on the House floor Thursday. 'It's going to make a difference,' Collins said. The House approved an amendment that removed punishments on schools that do not comply. Hulsey said she wished that was still in the bill but would bring a bill in a few years after seeing compliance. There is a survey required in the legislation to monitor compliance. 'I haven't passed a bill yet that I've loved every single thing about it,' Hulsey said. 'All of it takes compromise to move the needle a little bit.' Rep. Pebblin Warren, D-Tuskegee, said that enforcement could be difficult without sanctions. 'We need to put some teeth into this bill,' Warren said. 'If we don't we're going to be in the same position next year as we are this year.' The legislation moves to the Senate. Sen. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, has filed a companion bill in that chamber. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gov. Kay Ivey supporting effort to ban phones in Alabama schools
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — When it comes to education, Gov. Kay Ivey wants to put an end to distraction in the classroom. She said the Focus Act will do just that. Today, Gov. Ivey told Montgomery business leaders at a Chamber of Commerce meeting she wants to ban cell phone use for Alabama students, K-12. The Focus Act states phones must be put in a locker, backpack, car, or similar storage location. But, it does allow students to use them in the event of an emergency. 'Now, don't get me wrong. Our phones and social media are fantastic tools,' said Gov. Ivey. 'But, we have to know the time, place, and how to use them.' The act requires students to learn how to use those tools. That means completing a social media safety course before entering eighth grade. Rep. Leigh Hulsey (R-Helena) said she brought the bill because, data shows that phones are increasing anxiety and stress. She explained some schools have already put a phone policy in place. 'When they put this policy in place, they said they started hearing laughter in their halls again,' said Hulsey. 'Kids are high fiving each other, saying hey. They're meeting new people at lunch. And I think those are some things that we're missing with this generation.' Trussville City Council takes step toward enacting garbage collection fees Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile) believes phones should be put away. But, she said the exceptions made in the bill don't do enough to protect children if something happens at school. 'In the bill, they're gonna be able to have them on campus, their lockers. That's not a workable solution for me,' she said. While some parents are also concerned, Hulsey assured that they will still be able to communicate with their kids. 'The priority here is really, keeping our kids safe while maintaining a focused learning environment. But, I want parents to know that I hear you, I understand your concern, and those concerns have been addressed in this legislation,' said Hulsey. There is a House, and a Senate version of the bill moving through the legislature. They are heading to the floor in both chambers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
