Meg Baker
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Articles by Meg Baker
Fun Finger Gelatin
Fun Finger Gelatin I've been making finger jello for many years. It's simple to make, and kids love it! You can be very creative for festive parties by using cookie cutters to cut the gelatin. Use your favorite flavor of Jell-O. Submitted by Alley Updated on March 24, 2026
The Clearing
Amelia did not trust people. So when the shopkeeper’s doorbell rang at the store where she worked and she looked up to see an unknown face, she knew it was going to be a bad day. She turned down the volume on the small TV where she had been watching the news coverage of NASA’s moon landing attempt.
New documentary chronicles New Jersey man's perseverance in the face of multiple serious health problems
By CBS Staff, Meg Baker Click here for updates on this story RIDGEWOOD, New Jersey (WCBS) — A Bergen County man who has battled a rare disease all of his life is inspiring others with his perspective on life. CBS2’s Meg Baker has more on a new documentary about him. Christophe Lafontant rolled into the Ridgewood Film Festival where “It Started With The Heart” aired last week. “The whole thing is very surreal, considering I wasn’t even supposed to live to see the age of 7 and now I’m 38 years old.
New documentary chronicles New Jersey man's perseverance in the face of multiple serious health problems
By CBS Staff, Meg Baker Click here for updates on this story RIDGEWOOD, New Jersey (WCBS) — A Bergen County man who has battled a rare disease all of his life is inspiring others with his perspective on life. CBS2’s Meg Baker has more on a new documentary about him. Christophe Lafontant rolled into the Ridgewood Film Festival where “It Started With The Heart” aired last week. “The whole thing is very surreal, considering I wasn’t even supposed to live to see the age of 7 and now I’m 38 years old.
New documentary chronicles New Jersey man's perseverance in the face of multiple serious health problems
RIDGEWOOD, N.J. -- A Bergen County man who has battled a rare disease all of his life is inspiring others with his perspective on life. CBS2's Meg Baker has more on a new documentary about him. Christophe Lafontant rolled into the Ridgewood Film Festival where "It Started With The Heart" aired last week. "The whole thing is very surreal, considering I wasn't even supposed to live to see the age of 7 and now I'm 38 years old.
Sports complex for people with special needs opens in New Jersey
By Meg Baker Click here for updates on this story TOMS RIVER, New Jersey (WCBS) — A New Jersey father’s dream to build a sports complex for people with special needs has finally come true. The Toms River Field of Dreams, designed to serve people of all ages and abilities, officially opens to the public on Saturday, CBS2’s Meg Baker reported. From the playground to the basketball court, it’s completely wheelchair accessible.
Toms River Field of Dreams officially opens to public on Saturday
TOMS RIVER, N.J. -- A New Jersey father's dream to build a sports complex for people with special needs has finally come true. The Toms River Field of Dreams, designed to serve people of all ages and abilities, officially opens to the public on Saturday, CBS2's Meg Baker reported. From the playground to the basketball court, it's completely wheelchair accessible.
American Dream hosts sensory days at Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park for Autism Awareness Month Original
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- For Autism Awareness Month, the American Dream entertainment complex hosted a special event on Tuesday: the first of two sensory days at the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park. The merry-go-round, trains and more were full of excited faces. "I'm excited for all the roller coasters," 11-year-old Carrie Cavallaro told CBS2's Meg Baker. It was a little different at the Nickelodeon theme park at the mall.
Officials: 10,000 people bought recreational marijuana on first day of sales in New Jersey
N.J. Officials: 10,000 bought recreational pot on first day of sales 02:15 TRENTON, N.J. -- Sales of recreational marijuana were open for the fifth day Monday. CBS2's Meg Baker checked in with New Jersey's Cannabis Regulatory Commission to see how things are going so far. Officials said 10,000 people bought legal cannabis on the first day of sales in the Garden State.
N.J. authorities sound alarm on pitfalls of recreational marijuana and edibles; "This isn't Woodstock weed"
N.J. authorities sound alarm on potential dangers of recreational marijuana 02:06 CRANFORD, N.J. -- With recreational marijuana now being sold in New Jersey, authorities are once again sounding the alarm on the potential dangers of pot. CBS2's Meg Baker explains some of the pitfalls recreational marijuana users could face. New Jersey Poison Control is issuing a strong warning: if you have edibles at home, lock them up.
Recreational marijuana sales in New Jersey: AAA working with SADD to educate young people on risks of impaired driving
TRENTON, N.J. -- As recreational sales of marijuana are set to start Thursday in New Jersey, some are calling for more education for teens on the effects of the drug, especially when it comes to driving. Cannabis is legal for those 21 and older, but some fear with more access to the drug, it could wind up in the hands of more teens. AAA has partnered with SADD -- Students Against Destructive Driving -- to educate young people on the risks of impaired driving, CBS2's Meg Baker reported Wednesday.
Attorney: Challenge for New Jersey employers will be testing workers for marijuana impairment
TRENTON, N.J. -- Recreational marijuana sales start on Thursday in the Garden State. CBS2's Meg Baker has what you need to know when it comes to pot use and your job. Cannabis may be legal, but that doesn't mean you can partake and work. Employers can prohibit it and require a drug test if work or safety is compromised. READ MORE: New Jersey dispensaries expect big turnout as recreational marijuana sales start next week Matthew Collins is a cannabis labor and relations lawyer.
NEW YORK (WCBS) - A New Jersey man is sounding the alarm after he says he discovered that several people who all had ties to the same high school developed rare brain tumors. Al Lupiano, an environmental scientist and former resident of Woodbridge Township, said he has confirmed 65 cases of people with rare brain tumors. And the common denominator is they were all Colonia High School graduates or had worked there.
American Dream mall reopens after shooting, as search continues for suspects
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- A suspect is still at large after a shooting at the American Dream mall on Thursday night. CBS2's Meg Baker spoke to workers who heard gunshots, then warnings, and tried to protect customers. "It was a real threat yesterday," Joyce Hadley, manager of Levi's on the second floor, said Friday. Hadley said she heard what she knew were gunshots and instantly tried to protect everyone in the store.
How grocery delivery will be implemented is a concern in new plastic bag ban in New Jersey
Many questions surround New Jersey's plastic bag ban 02:15 TRENTON, N.J. -- The Garden State's plastic bag ban is set to go into effect on May 4. As CBS2's Meg Baker reported Thursday, there are still many unknowns about how grocery delivery will work. Single-use plastic bags will soon be a thing of the past in New Jersey. The law also bans giving or selling paper bags in large grocery stores. So, you will have to remember to bring reusable bags.
Mayor of New Jersey town in dispute with nature advocates over pandemic symbol of hope
North Haledon mayor, residents fighting to keep mountaintop star 02:06 NORTH HALEDON, N.J. -- A mountaintop star erected as symbol of hope during the pandemic is being ordered removed in a New Jersey town. CBS2's Meg Baker has more on the controversy. North Haledon Mayor Randy George is refusing to take down a 25-foot star that sits atop High Mountain Park Preserve. "The star is not coming down because it helped so many people during the pandemic," George said. It lights up at night for all to see.
Former resident says 65 people who either attended or worked at a N.J. high school have had rare brain tumors
Dozens with brain tumors linked to N.J. school Former resident says 65 people with rare brain tumors linked to one New Jersey high school 02:35 WOODBRIDGE, N.J. -- A former resident of Woodbridge Township has called for environmental action after he discovered several people who went to a local school all had rare brain tumors, CBS New York reports. CBS2's Meg Baker spoke to him and others on Wednesday.
Former Woodbridge, N.J. resident says 65 people who either attended or worked at Colonia High School have had rare brain tumors
Former Woodbridge Township resident confirms 65 rare brain tumors linking to local high school 02:34 WOODBRIDGE, N.J. -- A former resident of Woodbridge Township has called for environmental action after he discovered several people who went to a local school all had rare brain tumors. CBS2's Meg Baker spoke to him and others on Wednesday. "I started doing some research and the three became five, the five became seven, the seven became 15," Al Lupiano said.
New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer to introduce bipartisan legislation combatting opioid abuse by student-athletes Original
Rep. Gottheimer backs bipartisan legislation to combat opioid abuse by student-athletes 02:17 NEW MILFORD, N.J. -- U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer on Monday announced new bipartisan legislation to combat the growing problem of student-athletes using opioids. A mother who lost her 22-year-old son to a drug overdose shared her pain with CBS2's Meg Baker. Gail Cole held a picture of her son Brendan, a Bergen County-native who died of a heroin overdose in 2014. He was a senior at the University of Richmond.
The "Friday family" in Toms River makes sure those in need get food, and more
Food giveaway program still going strong in Ocean County 01:51 TOMS RIVER, N.J. - A food giveaway program in Ocean County that started during the pandemic is still very much needed. CBS2's Meg Baker spoke with volunteers and those it serves. The volunteers call themselves the "Friday family." As cars pull up in front of the Presbyterian church in Toms River, their trunks are filled with food.
"We live in a broken system": Red Bank pharmacy offers life-saving medications for free to those in need
First-of-its-kind pharmacy in New Jersey offers free medication to those in need 01:50 RED BANK, N.J. -- A chartable pharmacy is opening in Monmouth County -- the first of its kind in New Jersey. The Red Bank pharmacy is run by Ritesh Shah, who also runs several other pharmacies. He's seen how the cost of different medications have gone up. "Our health care model, you know, I'll say this respectfully -- we live in a broken system," Shah told CBS2's Meg Baker.
New Jersey mulling using wave power to move toward Gov. Murphy's plan of 100 percent clean energy by 2050
New Jersey mulls wave power for Gov. Murphy's plan of 100 percent clean energy by 2050 01:48 SPRING LAKE, N.J. -- There has been a pitch to use wave power in New Jersey. CBS2's Meg Baker has details on how the coastline could be a part of the state's clean energy future. The ocean is a perpetual motion machine and some say an untapped power source.
Police shooting of Jajuan Henderson in Trenton, N.J. under investigation
Investigation underway after police shoot unarmed man in Trenton 02:14 TRENTON, N.J. -- The shooting of an unarmed man by police in Trenton, New Jersey is under investigation. CBS2's Meg Baker spoke with the injured man's mother and others as they called for justice Thursday. Jajuan Henderson's mother wiped away tears as she spoke about her son and the phone call she got saying her son was shot by police on Center Street.
Volunteers from Tri-State Area helping Ukrainian refugees in Poland
Group of volunteers from Tri-State Area helping Ukrainian refugees in Poland 02:18 NEW JERSEY -- A group of volunteers from the Tri-State Area dropped everything to help Ukrainians who are crossing the border into Poland. CBS2's Meg Baker has their story of bravery and service. Images from Ukraine show people young and old trying to make their way to safety.
Squeeze tightens on New Jersey consumers as groceries and gas get more expensive
New Jersey shoppers feel financial squeeze at grocery stores, gas stations 01:51 NEW JERSEY -- The financial squeeze is getting tighter as prices go up on just about everything. Monday, CBS2's Meg Baker spoke with New Jersey consumers about which prices are rising the fastest. Linda Huff loaded groceries into her car after experiencing sticker shock. "Price increases. Big ones," said Huff, a resident of Colonia.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy looks back at 2 years of COVID-19: "There's no playbook for this"
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy looks back on 2 years of COVID pandemic 02:35 TRENTON, N.J. -- After New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy held his last weekly COVID-19 briefing Friday, he sat down with CBS2's Meg Baker to look back on the past two years of the pandemic as we transition into an endemic. Murphy held more COVID briefings than any other state leader -- 250 in two years. "Why was it important for you to stay in constant communication with the public?" Baker asked.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy holds last scheduled COVID briefing
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy holds last weekly COVID briefing 02:12 TRENTON, N.J. -- New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy held his last regularly scheduled COVID briefing Friday. The governor said there's no longer a need for weekly updates as COVID transitions from pandemic to endemic. As CBS2's Meg Baker reported, Murphy spoke to the public more than 250 times since March 2020 to give updates on cases, vaccines and memorialize those who who were lost.
Black teen handcuffed following Bridgewater brawl: "I don't understand why we get treated differently just because of the color of our skin"
Family of teen involved in brawl at Bridgewater Commons Mall joins rally with civil rights activists 02:34 BRIDGEWATER, N.J. -- A brawl involving teenagers at a mall in Somerset County has raised questions about policing and race. On Wednesday, there was a rally with civil rights activists and the family of one of the teens demanding justice. CBS2's Meg Baker was there when the people rallying faced some counter resistance.
Paralyzed soccer coach says fears of flooding near his New Jersey home has led to extreme anxiety
Paralyzed soccer coach fears flooding near his New Jersey home 03:00 DEMAREST, N.J. -- A beloved coach from Bergen County who uses a wheelchair fears for his life every time it rains. A creek near his home is cause for concern. CBS2's Meg Baker spoke with officials Monday about flood mitigation plans. On a calm day, a lazy stream is quiet as it drifts under Ross Avenue in Demarest, but during the remnants of Hurricane Ida it raged like a river.
Gov. Phil Murphy to end weekly COVID-19 briefings, says New Jersey is transitioning to endemic
N.J. health officials offer mask guidance for schools, child care centers 02:45 TRENTON, N.J. -- Gov. Phil Murphy laid out new guidance Wednesday for schools as districts make their own decision to keep or remove masks. As CBS2's Meg Baker reported, the governor also said his weekly COVID-19 briefings will be ending.
New marijuana study in New Jersey
NEWARK, N.J. -- Rutgers University recently conducted a study on marijuana usage to help guide state policy. CBS2's Meg Baker has more on the possible impact of pot retail sales on children. Usage overall in New Jersey is lower than the nationwide average, but a scary statistic shows younger people are using more now than ever. "Marijuana use among those 12-17-year-olds is actually going up, which really ... that resonates in terms of we need to be more proactive.
Cardiff lecturer who called students 'idiots' issues apology for 'edited' video
Senior lecturer Dr Helen McCarthy has issued an apology to students after a video leaked of her calling them “idiots” for wanting a safety net policy.
How Gavin and Stacey characters would react to coronavirus this Christmas
Coronavirus has affected us all in ways we never could have imagined over the last year. With it nearly being a year since the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special, we cant help but think what it would have been like if it had taken place in the current climate.
A second year Cardiff University student has died
Lily Arkwright, a second-year history student at Cardiff University, died last week on the evening of the 19th October. The tragic news was shared with students by the head of the faculty, James Marcel-Hegarty, who said: “It is with immense sadness that I must inform you of the death of a fellow student.
Fire in Swansea Uni leaves students disheartened before their return in September
On the afternoon of 12th August the news broke of a fire in Swansea University’s £450 million Bay Campus. Pictures and videos of huge clouds of black smoke appeared on social media almost instantly afterwards. It is believed that the fire started in one of the engineering buildings.
A group of freshers made a slip and slide in Taly court and here's how it went down
What do you get when you put together a group of unruly freshers, a giant rubber duck, and some fairy liquid? A giant slip and slide, obvs. This is exactly what happened for a birthday in Talybont Court last month where some innovative freshers taped up some plastic wrap to the walls and let lose with water and fairy liquid.
FedEx driver, son of 9/11 responder caught on camera picking up American flag along route
The patriotic deed of one FedEx driver was caught on camera, after he took the time to pick up an American flag that had blown off a porch along his route. The driver can be seen in the video folding the flag up and placing it on the steps of a New Jersey home.
Two sons orchestrate elaborate birthday prank resulting in 15,000 messages/calls for their father
A man in New Jersey has received more than 15,000 messages and calls, wishing him a happy birthday. And, it's all thanks to an elaborate prank put together by his sons. Chris Ferry's birthday is coming up March 16th. The Linwood, NJ man is already receiving well wishes, but the messages are coming from strange numbers. He tells us someone called, "saying happy birthday. I said, 'who's this?' He said, 'Nick'.
Sons prank dad with birthday billboard
LINWOOD, N.J. (CNN) -- Most people feel pretty special when someone wishes them a happy birthday. One man in New Jersey has received more than 15,000 messages and calls, and most of them are from people he doesn't even know. It's all part of a prank put together by his sons. Chris Ferry's birthday is Saturday.
Extremely Rare ‘Blue Button Jellyfish’ Washes Up Along Jersey Shore
Click here for updates on this story NEW YORK (WCBS-TV) — A mystery of the deep is unfolding in New Jersey after a rare sea creature washed ashore. Suzanne Schenker and her two dogs, Clara Belle and Lars, were out for a walk last week in Beach Haven when they stumbled upon an odd-looking animal unlike anything they’d ever seen before. “For some reason I looked down and there were these incredibly blue jellyfish in the sand,” she said.
Extremely Rare ‘Blue Button Jellyfish’ Washes Up Along Jersey Shore
Click here for updates on this story NEW YORK (WCBS-TV) — A mystery of the deep is unfolding in New Jersey after a rare sea creature washed ashore. Suzanne Schenker and her two dogs, Clara Belle and Lars, were out for a walk last week in Beach Haven when they stumbled upon an odd-looking animal unlike anything they’d ever seen before. “For some reason I looked down and there were these incredibly blue jellyfish in the sand,” she said.
Extremely Rare ‘Blue Button Jellyfish’ Washes Up Along Jersey Shore
Click here for updates on this story NEW YORK (WCBS-TV) — A mystery of the deep is unfolding in New Jersey after a rare sea creature washed ashore. Suzanne Schenker and her two dogs, Clara Belle and Lars, were out for a walk last week in Beach Haven when they stumbled upon an odd-looking animal unlike anything they’d ever seen before. “For some reason I looked down and there were these incredibly blue jellyfish in the sand,” she said.
Extremely Rare ‘Blue Button Jellyfish’ Washes Up Along Jersey Shore
Click here for updates on this story NEW YORK (WCBS-TV) — A mystery of the deep is unfolding in New Jersey after a rare sea creature washed ashore. Suzanne Schenker and her two dogs, Clara Belle and Lars, were out for a walk last week in Beach Haven when they stumbled upon an odd-looking animal unlike anything they’d ever seen before. “For some reason I looked down and there were these incredibly blue jellyfish in the sand,” she said.
Extremely Rare ‘Blue Button Jellyfish’ Washes Up Along Jersey Shore
Click here for updates on this story NEW YORK (WCBS-TV) — A mystery of the deep is unfolding in New Jersey after a rare sea creature washed ashore. Suzanne Schenker and her two dogs, Clara Belle and Lars, were out for a walk last week in Beach Haven when they stumbled upon an odd-looking animal unlike anything they’d ever seen before. “For some reason I looked down and there were these incredibly blue jellyfish in the sand,” she said.
Further South of Devastating Quake, Residents Wonder: When Will the Next One Hit?
Christian Storms and his family say they are "lucky" to be located in Chiba City, just outside Tokyo and removed from the greater devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Northern Japan.
Blind Olympic torch bearer runs unguided, assisted only by smartphone
Chosen to be a torchbearer at the 2012 Summer Games, blind ultra-runner Simon Wheatcroft will carry the Olympic Flame running solo -- with only the guidance of his iPhone. “If you had asked me three years ago if training alone was possible while being blind I would have said no," Wheatcroft told FoxNews.com. "Now I do it and ...
Cop accused of pulling over women for dates
Cop accused of pulling over women for dates The 37-year-old is suspended from his troop Meg Baker, CNN Published: December 15, 2016, 3:30 am Updated: December 15, 2016, 3:30 am (Credit: CNN/Pam Prather) (CNN) – A New Jersey state police trooper is in trouble with the law. Authorities say he stopped female drivers just to ask them out on dates. Imagine driving along the Garden State parkway, and suddenly, flashing lights behind you. You are getting pulled over, but what for? A date?
Interactive summer learning apps for your kids
Keep the brain juices flowing this summer; download these apps for your kids. Math equations and books are probably the last thing on your child's mind this summer, but a fun download on your smartphone or iPad could have them thinking differently -- and have them cracking a book and learning. Sushi Monster Strengthen math skills with the fun to play Sushi Monster.
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