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
Wawa Pays NJ $2.5M to Settle Credit Card Data Breach
Hackers got access to credit card data for as many as 34 million transactions in six states and D.C. in 2019, both in Wawa stores and at its fuel pumps.
Human trafficking in NJ increased during pandemic, lawmakers told
The Assembly homeland security committee kicked off the new legislative session with a hearing Monday looking at the issue of human trafficking.
How many people live in NJ? The latest 2021 population estimate
New Census Bureau estimates say the population of New Jersey is down nearly 22,000 since the 2020 Census and the nation's growth is lowest in history.
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 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.