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 may reduce penalties for knowingly spreading HIV/AIDS, STDs
The charge would become a disorderly persons offense and apply only when there is intent to infect and steps aren't taken to try to prevent that.
Legal marijuana battles shift to town halls and Congress
While the Cannabis Regulatory Commission works on private lab rules, local officials and Congress will decide what comes next with legal marijuana.
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.
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.
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 could let parents decide if kids repeat grade due to pandemic
Parents would have until June 1 to decide their school-age children are going to repeat their current grade, under a bill advanced Tuesday by a Senate panel.
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.
Next year’s school aid: Two-thirds gain funds, one-third lose
Overall, formula aid to schools is increasing by $578 million. The winning districts share $770 million more, while others lose a combined $192 million.
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.
Latest bid to complete pot legalization drops fines for minors
The so-called 'cleanup' bill is due for votes Tuesday and Thursday in the Legislature, though some key details were still being finalized.
Teen drivers may need 50 hours practice driving for NJ license
The change in state law was recommended in 2007 but hasn't been enacted. All but three states have practice driving mandates.