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
With no FDA, NJ considers how to ensure safe, legal marijuana
Industry representatives tell lawmakers a system of third-party laboratories to test products and check labeling will be needed to assure safety for consumers.
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 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.
How has remote work gone during pandemic? NJ may do a study
Nearly a year into New Jersey’s forced experiment with widespread remote work from home, the Legislature is considering a study into how it has gone.
NJ considers freeing ticket buyers from resale restrictions
A bill under consideration would allow ticket buyers to opt out of restrictions on whether and how they can be resold.
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.
Four suggestions from businesses to prepare NJ for recovery
More than 40% of jobs lost in New Jersey during the pandemic haven't returned. Will the state be in position to regain the rest when vaccines take hold?
Outdoor dining plan approved again after Murphy veto
A week after an unexpected veto, lawmakers approve a revised plan for extending outdoor dining rules through November 2022.
No more quotas? Bill to stop rating NJ cops by arrest, ticket stats
Police union says ticket quotas are real and implemented through performance evaluations. A Senate bill would bar them.
Compromise on pot legalization on track for Thursday approval
Latest and last group of amendments includes a cap on growers through 2022 and leaves business groups unhappy about workplace testing plans.