I'm the Statehouse bureau chief for New Jersey 101.5, covering the governor, Legislature and state politics, and had previously covered the Statehouse for Gannett newspapers for more than 15 years. I'm a lifelong New Jerseyan -- raised in Bergen, living in Hunterdon, Rutgers graduate. I'm co-author of the 2012 biography 'Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power.' I am not the Iron Chef with a similar name though sometimes get tweets meant for him, especially around Thanksgiving. Believe me, you don't want my cooking tips.
Michael Symons
For first time in 10 weeks, new COVID cases increasing in NJ
With Tuesday's update from the state, New Jersey’s 7-day average of new lab-detected COVID infections was 20% higher than it has been a week earlier.
Former NJ trooper who stalked female motorist gets year in prison
After letting the woman go with a warning after a motor vehicle stop, Michael Patterson followed her to make a second unwarranted stop, then followed her home.
Despite Raising Pay, Majority of NJ Businesses Say Hiring Difficult in New Survey
The 63rd annual business outlook survey by the NJBIA finds more businesses plan to expand hiring in 2022 than did in 2021.
New NJ Law Ends Arrest, Ticket Quota Data when Evaluating Cops
Ticket and arrest quotas were already barred in New Jersey, though such data could still be used as part of a performance evaluation – but not anymore.
NJ Supreme Court: Details on disciplined cops can be released
Unanimous ruling upholds Attorney General Gurbir Grewal directives making public names and summaries of major discipline. A judge will decide on past cases.
NJ may require all teachers get training on remote learning
Assembly panel advances bills requiring training on remote learning for teaching candidates and professional development for current teachers.
3 officers charged with brutal beatings at NJ women’s prison
Three correctional officers were charged with official misconduct in connection with a January incident, and authorities say more arrests are likely.
NJ considers allowing COVID vaccines at dentists, eye doctors
Lawmakers look to expand access points to the COVID-19 vaccine. Skeptics worry about doses being wasted at individual offices as opposed to mega-sites.
Plan advances to boost indoor capacity of NJ restaurants
An Assembly committee Wednesday endorsed a six-bill package aimed at helping restaurants and other small businesses.
From K-12 to college, concern about pandemic’s mental health toll
Nine bills advance through Assembly committees aimed at preparing for what one lawmaker calls New Jersey's next crisis.
Big wineries delivering in NJ? Legislature mulls the idea
Bills are being considered that would allow large wineries to directly ship to consumers and for permits for wine consultants who oversee private tastings.
Concerns about people high at work delay pot legalization vote
Senate adds random drug testing and tests for any suspicion to the bill, which evisions new industry of certified 'workplace impairment recognition experts.'