Nine-year-old Matthew Whitaker's life is filled with music. Ever since getting a keyboard for his third birthday, he has amazed everyone who hears him play. Spend a day with him and see why he's called a musical prodigy. Video by John Munson/The Star-Ledger
The Star-Ledger took a cross-country trip to tell the story of Americans' longing to connect with this nation's great tragedies -- to touch hallowed ground -- at the anniversary of 9-11. We started at Ground Zero and we kept going, visiting the country's most wounded places: Gettysburg because Americans continue to grieve about a war that began 150 years ago and because Gettysburg, over three days in July 1863, was the scene of the greatest loss of life on American soil; Arlington National Cem...
New Jersey recently became the 14th state to pass a medical marijuana law, allowing the use of cannabis to treat certain medical conditions, but Gov. Chris Christie has asked for a six to 12 month delay to plan for the growth and distribution of marijuana. With so little information about how New Jersey’s program will work, The Star-Ledger visited two states with existing cannabis laws -- New Mexico, which the New Jersey Legislature looks to as a model of a responsible medical marijuana progra...
Despite being born with no legs and only one arm, Nick Santonastasso has led an active childhood. Now, as he nears his 14th birthday, he has decided to try life with a pair of prosthetic legs. Video by John Munson
A team of divers and volunteers spent the last week searching the Santa Monica Bay for WWII WASP pilot Gertrude Tompkins who is the only WASP pilot that is unaccounted for from the war. On site to help in the search was her grand-niece Laura Whittall-Scherfee who has been involved in various searches over the years. Video by John Munson
Jamar Carter, a former New Jersey boxing champion, had a dream: Opening a boxing gym in his hometown of Newark to help keep kids off the streets. He died in a house fire five years ago, but now eight of his friends and cousins, led by his first cousin Jesse Chavers, a two-time Golden Gloves champ, have opened a gym in his honor in Newark called Operation Turnaround. Video by John Munson
Shanita Stubbs is a 19-year-old homeless resident of Newark, NJ. Her adoptive mother kicked her out of her home when she found out that Shanita is a lesbian. With nowhere to turn, Shanita ended up on the streets. Now, through Covenant House in Newark, she has the opportunity to move into Nancy's Place, a home for homeless youths with mental illness diagnoses. Video by John Munson
Citi Field, the new home for the New York Mets, had a dress rehearsal on Sunday as the stadium hosted its first game. St. John's University took on Georgetown in Big East baseball action. Thousands of fans from around the area, including New Jersey, came out to see the game. Video by John Munson
Yankee players, coaches, and fans got a chance to enjoy the new stadium today as the team took batting practice for the first time at the new Yankee Stadium. Current Yaneeks Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte and former players Bernie Williams and Reggie Jackson were all there to provide their thoughts on the new stadium. Video by John Munson
Shanita Stubbs is a 19-year-old homeless resident of Newark, NJ. Her adoptive mother kicked her out of her home when she found out that Shanita is a lesbian. With nowhere to turn, Shanita ended up on the streets. Now, through Covenant House in Newark, she has the opportunity to move into Nancy's Place, a home for homeless youths with mental illness diagnoses. Video by John Munson