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
Warehouse sprawl bill stumbles in first hearing, advances anyway
A bill would give neighboring towns a voice, but not a veto, about large warehouse construction. But a majority of a committee declined to vote for it.
NJ may reduce penalties for knowingly spreading HIV, 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.
Betting on in-state college sports in NJ? Voters likely to decide
Sports betting in New Jersey includes collegiate sports – but not on Jersey-based college teams or NCAA games played in the state.
Labor shortage could mean food goes to waste on NJ farms
Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher says farm that grows asparagus, an early season crop, doesn't have needed workers to harvest it.
State to NJ businesses: Tell us if unemployed turn down jobs
Unemployed workers aren't required to be looking for work during the pandemic – but they must still certify they're ready, willing and available to work.
Early voting cost dispute could be resolved in two weeks
Early, in-person voting is coming to New Jersey this year, but lawmakers are worried if the election system is ready to administer and pay for the change.
‘Going to eat us alive': Overtime in NJ prisons tops $65M
Lawmakers bemoan growing overtime costs in the state’s prisons, which are approaching $1 million even if costs related to COVID-19 are excluded.
NJ colleges prepare to prevent ‘lost generation’ of students
Higher education leaders prepare for increased demand for remedial courses and mental health services as students return to campus behind due to pandemic.
Why NJ Transit’s chief says ridership will ‘absolutely’ recover
Kevin Corbett said he's heard gloomy predictions about NJ Transit traffic after events such as 9/11 but that it always recovers. It could take years, though.
MVC considering putting kiosks in municipal buildings
Many transactions can be done online, though some people lack access or find that challenging. Eventually, the tech shift could lead to job reductions.