Kansas veteran receives free SUV at Wichita State game
On Wednesday, retired U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Wayne Fistler attended the game, believing he had been selected as the Chevrolet Everyday Hero to be honored for his courageous service. To his surprise, the Hometown Chevy Dealers and Military Warriors Support Foundation also presented Fistler with the keys to a brand-new Chevrolet Traverse.
'This presentation and event is about honoring one of our local heroes who has sacrificed so much to provide us our freedom,' Mike Shook, president of the Hometown Chevy Dealers, said.
WSU players honor victims of flight 5342 at game
'Being able to partner with them, come together, and wrap our arms around Joshua and family and award him this payment-free vehicle, this is what it takes. It takes a partnership and a community to come together and support families in providing them these types of ways that will reduce any stress for their families,' Tammy LeValley, Military Warriors Support Foundation, said.
Fistler was raised in Peabody and currently lives in Inman. He joined the Army in 2005 in Salina and served at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany, and Iraq. Fistler has received many medals for his bravery and service, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Purple Heart.
'It's going to mean a lot. You know, I've never actually owned a brand-new car. You know, and the car we have right now isn't big enough for our family. Like, my kids are really squished in the back seat,' Joshua said.
'We are so grateful. Like, honestly, there are no words how honestly and truly amazing I feel for everything they have done for Joshua and my family. I couldn't ask for a better gift. Like, it's so amazing to know that we have that- we have a new car,' Brittany Fistler, Joshua's wife, said.
How could the halt on pennies affect collectors?
The SUV was given to Fistler 100% payment-free.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
07-08-2025
- USA Today
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is bigger and smarter, just don't expect more power
Hyundai's flagship SUV gets bigger and better for 2026, adding an array of thoughtful features and its first model with meaningful off-road capacity. The Palisade is a seven- or eight-seat SUV that competes with vehicles like the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Grand Highlander. It comes with front- or all-wheel drive. A gasoline model is in dealerships now, with a hybrid arriving later this year. Palisade prices start at $38,935 for a front-drive model. The new XRT Pro model, with features including AWD and all-terrain tires, starts at $49,370. A Palisade hybrid arrives later this year. Prices for it will start at $43,660. All prices exclude a $1,495 destination charge. While the '26 Palisade is heavier than last year's model, it won't offer more power until the hybrid goes on sale. 2026 Hyundai Palisade selected trim levels and prices Palisade SE FWD, $38,935 Palisade SEL AWD, $43,440 Palisade XRT Pro AWD, $49,370 Palisade Calligraphy AWD, $56,060 Palisade Hybrid Blue SEL FWD, $$43,660 Palisade Hybrid SEL AWD, $$45,660 Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy AWD, $58,280 Source: Edmunds. Prices exclude $1,495 destination charge What's new? What's better? The 2026 Palisade is based on a new architecture it shares with Hyundai's midsize Santa Fe SUV. It's noticeably bigger than the previous model, with a longer wheelbase and shorter front overhang. The Wheelbase grew 2.7 inches. Overall length increased 2.5. Height and width grew 0.2 and 0.6 inch, respectively. The Palisade remains shorter than key competitors like the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander. It leads the group in passenger space, however. Cargo room behind the third row of seats rates in the middle of the pack. The Palisade's profile is recognizable from the previous generation. New touches include geometric fender flares and vertical DRLs and taillights. The outdoorsy XRT Pro model is new, adding capability to a trim package on the XRT. Functional changes include an electronic limited-slip differential, all-terrain tires and front and rear fascia modifications to improve approach and departure angles. The XRT Pro has four chassis-mounted recovery hooks. 2026 Hyundai Palisade key features Seats 7 or 8 Lighted second-row seat belt receivers D-pillar grab handles UV-C sterilizer for devices Power adjustable second- and third-row seats Factory-installed dash camera with four-day memory 100w USB-C charging ports Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Nappa leather seating 14-speaker Bose audio Electronic limited slip differential on XRT Pro All-terrain tires on XRT Pro New pickup truck reviews: This Ram 1500 truck may be the most reliable of 2025 but is it worth buying? Driving impressions The Palisade is roomy and quiet on the road. Power is adequate, but not a selling point. The ride was smooth on-road. The XRT Pro I drove scrambled up steep inclines of loose clay and negotiated a series of bumps and hollows that frequently left one wheel suspended without undue drama. Its suspension absorbed surface-street impacts well, but I wouldn't advise rock crawling. Steep hills, ruts and low-traction surfaces were easily navigable. The 3.5L V6 generates 287 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque, the same as last year's 3.8L V6 did in the smaller 2025 Palisade. The engine is linked to a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid will be the premium drivetrain, with 329 hp and 339 pound-feet of torque. Interior look and feel The interior is roomy and trimmed in materials that would look at home on a pricier vehicle from a ritzier brand. Armrests, doors and dash — the spots you're most likely to look and touch — were wrapped in soft, attractive materials. Controls include conventional switches and dials for key climate and audio functions. The touch screen is big, clear and reasonably responsive. XRT was embossed on the head rests, and jagged lines on the seat backs recall mountain vistas. Front and rear video cameras are useful for parking and on trails. The view turns off around 4 mph, though: fine for parking lots, but too low to be really useful off-road. What could be better? The gasoline-only Palisade's acceleration is adequate, but not a strong point. Commuters with heavily traveled routes may wish for more on-ramp oomph, or wait for reviews of the hybrid arriving later this year. The XRT Pro provides more off-road capability than the previous Palisade SRT, but that's a low bar to clear. Its trail view cameras shut off at a very low speed and frequently left me seeking a forward view that was no longer available on a short off-road route. Why buy a 2026 Hyundai Palisade? The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is a roomy and elegant three-row SUV. It packs a lot of passenger space into an easy to park footprint. It looks good inside and out. I expect other automakers will scramble to match unique features like power sliding third-row seats, lighted second-row seat belt receivers and a factory-installed dashcam with memory. 2026 Hyundai Palisade at a glance Front- or all-wheel drive full-size SUV Seats seven or eight Base price: $38,935. All prices exclude $1,495 destination charge. On sale now Model tested: Palisade XRT Pro AWD Price as tested: $49,370 Power: 3.5L V6 Output: 287 hp @ 6,400 rpm; 260 pound-feet of torque @ 5,000 rpm Transmission: Eight-speed automatic Manufacturer estimated fuel economy: AWD 18 mpg city/24 highway/20 combined. Regular gasoline Wheelbase: 116.9 inches Length: 199.4 inches Width: 78.0 inches with mirrors Height: 69.5 inches Passenger volume: 161.9 cubic feet Cargo volume: 19.1 cubic feet behind rear seat, 46.3 behind second row, 86.7 behind front seat. Curb weight: 4,872 pounds (est.) Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds Assembled in Ulsan, Korea Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@ Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
Yahoo
07-08-2025
- Yahoo
Maryland woman paid $2,800 for used car dealer to find her a car, then he vanishes — others say they also fell for scam
A Rosedale, MD, woman is hoping a company she paid thousands to for a used car will follow through with their promise. According to WMAR-2, earlier this year, Debra Godsey paid Vehicle Veterans $2,800 to help her find a reliable used car. Initially, she received photos, emails and texts from the company discussing potential vehicles. Then in May, the company went silent. Don't miss 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) 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 Without a vehicle, Godsey says it takes her hours to reach her job at Arundel Mall by bus. She also wants to start her own chauffeur service, but first, she needs the car that Vehicle Veterans promised they could find for her. Since WMAR-2 News first reported on Vehicle's Veterans, other alleged victims have come forward. Godsey did finally receive a car — but it had multiple issues. It's now in the shop and she's back on the bus. Multiple complaints against the company Vehicle Veterans initially stated they needed up to five months to locate the right vehicle for Godsey, despite their website promising refunds after one month if they failed to deliver. When pressed by WMAR-2 reporter Mallory Sofastaii, a company representative described the refund policy as a "market strategy," stating that refunds are determined on a case-by-case basis. Eventually, a man identifying himself as Vernon Crowffey — also known as 'Photo Vee' — delivered a 2012 Chevrolet Traverse to Godsey. While she was grateful to receive a vehicle, she found the car had over 167,000 miles on it, plus multiple recalls and error codes. The car broke down after only a few days. Other customers say they haven't even had this much luck. In another news report, Tammie Skinner, a woman from Calvert County, says she handed over $10,000, her inheritance from her late mother, in hopes of finding a reliable used car. Like Godsey, she said the company went silent after she paid them. 'I didn't want the monthly payment,' Skinner told WMAR-2 News, explaining that she needed a used car because supports 13 people in her household and struggles to afford food, let alone transportation. Crowffey, who helped launch Vehicles Veterans with his cousin, Michael Henry, says Henry handled the business's finances and has disappeared with the funds. Crowffey insists he's doing what he can to make things right. "I just feel so committed to people, you know, and doing what's right in this whole situation," Crowffey told WMAR-2 News. "I still planned on standing in the forefront and making sure that I can do whatever I can to make things right," However, several customers showed WMAR-2 News receipts showing they made Square payments to Crowffey's photography business. The Maryland Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protections Division has also received several complaints about Vehicle Veterans. Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. How to protect yourself from similar scams Car buying scams often target vulnerable buyers with limited budgets and few options. To protect yourself, be aware of red flags, such as pressuring you to send large payments before seeing or test-driving a vehicle, refusal to provide a written contract, or claims of a 'special' connection. Before making a purchase, ensure that the company is a legitimate car broker by verifying the following: Broker or dealer licenses: Contact your state's motor vehicle administration to ensure the company is licensed to buy and sell vehicles. Business registration: Use your state's business search tool to confirm the company is legitimate and owned by the person you expect. Online reviews and complaints: Check with the Better Business Bureau, Google reviews, and the state attorney general's office. Contract terms: Always get a written agreement that outlines your rights, their responsibilities, and refund and delivery timelines. If you've already sent money and believe you've been scammed, here are some immediate steps you can take: Send a certified letter: Request a refund in writing and send it via certified mail so you have proof it was delivered. Gather documentation: Save screenshots of texts, emails, receipts, and any public claims made by the company. File a formal complaint: Contact your state's attorney general or consumer protection bureau and file a complaint. Report the fraud to your payment provider: If you paid via Zelle, PayPal or a credit card, report the transaction as fraudulent. Some platforms may be able to reverse the charges. Warn others: Consider leaving reviews on online platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau to prevent others from falling victim. While Godsey still hopes her car can be fixed, others are still waiting for answers, a refund, or simply the reliable transportation they were promised. As more customers come forward, state investigators may step in. For now, those who handed over their savings to Vehicle Veterans are left navigating their lives without the cars they paid for. What to read next Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Here are 5 simple ways to grow rich with real estate if you don't want to play landlord. And you can even start with as little as $10 Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Yahoo
2026 Hyundai Palisade SUV adds features, room and weight, but no power. Oopsie.
Hyundai's flagship SUV gets bigger and better for 2026, adding an array of thoughtful features and its first model with meaningful offroad capacity. The Palisade is a seven- or eight-seat SUV that competes with vehicles like the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Grand Highlander. It comes with front- or all-wheel drive. A gasoline model is in dealerships now, with a hybrid arriving later this year. Palisade prices start at $38,935 for a front-drive model. The new XRT Pro model, with features including AWD and all-terrain tires, starts at $49,370. A Palisade hybrid arrives later this year. Prices for it will start at $43,660. All prices exclude $1,495 destination charge. While the '26 Palisade is heavier than last year's model, it won't offer more power until the hybrid goes on sale. More: 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 SUV brings style and tech to electric family haulers More: 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT EV makes a leap with new battery, features customers asked for 2026 Hyundai Palisade selected trim levels and prices Palisade SE FWD, $38,935 Palisade SEL AWD, $43,440 Palisade XRT Pro AWD, $49,370 Palisade Calligraphy AWD, $56,060 Palisade Hybrid Blue SEL FWD, $$43,660 Palisade Hybrid SEL AWD, $$45,660 Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy AWD, $58,280 Source: Edmunds. Prices exclude $1,495 destination charge What's new? What's better? The 2026 Palisade is based on a new architecture it shares with Hyundai's midsize Santa Fe SUV. it's noticeably bigger than the previous model, with a longer wheelbase and shorter front overhang. The Wheelbase grew 2.7 inches. Overall length increased 2.5. Height and width grew 0.2 and 0.6 inch, respectively. Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You The Insurance Savings You Expect Great Rates and Award-Winning Service The Palisade remains shorter than key competitors like the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander. It leads the group in passenger space, however. Cargo room behind the third row of seats rates in the middle of the pack. The Palisade's profile is recognizable from the previous generation. New touches include geometric fender flares and vertical DRLs and taillights. The outdoorsy XRT Pro model is new, adding capability to a trim package on the XRT. Functional changes include an electronic, limited-slip differential, all terrain tires and front and rear fascia modifications to improve approach and departure angles. The XRT Pro has four chassis-mounted recovery hooks. 2026 Hyundai Palisade key features Seats 7 or 8 Lighted second-row seat belt receivers D-pillar grab handles UV-C sterilizer for devices Power adjustable second- and third-row seats Factory-installed dash camera with four-day memory 100w USB-C charging ports Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Nappa leather seating 14-speaker Bose audio Electronic limited slip differential on XRT Pro All-terrain tires on XRT Pro Driving impressions The Palisade is roomy and quiet on the road. Power is adequate, but not a selling point. The ride was smooth on-road. The XRT Pro I drove scrambled up steep inclines of loose clay and negotiated a series of bumps and hollows that frequently left one wheel suspended without undue drama. Its suspension absorbed surface-street impacts well, but I wouldn't advise rock crawling. Steep hills, ruts and low-traction surfaces were easily navigable. The 3.5L V6 generates 287 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque, the same as last year's 3.8L V6 did in the smaller 2025 Palisade. The engine is linked to a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid will be the premium drivetrain, with 329 hp and 339 pound-feet of torque. Interior look and feel The interior is roomy and trimmed in materials that would look at home on a pricier vehicle from a ritzier brand. Armrests, doors and dash – the spots you're most likely to look and touch – were wrapped in soft, attractive materials. Controls include conventional switches and dials for key climate and audio functions. The touch screen is big, clear and reasonably responsive. XRT was embossed on the head rests, and jagged lines on the seat backs recall mountain vistas. Front and rear video cameras are useful for parking and on trails. The view turns off around 4 mph, though: Fine for parking lots, but too low to be really useful off-road. What could be better? The gasoline-only Palisade's acceleration is adequate, but not a strong point. Commuters with heavily traveled routes may wish for more on-ramp oomph, or wait for reviews of the hybrid arriving later this year. The XRT Pro provides more off-road capability than the previous Palisade SRT, but that's a low bar to clear. Its trail view cameras shut off at a very low speed and frequently left me seeking a forwarded view that was no longer available on a short off-road route. Why buy a 2026 Hyundai Palisade? The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is a roomy and elegant three-row SUV. It packs a lot of passenger space into an easy to park footprint. It looks good inside and out. I expect other automakers will scramble to match unique features like power sliding third-row seats, lighted second-row seatbelt receivers and a factory-installed dash cam with memory. 2026 Hyundai Palisade at a glance Front- or all-wheel drive full-size SUV Seats seven or eight Base price: $38,935 All prices exclude $1,495 destination charge. On sale now Model tested: Palisade XRT Pro AWD Price as tested: $49,370 Power: 3.5L V6 Output: 287 hp @ 6,400 rpm; 260 pound-feet of torque @ 5,000 rpm Transmission: Eight-speed automatic Manufacturer estimated fuel economy: AWD 18 mpg city/24 highway/20 combined. Regular gasoline Wheelbase: 116.9 inches Length: 199.4 inches Width: 78.0 inches with mirrors Height: 69.5 inches Passenger volume: 161.9 cubic feet Cargo volume: 19.1 cubic feet behind rear seat, 46.3 behind second row, 86.7 behind front seat. Curb weight: 4,872 pounds (est.) Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds Assembled in Ulsan, Korea Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@ Follow him on Twitter mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2026 Hyundai Palisade's new features rock, but it's missing one thing... Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
