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
Home-baked goods businesses are finally legal in New Jersey
New Jersey becomes the last state to allow "cottage food" businesses to be run from residents' home kitchens. Permit applications available soon.
New Jersey gas tax reduction takes effect Friday
Under a state law that requires annual adjustments to meet a revenue target, the gas tax in New Jersey goes down 8.3 cents to 42.4 cents a gallon on Oct. 1.
Happy trails: NJ to step up promotion of its craft breweries
A new state law will require the state to develop at least three 'brewery trails' promoting vacations and day trips to breweries and nearby tourism spots.
NJ rates its COVID activity level high for first time since April
The COVID-19 Activity Level Index rates the virus activity statewide as high after 21 weeks at moderate. It's highest in South Jersey and the Shore.
NJ to spend $4M on electric vehicle chargers at tourism spots
Board of Public Utilities program aims to both boost the tourism economy and encourage the transition to electric cars by easing 'range anxiety.'
Debates, voting, registration: Key dates in 2021 election in NJ
Vote-by-mail ballots have already begun being mailed, and debates begin Sept. 28. The registration deadline is Oct. 12, and early voting starts Oct. 23.
Most edibles out as NJ opts for slow start to legal marijuana
Initial rules for the first year of the adult-use marijuana industry in New Jersey don't allow for edibles such as brownies and cookies popular in other states.
Biden calls Ida damage in NJ ‘incredible’ after touring Manville
The president met officials in Hillsborough and families in Manville and says the damage caused by Ida underscores need to improve America's infrastructure.
COVID index already higher, but CALI less crucial for NJ schools
COVID-19 Activity Level Index, or CALI, scores will still be calculated but will determine COVID screening testing levels rather than school closures.
Ida ranks among deadliest weather disasters in NJ history
Superstorm Sandy is the only natural disaster on record that caused more deaths in New Jersey than the driving rains and floods from the remnants of Ida.
With pot opt-outs, NJ towns keep residents from entering business
The majority of owners and employees at entry-level microbusinesses must be from the town or neighboring town of where the business would be located.
Eviction moratorium ends for moderate-income renters in NJ
Eviction protections remain in place for New Jersey tenants with incomes at least 20% below their county's median through the end of December.