Michael Symons

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.

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.'

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.