Alabama
Gov. Ivey orders flags to half-staff honoring fallen Alabama airmen
Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday issued an updated directive calling for the lowering of all flags to half-staff across the state of Alabama on Monday, March 30, 2026, in honor of three Alabama Airmen who lost their lives in service to their country on March 12, 2026.
Below is Gov. Ivey’s flag-lowering directive.
“I authorize the lowering of flags at the Capitol Complex in Montgomery and statewide on Monday, March 30, 2026, in honor of U.S. military service members stationed in Alabama, who lost their lives on March 12, 2026, during an accident involving their KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft while operating in support of Operation Epic Fury. These fallen military personnel served in the 99th Air Refueling Squadron of the 117th Air Refueling Wing located at Sumpter Smith Joint Air National Guard Base in Birmingham.
“Major John A. “Alex” Klinner, 33, a resident of Trussville, Alabama and graduate of Auburn University, served as chief of squadron standardization and evaluations. An eight-year Air Force veteran, Maj. Klinner’s awards include the Air Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Aerial Achievement Medal, and the Air and Space Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster. He is survived by his wife, Libby, and their three young children.
“Major Ariana G. Savino, 31, served as chief of current operations. A native of Washington state, Maj. Savino was a graduate of Central Washington University and Air Force ROTC, with over 300 combat hours. Her awards include the Air Medal and Air Space Commendation Medal.
“Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, served as an assistant flight chief of operations. A native of Kentucky, Tech Sgt. Pruitt received two associate’s degrees from the Community College of the Air Force and had over 900 combat flight hours. She is survived by her husband, Gregory, a young daughter and stepson.
“To honor these brave Airmen who gave their lives in service to our country, I am directing all flags to be lowered from sunrise until sunset on Monday, March 30, 2026, the day of funeral services for Alabama native Major John A. Klinner.”
Alabama
Best barbecue in Alabama? Tasting Table picks Tuscaloosa favorite
Barbecue, cookout foods you shouldn’t feed your dog
There are so many delicious foods to enjoy at a summer cookout, but not all of them are dog-friendly.
Ribs kissed by hickory smoke, tender pulled pork and a sauce recipe passed down for generations have helped Archibald & Woodrow’s Barbeque become one of Alabama’s most celebrated barbeque destinations.
Tasting Table named the family-run restaurant the best barbecue spot in the state.
Here’s what to know about the Alabama restaurant worth adding to your must-try list.
Best barbecue in Alabama
Since Archibald & Woodrow’s Barbeque opened its doors in 1962, three generations have carried on the tradition of slow-cooked barbecue, turning a small mom-and-pop operation into a nationally recognized name.
Tasting Table says that while Alabama is known for its white Alabama BBQ sauce, there’s no sauce required for the pork ribs served up at Archibald’s.
Archibald’s has gained attention from Good Morning America, Southern Living and The New York Times.
What’s on the menu?
The restaurant’s menu centers on classic Alabama barbecue, with hickory-smoked ribs and pulled pork leading the way.
Diners can order everything from full slabs of ribs and pork sandwiches to half chickens, jumbo hot wings and barbecue platters all served with sauce and bread.
The restaurant offers Southern comfort food beyond barbecue, including fried catfish, whiting, chicken tenders and country dinners featuring dishes like country-fried steak and pork chops.
There are plenty of side dish options, including macaroni and cheese and fried green tomatoes, to liven up any meal. To finish the meal, guests can choose from banana pudding or pound cake.
A legendary Alabama connection
Over the decades, Archibald & Woodrow’s Barbeque has attracted plenty of devoted fans, including one of Alabama’s most iconic figures.
Local lore says legendary Crimson Tide football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant was among the restaurant’s early customers, with stories of him stopping by for a taste of the barbecue and hot wings while wearing his trademark houndstooth hat.
Location and hours
- Where:
- Northport- 1211 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
- Tuscaloosa- 4215 Greensboro Ave
- Hours:
- Northport: Monday- Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed on Sunday
- Tuscaloosa: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@usatodayco.com.
Alabama
70-year-old Alabama man convicted in Pensacola in online child enticement sting
PENSACOLA, Fla. — A 70-year-old Robertsdale, Alabama, man was found guilty by a federal jury in Pensacola after prosecutors said he tried to entice a child online and then traveled to meet the child for sex in Pensacola.
David A. Girard was convicted in federal court of attempted enticement of a minor, traveling in interstate commerce for the purpose of illicit sexual conduct, and committing a felony involving a minor while being a registered sex offender, according to the release.
The release states that Evidence at trial showed that in October 2025, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and other law enforcement partners conducted an undercover operation aimed at identifying people soliciting minors online for sex.
On Oct. 17, 2025, Girard began communicating with someone he believed was a 14-year-old child, according to trial evidence.
Prosecutors said he described sexual acts he wanted to perform and arranged a meeting location in Pensacola.
When Girard traveled to the agreed-upon location to meet the purported child, he was arrested, according to the release.
Electronic evidence seized under a search warrant confirmed Girard had communicated with the person he believed was a child and traveled to meet him, according to trial evidence.
Girard faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to life in prison on Count 1, and up to 30 years in prison on Count 2.
He also faces a mandatory 10-year prison term on Count 3, consecutive to any sentence imposed on Count 1.
The investigation involved the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Florida Highway Patrol, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Alabama
Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo kicks off on Dauphin Island
DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. (WALA) – The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo begins Friday morning on Dauphin Island, following a kickoff party Thursday night that featured the Captain T-Bone’s Liar’s Contest.
Rodeo contestants, their families and others attended the event, where participants competed to tell their best fish tales.
Cody Ward, vice president of publicity for the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, said the stories are always a highlight.
“I don’t like to speculate too much on the lies, there are a lot of them, they come and go, and they are great all the time,” Ward said. “Make sure you’re out here, check them out, support these people, they love to do this and we love to hear their fish tales.”
Mike Eubanks has been fishing in the rodeo since 1982. He’s been to the liars contest many times and says he’s heard some great ones over the years.
“They can come up with some good ones. I don’t know which one was the craziest but the winner every year deserves it I promise you. Those judges have a hard time because they are some good ones,” Eubanks said.
The rodeo gets underway Friday with a cannon blast at 5 a.m. and runs through the weekend.
Copyright 2026 WALA. All rights reserved.
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