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
NJ public school enrollment drops 3%, lowest level in 20 years
Enrollment decline was sharpest in pre-K and kindergarten, as families opted against remote learning or starting amid the COVID pandemic.
Masks every winter? A 99% drop in flu cases says it would help
Masks, distancing and handwashing adopted to deal with COVID-19 also knocked down the flu season, with just 144 positive tests in New Jersey as it winds down.
New law: Early, in-person voting starts this fall in New Jersey
Voting on machines will start two weekends before each November election. Shorter early voting will be available before primaries starting in 2022.
NJ lawmakers approve notifying parents of kids’ first time caught with pot
February law touched off controversy by keeping first warnings for alcohol or marijuana to minors, with parents informed only if it happens multiple times.
Bias incidents in New Jersey jumped 45% in 2020, state says
Preliminary figures on bias incidents were released in conjunction with a roundtable talk on the rise in anti-Asian discrimination and hate.
NJ Assembly panels vote for parent notification for youth pot use
The bill addresses a controversy that arose from a law passed last month dealing with alcohol and marijuana posession by youth now that pot is legal for adults.
NJ lawmakers advance tax breaks, $100M aid for small businesses
With more than $6 billion more in federal aid likely, state legislators begin opening the checkbook to encourage a post-pandemic economic recovery.
NJ might end requirement for a tour before drinking at breweries
An Assembly committee endorsed a package of bills designed to boost New Jersey's alcohol makers, including some with a revenue benefit for cities and towns.
Lawmakers look to double NJ arts, tourism spending to over $100M
Legislation advancing in the Senate would spend all revenues from hotel/motel occupancy taxes on arts, cultural, historical and tourism initiatives.
NJ’s COVID non-anniversary: Over 500 sick before last March 4
It wasn't known at the time, but state data shows around 500 people who later tested COVID+ already had symptoms by March 4, 2020. Many more were never tested.
NJ marijuana advocates huddle on next steps, including home grow
Members of a marijuana advocacy group say home grow should be a priority and may be gaining momentum in the Legislature.
Murphy budget boosts state spending 11%, avoids new tax hikes
Gov. Phil Murphy proposes a $44.8 billion budget for fiscal 2022, fueled by a surplus propped up by borrowing, that includes no new tax or fee increases.