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 lawmakers target new Comcast fee for going over data limit
Cable and internet company says few customers exceed 1.2 TB threshold. Lawmakers says it's ill-timed when people are working and attending school at home.
Closure and clarity: A push for detailed drug death certificates
Death certificates would have to list the specific drug responsible for overdose deaths, under proposed legislation.
After Murphy veto, a scaled-back bid to update welfare benefits
Most of the potentially expensive changes, such as increasing monthly benefits, have been removed from the latest WorkFirst New Jersey proposal.
Could this study finally help NJ cut property taxes?
Legislature considers a study that could help address property taxes. First it must narrow its focus so it has a chance to make a difference.
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?
NJ driver’s licenses for unauthorized immigrants to begin May 1
Motor Vehicle Commission amends its proposal to allow people to submit affidavits if they lack needed documents from IRS or Social Security Administration.
NJ election commission would investigate sex misconduct, too — proposal
A 15-member panel that examined misogyny and other issues related to the culture of New Jersey politics recommends a series of changes in a 76-page report.
Legislature moves to reinstate panel cutting government red tape
With changes to emphasis innovation, a plan to create the Government Efficiency and Regulatory Review Commission is one vote from legislative approval.
Plan advances to boost indoor capacity of NJ restaurants
An Assembly committee Wednesday endorsed a six-bill package aimed at helping restaurants and other small businesses.