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
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.'
MVC separation of licensing, vehicle centers may be permanent
Motor Vehicle Commission chief says the change, made to allow for easier social distancing, has made things more efficient. But it won't stick statewide.
NJ’s lofty COVID-19 goal: Vaccinate 70% of the population
Health officials have been working for a few months on a distribution plan for an eventual vaccine to protect against COVID-19.
Vote-by-mail changes to expand in 2021 with more drop boxes
Democratic lawmakers vote to codify in law Gov. Phil Murphy's 2020 election rules, which are being challenged in court by President Donald Trump's campaign.
Cancel bear hunt due to COVID, opponents urge Murphy
Bear hunt proponents and opponents are both seeking legal remedies to expand or end this year's hunt. Foes have a new wrinkle: Shut it down due to COVID.
NJ may screen students for depression – but will help follow?
Some education groups and parents ask: What good is a depression screening if schools and the overall mental health system lack the resources to help?
Reopen schools or keep them virtual? Poll finds NJ unsure
FDU finds 46% say schools should reopen with appropriate protective measures, 42% support online learning until a COVID-19 treatment or vaccine is available.
NJ school buildings to reopen in September, with major changes
It seems unrealistic for most schools to have all students in attendance and meet social distancing rules. Hybrid approach with some virtual learning likely.
Room and board refunds: NJ colleges start announcing plans
Schools are at different points in the process of compensating displaced students for the room and board they couldn’t use when coronavirus closed campuses.
NJ’s high property taxes keep rising — average is now $8,953
New Jersey’s average residential property tax bill grew at the fastest rate in three years in 2019, 2.1%, reaching $8,953.
Should New Jersey Add Lots More Places to Buy Alcohol?
An Assembly panel begins a series of hearings into whether to expand alcohol sales in New Jersey – at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and more.