Deena Yellin

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Deena Yellin

Claudette Monica Powell discovered her calling at age 5, when she flicked on the television in her Georgia home. "The Nun's Story" came onscreen. The 1959 Audrey Hepburn drama about a Belgian sister instantly drew her in with its vision of the "peace and order" of the convent, Powell said. It was the opposite of her chaotic home life with an abusive father. Her Southern Baptist family in Rome, Georgia, was not particularly religious and laughed off her spiritual aspirations.

1 week ago | northjersey.com | Deena Yellin

A jubilant cheer rose up from the crowd as the SUV carrying Edan Alexander rolled through Tenafly's downtown. It was a hero's welcome as thousands lined the sidewalks and waited in the heat and rain to catch a glimpse of the 21-year-old who was finally returning home after being held captive by Hamas for 584 days. "Edan!" they chanted as he beamed and waved from the open window of the black SUV. Several young men ran close to the vehicle and he gave them high fives and handshakes.

1 week ago | northjersey.com | Deena Yellin

Edan Alexander, an American serving in the Israeli Defense Forces, was captured by Hamas during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Alexander was held for 584 days before he was released on May 12. Tenafly residents are expected to line downtown streets June 19 to welcome home Edan Alexander, believed to be the last living U.S. hostage held in captivity in Gaza. Now 21, Alexander was captured by Hamas along with 250 others during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

1 week ago | northjersey.com | Deena Yellin

New Jersey's highest court ruled on June 16 that the Attorney General's Office has the right to launch a grand jury investigation into allegations of child sex abuse in the Catholic Church. Here's a look at the long and circuitous road to the Supreme Court's momentous decision:Aug. 14, 2018 — A landmark Pennsylvania grand jury report on clergy abuse is released, documenting widespread abuse of children over decades and efforts by church officials to cover it up.

1 week ago | burlingtoncountytimes.com | Deena Yellin

New Jersey can go forward with a special grand jury investigation of alleged sexual abuse by Catholic clergy and any potential cover-up. The unanimous decision rejected a challenge originally brought by the Diocese of Camden and capped a years-long legal fight. New Jersey can proceed with a special grand jury investigating alleged sexual abuse by Catholic clergy and whether the state's dioceses took any steps to cover it up, the state Supreme Court announced Monday.