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 adds most COVID cases since April, spread high in all counties
CDC rates all counties as having high COVID transmission rates. State reports over 3,200 more cases: 2,407 from PCR tests and 832 from antigen tests.
NJ teachers brace for more COVID trauma as pandemic lengthens
Among the inequities aggravated by the pandemic are the differences in school systems.
Regulators consider how potent to allow marijuana edibles in NJ
Except for one research scientist, a parade of advocates urged the state to allow high-potency edibles and concentrates to be sold at New Jersey dispensaries.
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?