Southern Baptist congregations saw growth in baptisms, worship attendance and small group participation in 2023, while membership decline slowed compared to recent years, according to the Annual Church Profile (ACP) compiled by Lifeway Christian Resources. The 2023 ACP, a statistical census of Southern Baptist congregations that included responses from about 7 in 10 churches in the denomination, found that membership dropped for the 17th consecutive year, dipping below 13 million for the first time since the 1970s. However, the 1.8% decline was smaller than in previous years.

Should Ms. Willis and her office be removed from the case, a state board would need to appoint a new prosecutor. “Upon consideration of the Application for Interlocutory Appeal, it is ordered that it be hereby GRANTED,” reads the May 8 order. President Trump and eight codefendants that sought review will have 10 days to file their appeal. He and 14 others were indicted last August under the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, with prosecutors alleging their actions to challenge the 2020 election results amounted to a...

More strong to severe storms are in the forecast for Alabama, but they aren’t expected to arrive until late tonight, according to forecasters. Tonight’s storms — which are expected to last into Thursday morning — could bring the risk of tornadoes, damaging winds and hail. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather for the northern third of Alabama tonight, which means that scattered severe storms will be possible. The National Weather Service encouraged Alabamians to have multiple ways to get severe weather...

Authorities say a man who was jailed in February and accused of multiple sexual assaults is also responsible for a different attack in 2022. Carlton Tambaoga, 25, was arrested after a sexual assault victim who was being treated at a hospital Feb. 11 reported the attack, Carrollton police have said. Tambaoga was released the following day after posting a $20,000 bond. He was arrested a several days later after a second person reported being sexually assaulted by him, according to police. In a news release Tuesday, Denton police said it...

Food, drinks and fantastic fun — AARP Georgia will be “rolling out the welcome mat” in Atlanta, Augusta and Macon this month to deliver all three in high supply to pet lovers. The organization’s Paws for the Cause will take place 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 18 in all three cities simultaneously. “Greetings, Georgia neighbors!” the organization announced. “Are you ready for a tail-wagging good time? AARP Georgia is thrilled to extend a warm invitation to three extraordinary events happening across our beautiful state. Join us as we celebrate...

A former U.S. Army soldier was convicted by a federal jury in Pensacola, Florida, on Monday in the decades-old killing of a pregnant soldier overseas. Shannon Wilkerson, 43, was found guilty of second-degree murder in the beating and strangling death of 19-year-old Pfc. Amanda Gonzales, the Department of Justice announced on Tuesday. The crime took place in her barracks room at Fliegerhorst Kaserne – a former Army base in Hanau, Germany – in November 2001. Her body was found on Nov. 5 after she didn't show up to her job...