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IN THIS ISSUE

Easy summer meals, appetizers and sides made with fresh, juicy grapes Italian Sausage and California Grape Skewers • California Grape, Walnut and Endive Bites • California Grape, Fennel and Citrus Salad. RECIPES on page 6

The corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) at Norfolk Botanical Garden was named by the public after more than 1,000 votes. Jake Litchfield, a horticulturist at Norfolk Botanical Garden submitted the winning name for NBG’s corpse flower— now officially known as Lady Macdeath – and she is about to make her debut. Lady Macdeath is a fitting nickname for this rare and gigantic flower as it inches closer to one of nature’s most unusual and spectacular botanical events. The bloom will offer visitors a rare opportunity to witness one of the world’s most extraordinary plants, famous for its dramatic size, brief bloom window, and unmistakable scent. The rare plant is currently in the Perry Conservatory as part of the Garden of Tomorrow project, slated to open this September.(PHOTO COURTESY NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDEN)

BLOOM WATCH IS ON! Norfolk Botanical Garden’s rare corpse flower ‘Lady Macdeath’ expected to bloom in early July Press Release

NORFOLK, Va. — Something wickedly wonderful is about to debut at Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG). The rare corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) is expected to bloom within days, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness one of the world’s most unusual, smelliest and most spectacular botanical events. The anticipated bloom

comes as the Garden prepares to open The Garden of Tomorrow on Sept. 12, 2026. The Perry Conservatory will focus on plant conservation and education. The project will support the protection of some of the world’s most endangered plant species and contribute to global conservation efforts. Native to the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, the corpse flower is among the rarest plants on Earth, with fewer than 1,000

believed to remain in the wild. Its rarity extends beyond its limited numbers. The corpse flower blooms only briefly, typically reaching peak bloom for 24 to 48 hours and may not bloom again for another five to 10 years. Norfolk Botanical Garden is currently on Bloom Watch and expects the flower to open between July 3 and July 8, though the timing remains subject to nature’s schedule. The plant can reach heights of more

than 5 feet and grow several inches per day. When in bloom, it emits a powerful odor often compared to rotting flesh, earning its nickname as the “corpse flower.” The scent attracts beetles and flies, which serve as pollinators and are unharmed by the process. Its deep red interior resembles raw meat, making it one of the world’s most remarkable and See BLOOM on Page A5

Swing and step back in time at the 1940’s South Pacific Luau & Hangar Dance Saturday, July 11 Press Release

Take a step back in time at the Military Aviation Museum’s South Pacific-themed Hangar Dance! Join the fun as the museum’s hangars, ramp and aircraft collection are used to transport you to an island base in the 1940s. Grace Street Seven, our Swing Band for the evening, will be playing in the shade of historic aircraft. The dance floor? Our hangar floor! Complete with tiki bars and NEW Exotic Tropical Cocktails! Dinner ticket holders will be welcomed to the Luau with a Lei Greeting and entertained with Hula and Tahitian dances. Sit with your friends at our communal style tables or reserve your own table for the VIP experience. The band leader is ready to swing and sway the night away with your favorite 40’s tunes, along with others that will keep your toes tapping! Our island air strip will of course feature the Museum’s incredible collection of WWII-era aircraft, some of which will be prepared for photo opportunities with guests, and others which will participate in the

Island dancers greet and entertain attendees at the South Pacific Luau & Hangar Dance.(PHOTO COURTESY MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUM)

See DANCE on Page A5

THE FLAGSHIP’S FREE HOME DELIVERY SOUTH HAMPTON ROADS: Get the convenience of your Navy newspaper delivered to your door for free!

CALL TODAY! 757.446.9000

2 flagshipnews.com | Section A | Thursday, July 2, 2026

COMMUNITY | SHARE YOUR NEWS, PHOTOS & EVENTS BY EMAILING US AT NEWS@FLAGSHIPNEWS.COM

Q: What types of family housing are available? A: There are three types of housing available to families:

Flock to the Virginia Zoo for beforehours Breakfast with the Animals event Press Release

NORFOLK, Va. — Breakfast with the Animals is a fan favorite in the Virginia Zoo’s event calendar as one of the most popular offerings of the year, and this event just got even better! It now offers the chance to beat the summer heat, park in a prime spot during the busiest season, and splash around in the Fountain Plaza all before the Zoo opens to the general public. This exclusive, before-hours event is back on Sunday, July 12 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., and it offers Zoo fans a relaxing morning of snacking, strolling, learning, and getting a bird’s eye view of how morning meals are made on the wild side! Guests will have the chance to learn directly from the animal’s keepers at a variety of different keeper chats taking place throughout the Zoo during the event! Keeper Chats will highlight the Zoo’s Siamese crocodile, slender-tailed meerkats, ZooFarm animals, Malayan tiger, Diet Kitchen, and more. Veteri-

nary staff will also conduct an exclusive mock vet exam to demonstrate their key role in caring for the Zoo’s animals. This special activity is only available at the Zoo twice per year! Tickets to this family-friendly event include grab-and-go breakfast foods. This year’s new menu features fresh fruit, a variety of Yoplait yogurt flavors, Tillamook cheddar cheese snacks, three cheese egg bites, sausage patties, veggie sausage patties, buttermilk biscuits, several types of muffins, and waffle sticks with syrup. Food truck Donut NV will have coffee and delicious treats available for an additional cost. Tickets are on sale now and available at virginiazoo.org/event/breakfast-with-the-animals/. Member tickets cost $11. Non-member adult tickets cost $27, and non-member child tickets cost $24. Children under 2 get in free, but an “under 2” ticket must be reserved for entry. Gates open at 8 a.m. and close at 9:30 a.m. The Zoo will open to the general public at 10 a.m. The event takes place rain or shine.

About the Virginia Zoo: The Virginia Zoo, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is home to more than 700 animals representing over 175 species. Founded in 1901 and residing on 53 beautifully landscaped acres, for 125 years the Virginia Zoo has demonstrated a commitment to saving and protecting the world’s wildlife by inspiring a passion for nature and taking conservation action at home and around the world. The Virginia Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in education, recreation, science, wildlife conservation, and animal care and wellbeing. For more than a century, the Zoo has connected adults, families, and school children with the natural world by honoring its mission of commitment to engaging our community in taking action to save the world’s wildlife and their ecosystems. To learn more, visit virginiazoo.org.

Drive Safe Hampton Roads and the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association Partner to provide 757 Sober Rides for July 4th weekend Press Release

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. — Drive Safe Hampton Roads and the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association want you to have a great 4th of July celebration filled with the fun of the beach and the incredible variety of delicious restaurants that Virginia Beach offers. These organizations have teamed up to help everyone get home safely. Thanks to a generous Virginia ABC grant, Drive Safe Hampton Roads and the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association are making the popular 757 Sober Ride program available and easy to use. With help from Tidewater Community College (TCC) student volunteers, participating Virginia Beach Restaurant Association members will place drink coasters with QR codes on tables and bars for instant ride access and 757 Sober Ride program information. The coasters will be used during times throughout the year, like holidays, where there may be more alcohol consumption, beginning with the upcoming July 4th holiday weekend. 757 Sober Ride will be available from 3pm until 3am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 3rd, 4th and 5th, 2026. Powered by Lyft, individuals 21 and older who are celebrating with alcohol, legal or illegal drugs may take advantage of this ride, up to $15, by following these steps: Download the Lyft app to your cell phone. Go to www.757soberride.com to get the 757 Sober Ride promo code. Enter the 757 Sober Ride promo code in the app’s “Payment” tab (under the “Add Lyft Pass” option). Receive a sober ride home, and up to $15 or a $15 discount. The code will only work during the above-stated times for rides originating from or with a destination within Hampton Roads. Valid while supplies last. Subject to Lyft’s Terms of Service. Celebrate responsibly by choosing 757 Sober Ride or designating a sober driver before drinking. “The Virginia Beach Restaurant Association is proud to partner with Drive Safe Hampton Roads to provide this potentially lifesaving program. We want to fill up our restaurants, and have fun, but we want you to do so safely” said Debbie Lou Hague, President of the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association. “Plan ahead of time for a sober desig“Driving Impaired is never an option, and through partnerships like nated driver or take advantage of the 757 Sober Ride program. That this, we will collectively work to keep impaired drivers off our roads.” way you can have fun rather than risk arrest or worse, an impaired said Brian Hennessy, Chair, Drive Safe Hampton Roads’ Impaired driving-related crash, injury, or fatality.” Driving Prevention Committee.

Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA): Rear Adm. Stephen Barnett

Editorial Staff

Managing Editor | PO1 Cody D. Beam 757-322-2853 | cody.d.beam.mil@us.navy.mil Graphic Designer | Teresa Walter teresa.walter@virginiamedia.com

Contributing Staff Elizabeth Reisen 757-322-2853 | news@ﬂagshipnews.com

Flagship, Inc. MNV Military Manager | Ski Miller ski.miller@virginiamedia.com

Regional program manager for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (NRMA): Public Affairs Director | Beth Baker Public Affairs Deputy Director | Leon Moore The Flagship® is published by Flagship, LLC., a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense (DOD) or the United States Navy, under exclusive written contract with Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. This civilian enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of the paper, including advertisements, are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by, the U.S. Government, DOD, or the Department of the Navy (DON). The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DOD; DON; Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic or Flagship, LLC. of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Department of Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. Stories may be submitted via email to news@ﬂagshipnews.com. The Flagship® is published every Thursday by Flagship, LLC., whose offices are located at 804 Greenbrier Circle, Suite B, Chesapeake, VA 23320.

Public/Private Venture (PPV) Housing is also referred to as privatized housing in the Navy. The Navy partnered with different private management companies to provide housing to Service Members. These companies are responsible for the construction, renovation, maintenance and day-to-day management of the housing. PPV housing may be located on or off government property and in most cases will be former military housing. Government Owned (also known as Military Housing or Navy Managed Housing is what was formerly called on-base housing. While only available in limited quantities CONUS, Government Owned Housing is still widely available OCONUS. Community Housing is any housing that a Service Member may choose that is not PPV or government operated. This is housing outside of the base that is privately owned and operated.

NAVY HOUSING CONTACTS:

Norfolk: 757.445.2832 JEBLCFS: 757.462.2792 Oceana/Dam Neck: 757.433.3268 Yorktown: 757.847.7806 If you have any questions or concerns with privatized housing, government-owned housing or community housing you can email Navy Housing Headquarters: NavyHousingHQ@us.navy.mil or learn more online: ffr.cnic.navy.mil/Navy-Housing

Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) programs and services are designed to help you make the most of your military experience, and they’re all available to you at no cost. FUNCTIONS AND/OR SERVICES FFSC PROVIDES: ClinicalCounseling – Individual, Couples and Child Counseling Personal Financial Management Information & Referral Family Employment Assistance Transition Assistance Family Advocacy Program Deployment and Mobilization Support Ombudsman Support Relocation Assistance Parenting Programs Stress and Anger Management Command Support Crisis Support Suicide Prevention SAPR Support CONTACT FFSC Little Creek/Fort Story: 757.462.7563 Newport News: 757.688.6289 Norfolk/Portsmouth: 757.444.2102 Northwest: 757.421.8770 Oceana/Dam Neck: 757.433.2912 Yorktown: 757.887.4606 Get more info online: www.navylifema.com

flagshipnews.com | Section A | Thursday, July 2, 2026

Norfolk Festevents hosts two fireworks shows to celebrate Independence Day & America’s 250th at Town Point Park and Ocean View Beach Park Press Release

NORFOLK, Va. — Get ready for an unforgettable Independence Day in Norfolk with two dazzling fireworks displays lighting up the night sky! Hampton Roads residents and visitors alike are invited to join the celebration with events on Friday, July 3, at Ocean View Beach Park and Saturday, July 4, at Town Point Park. The Shore Thing Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks on Friday, July 3, at Ocean View Beach Park begins at 6 pm, and features live music from Wonderland, family-friendly activities, and food trucks. The fireworks display in Ocean View is set for 9:30 pm. Free Shuttle Service Available — Due to the anticipated high volume of attendees, we are pleased to offer a complimentary shuttle service for the Shore Thing Independence Day Celebration at Ocean View Beach Park. We encourage guests to take advantage of this pilot shuttle program for the evening. The free shuttle service on Friday, July 3, 2026, will be available from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Shuttle pickup locations include: Ocean View Elementary School Bayview Elementary School

Bay Oaks Park Community Beach The last shuttle to Ocean View Beach Park departs at 9:00 PM, Friday, July 3. The last return shuttle from the park departs at approximately 10:15 PM. Alcohol, weapons, glass, and pets are not permitted on shuttle buses. For additional event and transportation information, visit OceanViewBeachPark.org. Special thank you to Norfolk Public Schools! The 2026 Shore Thing Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks is sponsored by The City of Norfolk, Sentara Health Plans, and the Ocean View Business Association. The 43rd Annual Fourth of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks on Saturday,

July 4, at Town Point Park begins at 5 pm for picnicking, and features live patriotic music, food, and family-friendly activities, followed by one of Hampton Roads’ most spectacular fireworks displays at 9:30 pm high above the Elizabeth River. This year, enjoy an expanded fireworks show presented by Carnival Cruise Line in celebration of America’s 250th. Musical performers include the U.S. Fleet Forces Wind Ensemble (8 pm) and U.S. Fleet Forces Four Star Edition (6:30 pm). A wide variety of All-American fare, including hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, and more, will be available for purchase. The 43rd Annual Fourth of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks is sponsored

by the City of Norfolk, City of Portsmouth, Carnival Cruise Line, Pepsi, Trolley Hospitality Companies, Southern Auto Group, Sentara Health Plans, 13 News Now, Liberty Military Housing, Dollar Tree, and High Noon. Both celebrations are FREE to attend and open to the public. Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends for a red, white, and blue weekend to remember. For more information on Norfolk Festevents’ 2026 Season of Events, visit Festevents.org. Norfolk Festevents, Ltd., based in Norfolk, Virginia, is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating the most dynamic urban waterfront community in America through innovative programming and imaginative uses of its historic waterfront spaces. Norfolk Festevents has garnered international acclaim for its advocacy for public access to waterfronts, outstanding quality programming, and development of public spaces, transforming the City of Norfolk into one of the most progressive, diverse, and livable waterfront communities in the nation. Residents, workers, and visitors to Norfolk and Hampton Roads are invited to experience all the excitement of the 2026 season!

God bless the USA, reflections on the greatness of America with Lee Greenwood and Yiorgo Interview By Yiorgo

What a wonderful time to be alive in the greatest place on God’s Green Earth, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!! As America gets ready on July 4th to celebrate our 250th Anniversary of us declaring our independence from England, I would like to say, THANK YOU AMERICA, for giving everyone, especially me, the opportunity to make a better life for myself and my family. My father, Egnatios Pantas, came to America, leaving his little town of Dafia on the island of Lesvos, in Greece, for an opportunity to give his beloved family, my mother Aliki, my sister Maryanne and myself a better life. He was a tinsmith by profession and because of that skill and help from family relatives, he was able to find a job, stay here legally and after two years of working very hard from 8:00 in the morning until 10:00 at night Monday through Saturday and on Sundays he went to the Greek Orthodox church where he worked as a chanter, he saved enough money to send us money every month to live on, put down a down payment on a house and brought us over to America, in Hampton, Virginia in 1966. All that on a fourth grade education! Although he passed away in January of 1990, he instilled in me that AMERICA is a GREAT COUNTRY and the importance of hard work, determination, being a good person, giving back to your community and country, and being a man of your word. The only thing you came into this world with and you take with you when we go is your name, don’t disgrace it. Do all of these and your wildest dreams can come true.” I was 10 years old when I came to America, not speaking a word of English, in awe of this GREAT country. By taking my wise father’s advice and implementing it, I have had and continue to have a GREAT, FANTASTIC life thanks to AMERICA, with a beautiful family (two amazing daughters, two sons-in-laws, and two handsome grandsons), a beloved 40 year career in education, over 50 years in and around the wild and wonderful crazy world of professional wrestling that I love so much, acted, performed in plays, TV movies and commercials and I am an almost weekly published columnist for almost 18 years for the amazing Flagship Newspaper. Where else but in America can those wild dreams come true. GOD BLESS AMERICA!! A world famous music artist who is closely associated with celebrating the greatness that is America, is Lee Greenwood. Lee’s is another great inspirational story. I had the

LEFT: Lee Greenwood with his wife Kim at the Washington Monument. (COURTESY PHOTO)

ABOVE: Yiorgo and his grandson Johnny. (COURTESY PHOTO)

opportunity to interview this very patriotic American a few years ago. His life story, just like mine, in many ways signifies the American dream and the American spirit in all of us. Enjoy the read and HAPPY 250 YEARS AMERICA!! I LOVE you with all my heart. Yiorgo: Where were you born and how did you get involved with music? Lee Greenwood: I was born in 1942 in Los Angeles, and raised in Sacramento on a farm by my mom and grandparents. They got me involved with music and sports and when I graduated from high school I had to decide whether to play baseball or music. By the time I was a senior in high school I was working three times a week with my own band “The Moonbeams.” When I got out of high school I formed another band “The Apollo’s.” We were a show band, playing Broadway musicals, rock and roll, and we went to Nevada playing Rio and Lake Tahoe. Eventually I disbanded the group and became a musician. I played when Elvis and the Rat Pack were there. I played in the same room they played, many times on the same night. Y: Any great memories from those years that you want to share? LG: Oh so many. Elvis was a great person. When I worked in the Flamingo Hotel, Elvis would make an appearance on the stage when

we were playing to excite the audience. It was pretty neat. He was really good about that. Another great one was Sammy Davis Jr. from the Rat Pack. He was usually the guy that threw the party for the dancers and musicians at Caesar’s Palace. We would do that after the shows. I worked at every hotel there. I too was an integral part of the Nevada musical scene in the 60s and 70s and we would have people like the 5th Dimension, Jack Jones, Juliet Prowse, Elvis, The Rat Pack come in and listen. Y: How did you wind up in Nashville? LG: Around 1979-80, I was invited to go to Nashville and I was offered a recording contract so I signed it. I had waited for a contract all my life. Upon signing my MCA contract, Reba Macintyre, George Strait, Oakridge Boys, Barbara Mandrel and myself, we were the five artists that we all had success with and created country music that people loved. Y: On your way to national fame, you had a few close calls to where life could have been a little different. LG: Yes, I went to Puerto Rico with a group that was scheduled to play on The Ed Sullivan Show in New York upon our return. Well, the female lead married and stayed in Puerto Rico so we never appeared on Ed Sullivan. I still went up to New York for a month

rooming with a drummer named Dino Danelli. He went on to be in the group “The Young Rascals.” I could have been a member of that group but I went back to Vegas. Y: Talking about what could have been, tell us about that story with Frank Sinatra and Wayne Newton. LG: While I was performing at the El Cortez, there was another hotel down the street called Freemont and a young Wayne Newton was performing there. Frank Sinatra walks into the Freemont, he sees Newton and says “I like that kid singer, let’s make him a star.” They sent a dozen roses to every radio station in America and a couple of weeks later he came out with his first hit “I Want Red Roses for a Blue Lady.” If he had come to where I was playing I might have had that gig. I am a firm believer that you just go where God directs you and eventually you find where he wants you to be. I believe that the reason I missed those opportunities is that I was being positioned to write the song “God Bless the USA.” It became an American anthem and also made me a role model for America. Y: Yes indeed, so very true. Can you tell us how you came up with “God Bless the USA”? LG: I have always been very patriotic. Back in high school when I had the group “The Apollo’s” my base player was in the National Guard and I realized all the hard work that he did for our country. Also, once I started playing for the USOs, I realized how much of a sacrifice the military makes, so it gave me inspiration through my early teen years, to become a man, and I never forgot that. After four albums, I was in a position where I could deliver my music and I finally wrote “God Bless the USA” on the back of the bus between Arkansas and Texas while on tour. Y: The tours that you continue to do to this day. LG: Yes, we continue to do our USO tours with several of them being abroad. Early on I was also on Bob Hope’s last USO tour, in 1988. We went around the world: 25,000 miles, 8 shows, 8 days and we did a show in every country we stopped in. It was on one of my own USO shows that I met my beautiful wife. God has been very good to me. God Bless America, God Bless the USA!! Yiorgo is an arts, entertainment and sports writer. A stage, TV and movie actor, he is also a sports entertainer, educator, motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.

flagshipnews.com | Section A | Thursday, July 2, 2026

WWE RAW returns to Norfolk Scope August 10th, 25% off select tickets limited time, RAW Superstar LA Knight talks about his life, wrestling stories Interview By Yiorgo

After a three year absence, World Wrestling Entertainment’s flagship brand, Monday Night RAW returns to the Norfolk Scope on August 10th with an incredible card that will air live all over the world. And it gets even better. WWE wrestling fans rejoice! In celebration of the United States of America’s 250 year birthday, WWE is offering for a limited time, now through 11:59PM July 6th, 25% off select tickets for ALL domestic WWE live events with the code AMERICA. As of this writing, the advertised superstars scheduled to be at the Norfolk, Scope include: CM Punk, Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan, The Usos, LA Knight, Intercontinental Champion Penta, Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, World Tag Team Champions The Vision, Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch, Oba Femi, Jacob Fatu and Je’Von Evans and more. Of course the superstars scheduled to be there are always subject to change based on so many variables. For tickets and more info, go to https:// www.sevenvenues.com/events/detail/ wwe-monday-night-raw-3 A few years ago, I had the opportunity to interview WWE RAW Superstar LA Knight. Below is that interview in its entirety. LA Knight opened up about various aspects in his life and talked about some of his greatest wrestling moments up until that time. Enjoy. Yiorgo: Thank you for being with us. Why should fans come to a live WWE show, when they can see it for free on TV and other social media outlets? What will they see and experience? LA Knight: That’s a great question. The different reasons are these: To be there in the building live and to feel what is happening in there is just so different. That’s what I always enjoyed as a kid. When I was growing up watching, the people in the building looked like they were having such a fun time. They looked like they were so invested that I wanted to be there and in that energy, to feed off that energy, to be a part of that energy and the show essentially. Also you see things that you might not see on TV. Maybe something that happens during a commercial or something that happens before or after the show goes off air. There are so many X factors that go into that but the main thing for me is the energy and feeling of being a part of that actual show. Y: As a wrestling performer, what part of the business do you enjoy the most and least? LK: The part I enjoy the most is getting out there and getting a chance of doing my thing. When I get a chance to talk and have an open microphone, there isn’t anything better than that. Also going out there and having a hell of a solid match, with a great opponent, you can’t beat that. As far as what I hate, sometimes the preparation, you know, having to have boots and gear made. A lot of times there is the business side of the business that can be very frustrating. It can be the worst part or the best part, it really depends. Y: Full disclosure, I am a big fan of yours. Along with your great wrestling ability, you also have the gift of “talking the fans” into the building. You are really great on the microphone. LK: Thank you. That has always been kind of my focus. That has been the thing that I build myself on in the sense that those were always the guys that I liked and tried to model myself after them. Y: What have been some of your favorite segments or moments that you are very proud of in your career? LK: In that case there is a lot. I can go back to “The Fact Of Life” as a talk show that I did not have a lot of expectations to be honest when it was really pitched to me and it ended up being great because I put my all into it. I wanted to make it work and I did. On WWE there is all that stuff I did with Bray Wyatt. That one night that I came out, he apologized and I slapped him and I slapped him again. That was my big solid moment that I am the real deal in WWE. When you make that kind of noise and that kind of big step, I got their attention and I’m building from there. Y: How did you get your LA Knight work name? LK: It’s a long story, the short version is when I was coming in I was asked for some suggestions and the first suggestion I came up with was LA with a different last name. They did not want that last name. It was basically a conglomeration of them giving me the last name and me the first name. So we kind of met in the middle. Y: Let’s learn a little bit more about you. Where were you born, what made you fall in love with wrestling and who did you like growing up? LK: I was born in Hagerstown, Maryland. I grew up there watching wrestling with my dad. Ever since I was a little kid, you’re talking about Hulk Hogan, The Iron Sheik, Nikoli Volkoff, Roddy Piper. It was around WrestleMania I, that’s around the time that I can first remember really getting into it and really getting invested as a fan. Y: Then you got into wrestling. LK: I lived in Hagerstown until I was 20 years old. Other than the year and a half that I went to West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, I started wrestling in Cincinnati, Ohio. I also lived and worked in LA for about 10 years, so I have been all over the place. Y: In the wrestling promotion, Championship Wrestling From Hollywood, you had a chance to work and become friends with Percy Pringle III, also known as WWE Superstar Paul Bearer. What are some of your favorite memories working with Percy? LK: Dave Marquez put Percy and I together thankfully. It was actually in a tag Team with me and Brian Cage. Eventually they split Cage off and I stayed with Percy. In all honesty, I don’t have a specific memory with him because we had so many times that it was pretty much a lot of business. We get there and do our thing. Although I will say there were a couple of times that we had conversations via phone or text and I would ask him some bit of advice and just how thankful he was for me asking him. Afterwards he would impart whatever words of wisdom to me and then would be incredibly thankful for the fact that I asked him and I found that super endearing. Usually you feel like you are bothering somebody and to him, he was thrilled to be given the opportunity to give me the advice. That was not a point of view that I considered. To look at the guy that way, to experience the guy that way, God Rest his soul, I miss him. It was an amazing experience and big thanks to Dave Marquez for putting that together. Y: You are a perfect example of never giving up. Your WWE

(PHOTO COURTESY OF WWE)

relationship goes back to 2008 in a dark match. You signed with WWE in 2013 and released in 2014. You eventually resigned with WWE in 2021, on my birthday on feb 14th. Can you talk a little bit about that process and your willingness to hang in there and never give up? LK: It’s two pronged. Part of it was that I never gave myself a Plan B. I burned all the ships sort of speak, because I didn’t have any options to do anything else really. Now I’m sure I could learn and do other things, but for me I knew that I had something to offer to this business. I am not the most technical, greatest wrestler in the world, but as a professional wrestler in sports entertainment, I think I am up there with being one of the best in the world. I am the full package. I hit all the things you need to succeed in this business. For me, to get into it and hit different bumps in the road, whether it be politics or me shooting myself in the foot, more politics, there was never anything that would keep me out because I always knew somewhere, it was going to happen. I’ll be honest, summer of 2020 I was like, I think this is it, I’m done, pretty sure it was over, and accept the fact that the window is closed, it’s done for me and that’s just what it is. I decided a month or two after I had come to that conclusion to make one more overture and probably for the first or second time in my life, I got really good at selling myself and was kind of relentless in that pursuit. We had the conversation, things turned out the way they were and I showed up on NXT, on your birthday, like you said. Happy Birthday to you, by the way. Y: Can I ask what happened with you and NXT in 2014? LK: Here’s the thing. I left with heat in 2014. I was not released because of my talent. That was made very clear to me. There was nothing that I was lacking in any way. There was tension between me and the head coach at the time and they said in order for the stigma to go away, I needed to go away. Ok fine. A year later, they had made the offer to bring me back. The problem was that the place where I was working at the time was offering me more money so I stayed. In hindsight it was probably a bad idea because even though WWE was offering me less money, they were kind of doing it to see if I would be a team player, and If I’m honest, the ceiling in WWE was way higher than where I was and I hit that ceiling really quickly at that place. It was great to make that money that I had never seen before, although at the same time, this could have happened in 2016 had I made the move but I chose at the time to take the money that worked for me, kind of get my nest egg started I guess, get myself in a better financial position. I have been broke all through my 20’s, barely getting by, getting eviction notices on my door, and with getting on the show “The Hero ‘’ in 2013 and getting hired in NXT, it was the first time I was making any kind of just livable money. Now you’re talking about I almost feel like I’m rich, the other place wants to give me real money so ok, I gotta take that. I ended up staying there for another three years. It always drove me nuts because I felt like nobody was watching but at the same time, I was always working and thought the WWE was watching because I felt that’s where I wanted to go, I needed to go and where I and my level of work

belonged. Finally when the time was right and who’s to say when the time was right or wrong, at some point, the stars aligned and we made it happen. Y: SmackDown at WrestleMania 39 had to be an incredible moment for you. Those fans popped HUGE for you. And they booed big time when you lost that match. What was that moment like for you? LK: SmackDown in LA was wild. The fans were feeling it. They were on the train. They did not want to see me loose, including me. There’s never been anything like it and it’s going to continue to grow from there. That feeling in LA, it was ruckus, it was ravenous and it was a hell of a time. Y: Give me a wow, pinch me moment that you can’t believe this little kid from Maryland got to experience. LK: The first one would be having Percy in my corner all that time. I’m sure there have been some others since then like when I became the Million Dollar Champion for instance. There have only been 5-6 of those. Between Ted DiBiase, Steve Austin, that’s crazy and again looking at the Percy Pringle Dynasty, he managed: Steve Austin, Rick Rude, Undertaker, I’m in great company. There are a lot of times that it’s pretty crazy of the people that I’m rubbing elbows with. At the same time, I aim to be above and beyond all of them so it’s one thing to rub elbows with them and all respect to them but as far as I’m concerned, I’m going to go above and beyond what any of them did. Yiorgo is an arts, entertainment and sports writer. A stage, TV and movie actor, he is also a sports entertainer, educator, motivational speaker, writer, storyteller and columnist.

flagshipnews.com | Section A | Thursday, July 2, 2026

BLOOM from Page A1

recognizable plants. “The bloom of a corpse flower can be a once-in-a-decade event,” said Kelly Welsh, chief marketing officer of Norfolk Botanical Garden. “We’re thrilled to share this extraordinary plant with our community. Each bloom not only draws crowds because of its size and unmistakable scent but also helps raise awareness about the conservation of endangered plant species.” To accommodate visitors during the bloom period, the Garden will extend its hours. Members will have exclusive access from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Standard daytime admission will apply from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., followed by special bloom viewing hours from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to photograph and share the experience. The Garden takes on a more atmospheric feel after dark — fitting for a plant famous for its eerie appearance and odor, which is more intense in the evening. The bloom also coincides with the launch of the Garden’s Conservation and Education

Fund. As a nonprofit organization, Norfolk Botanical Garden will use the fund to support ongoing conservation initiatives and educational programming, including projects associated with The Garden of Tomorrow. For frequent bloom updates, visitor information and ticketing, visit Norfolk Botanical Garden’s website (norfolkbotanicalgarden. org) and follow NBG social media channels. About Norfolk Botanical Garden: Norfolk Botanical Garden is Virginia’s largest botanical garden, encompassing 175 acres and more than 65 themed gardens. From stunning plant collections to WOW — World of Wonders: A Children’s Adventure Garden, visitors can explore the Garden by tram, boat or on foot. The Garden is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Virginia Green attraction. Norfolk Botanical Garden is managed by Norfolk Botanical Garden Inc. and supported by the City of Norfolk. The Garden’s mission is to immerse visitors in a world of beauty, lead through environmental action and inspire through education and connection to nature. Visitors can learn more about admission, reduced-ad-

mission programs including Norfolk Power Up and Museums for All, and upcoming events at norfolkbotanicalgarden.org. Norfolk Botanical Garden was voted the No. 3 Best Botanical Garden in the United States by Newsweek. Norfolk Botanical Garden is located at 6700 Azalea Garden Road, Norfolk, VA 23518. For more information, visit norfolkbotanicalgarden.org. Thanks to our partner in conservation, the U.S. Botanic Garden who generously donated this large Corpse Flower to NBG in 2025, and is featured in the new Perry Conservatory– slated to open in September 2026. Pictured: Nate Braddock, Gardener (Advanced) – Collections, of United States Botanic Garden assists NBG Greenhouse Senior Manager Meredith Courtney with loading the root ball for it’s transit from Washington, D.C. to Norfolk, Virginia. (PHOTO COURTESY NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDEN)

DANCE

from Page A1

evening’s entertainment, weather permitting! SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

6 PM: Doors Open 6PM - 6:45PM: Lei Greeting by Te Ori O Keone Ti’a Mai 6:30PM - 7:45PM: Dinner Begins Hawaiian Luau Buffet 7PM: Polynesian Dance Performance by Te Ori O Keone Ti’a Mai 7:45PM - 10PM: Swing Dancing and Performance by Grace Street Seven – a Swingin’ vintage Jazz band from Richmond, VA specializing in hot Jazz age tunes from the 1920s, 30s & 40s. Please note this event is rain or shine. Tickets and tables are only sold online at www. MilitaryAviationMuseum.org. The Museum is located at 1341 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23457. For more information on the Attendees of the Military Aviation Museum’s South Pacific Luau and Hangar Dance enjoy an evening of festive food, drinks, entertainment event, please call 757.721.7767. and swinging jazz tunes by Grace Street Seven. (PHOTOS COURTESY OF MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUM)

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flagshipnews.com | Section A | Thursday, July 2, 2026

FOOD

Elevate summer hosting with health in mind: easy apps, meals and sides made with fresh, juicy grapes By Feature Impact

SOURCE: CALIFORNIA TABLE GRAPE COMMISSION Once temperatures climb, summer entertaining tends to look a little different. Heavy comfort foods give way to lighter fare, tables move outdoors and hosts are on the hunt for dishes that feel effortless without sacrificing flavor. It’s a season for skewers, salads and small bites that are easily shared on a patio among friends and loved ones. Fresh ingredients, simple preparation and naturally hydrating foods can be the staples of your next summer soiree, especially when your goal is to spend less time in the kitchen and more time at the table with guests. Crisp, juicy, colorful Grapes from California are a natural fit as their sweetness can brighten savory dishes while balancing salty, smoky flavors off the grill. With little preparation, grapes are a perfect snack while waiting for the main course; no peeling, slicing or complicated prep required. A quick rinse is all it takes to serve fresh grapes as an easy addition to snack trays or last-minute appetizers. Tasty fuels healthy and healthy makes happy, which is why grapes, a natural source of antioxidants and other polyphenols and a good source of vitamin K, make for a delicious accompaniment to usual summer fare. Serve them on their own for a hydrating snack thanks to their high water content, or take advantage of their combination of flavor, convenience and nutrition as a key ingredient that elevates summer recipes. For example, Italian Sausage and California Grape Skewers can be the main attraction at barbecues and weekend gatherings, offering elegant presentation without spending hours in the kitchen. Paired with a California Grape Fennel and Citrus Salad, it’s a light, easy meal that can both impress and refresh. While guests wait for the main course, California Grape, Walnut and Endive Bites combine a sweet crunch with savory blue cheese. Top with a drizzle of honey — or hot honey for a bit of heat — to complement lively conversation and the familiar relaxation of summer gatherings. In many ways, warm-weather entertaining is less about elaborate meals and more about fresh, approachable foods — like grapes — that help set the tone for a relaxing atmosphere, offering both a practical and elevated solution to

make hosting a (summer) breeze. To discover more ways to both elevate and simplify gatherings throughout the season, visit GrapesFromCalifornia.com.

12 black, green and red Grapes from California, quartered 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted 1 tablespoon honey or hot honey

Italian Sausage and California Grape Skewers

Place endive leaves on large platter and scatter equal amounts of cheese on each. Place four grape wedges on each and sprinkle with equal amounts of walnuts. Drizzle lightly with honey or hot honey.

Servings: 6 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning 4 precooked chicken Italian sausages 6 skewers (10 inches) 30 green, black and red Grapes from California 24 squares (1 inch each) red onion snipped fresh basil (optional)

In small bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar and Italian herb seasoning; set aside. Cut each sausage into six slices. Thread on skewers, alternating with grapes and onion. Preheat grill to medium-low heat. Place oiled piece of foil on grill and top with skewers. Grill 5 minutes, or until grapes are softened and sausage and vegetables are lightly browned, turning and basting with balsamic vinegar mixture occasionally. Transfer to platter and garnish with snipped fresh basil, if desired. Note: If using bamboo skewers, soak at least 1 hour in water to avoid burning. Nutritional information per serving: 170 calories; 9 g protein; 11 g carbohydrates; 10 g fat (53% calories from fat); 2.5 g saturated fat (13% calories from saturated fat); 55 mg cholesterol; 470 mg sodium; 2 g fiber.

California Grape, Walnut and Endive Bites Servings: 6 12 large red and green Belgian endive leaves 1/3 cup blue cheese

Nutritional information per serving: 90 calories; 3 g protein; 8 g carbohydrates; 5 g fat (50% calories from fat); 1.5 g saturated fat (15% calories from saturated fat); 5 mg cholesterol; 105 mg sodium; 3 g fiber.

California Grape, Fennel and Citrus Salad

Servings: 4 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon honey sea salt, to taste 3 cups halved Grapes from California 3 fresh mandarin oranges, peeled and sectioned 1/2 cup very thin slivers fennel (anise) 4 cups baby arugula 1/3 cup roasted, salted pistachio kernels In large bowl, stir olive oil, lemon juice, honey and salt. Add grapes, oranges and fennel; toss to coat. Place arugula in four bowls and top with fruit. Sprinkle with pistachios and serve. Nutritional information per serving: 240 calories; 4 g protein; 33 g carbohydrates; 12 g fat (45% calories from fat); 1.5 g saturated fat (6% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 60 mg sodium; 4 g fiber.

flagshipnews.com | Section A | Thursday, July 2, 2026

HEALTH

Take charge of your health: men’s preventive services covered by TRICARE By TRICARE Communications

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — When’s the last time you went to the doctor for a check-up? Now’s a great time to check in on your health and learn about the men’s health and preventive services that TRICARE covers. TRICARE covers a range of screenings and services designed to keep you healthy at every stage of life. “Men’s health needs change at every stage of life, and preventive care is one of the best tools for staying ahead of potential issues,” said Jeannine Pickrell, MS, RN, Director of Population Health, TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency. “TRICARE covers key screenings and services to make it easier for men to stay on top of their healthcare needs.”

Cancer screenings Catching cancer early gives you the best chance for successful treatment. TRICARE covers two key screenings for men. PROSTATE CANCER

TRICARE covers annual digital rectal exams and prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, testing. You may qualify if you’re: Age 50 or older with at least a 10-year life expectancy Age 45 or older with a father, brother, or son diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 African American and age 45 or older, regardless of family history Age 40 or older with two or more family members who have had prostate cancer Talk with your provider about whether PSA testing is right for you. Visit Prostate Cancer Exams (online at https://tricare.mil/ CoveredServices/IsItCovered/ProstateCancerExams) to learn more.

Pathfinders smile while participating in a Police Week ruck march at RAF Fairford, England, May 12, 2026. The event was held in recognition of National Police Week, honoring the dedication, service and sacrifice of law enforcement personnel and Defenders. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN ADAM ENBAL)

as your physical health. TRICARE covers a range of mental health resources and services, as described in the TRICARE Choices in the United States Handbook (online at https:// www.tricare.mil/Publications/Handbooks/ TESTICULAR CANCER united_states). These include support for TRICARE covers annual testicular cancer suicide prevention. exams for men ages 13—39 who have a history Visit Mental Health to explore all available of cryptorchidism, orchiopexy, or testicular resources. atrophy.

to help you stay informed and protected. Take the next step Topics include: Don’t wait for a problem to see your provider. Schedule your preventive screen HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment Sexually transmitted infection prevention ings today.

Surgical sterilization

Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent TRICARE covers vasectomies. TRICARE to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions may also cover surgical sterilization rever- to get benefit updates, news, and more. sal if your provider determines it’s medically necessary due to a disease or injury. Learn Sexual health more at Surgical Sterilization (online at Mental healthcare Sexual health is an important part of your https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/ Your mental health matters just as much overall well-being. TRICARE offers resources IsItCovered/SurgicalSterilization).

Sentara introduces paid military leave to support colleagues who serve By Kelly Anne Morgan SENTARA

Sentara is taking another step to support colleagues who serve in the military with the launch of a new paid military leave benefit, in effect as of June 1, 2026. The benefit provides eligible full-time and part-time colleagues up to 30 days of paid leave each year to fulfill military responsibilities, whether that’s active-duty service, training, weekend drills, National Guard duty, or other required service commitments. For Becky Sawyer, Sentara’s chief people officer and executive vice president, the decision is rooted in recognizing the reallife balancing act many colleagues manage every day. “We recognize that military service often requires personal and family adjustments that extend far beyond time away from work,” Sawyer said. “This benefit is about honoring those sacrifices by helping our colleagues balance their commitments to our organization with their service to our country.” The policy also applies to retired service members who may be called back to active duty, reinforcing Sentara’s commitment across all phases of military service. Colleagues can use the leave for a wide range of obligations, including annual training, fitness-for-duty exams, and funeral honors duty. Marcia Noel, human resources specialist and active service member, said the new benefit “demonstrates Sentara’s commitment to supporting employees who serve our country.” Balancing civilian and military responsibilities, she shared, can be challenging. “Knowing that I have the support of my employer provides peace of mind and reduces financial stress during periods of military service,” she said. “This benefit allows me to focus on my duties while knowing that my civilian career remains supported.” For Army Nurse and Clinical Compliance Coordinator Yuri Jung, who has served for 17 years and currently holds the rank of Captain in the Army Reserve, the benefit reinforces why she is proud to work at Sentara.

Yuri Jung says Sentara’s support allows her to lead confidently and remain fully present for her soldiers. (COURTESY PHOTO)

“Of all the workplaces where I have been employed, Sentara has offered the most supportive and comprehensive benefits for military service members,” said Jung, who will serve this summer as Officer in Charge for her unit’s Annual Training at Fort Cavazos, Texas. Jung added that she speaks highly of Sentara to friends and colleagues, including those who work for other healthcare organizations, because of the supportive environment and employee-focused culture. For colleagues currently away on orders, the impact is already being felt. Customer Service Representative Shaunice Johnson said the benefit provides “a sense of financial stability while also alleviating the risk of burnout.” She added that being able to focus fully on

training, without worrying about lost wages or overextending herself upon returning, “is truly a breath of fresh air.” Johnson said Sentara’s support has created an environment where she never feels forced to choose between serving her country and advancing her civilian career. “That level of support provides peace of mind and significantly reduces the stress that can come with managing two demanding responsibilities,” said Johnson. In Virginia, the connection to the military is strong and unique, with a massive concentration of military facilities from all branches of service located across the Commonwealth. For many Sentara colleagues, military service isn’t abstract, it’s personal and embedded in families, neighborhoods, and everyday life.

WHAT DOES SENTARA’S PAID MILITARY LEAVE BENEFIT INCLUDE?

Sentara’s paid military leave benefit provides eligible full-time and part-time colleagues with up to 30 days of paid leave each year for military service obligations. The benefit may be used for: Active-duty military service Annual military training Weekend drills National Guard duty Fitness-for-duty examinations Funeral honors duty Other required military service commitments The policy took effect June 1, 2026, and also applies to retired service members who are called back to active duty.

flagshipnews.com | Section A | Thursday, July 2, 2026

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