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 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.
GOP Senator Questions Use Of COVID Aid For State Police Salaries
Attorney General Gurbir Grewal says the use of CARES Act money to pay for State Police salaries and overhead complies with federal guidelines.
NJ property taxes went up again in 2020 — but not in these 55 towns
Last year saw the the highest increase in the statewide tax levy in a decade,
As water bills grow, NJ urged to consider fund to help residents
Water, sewer and wastewater upgrades are likely to be costly, not to mention other climate change resiliency measures to address rising seas and floods.
Lawmakers to NJ’s education chief: Get schools reopened faster
Frequent topics at a Senate hearing on the Department of Education budget included school reopenings, spending of federal aid and the delayed assessments.
Next up for voting reformers: Ban police from polls in NJ
Proponents say the change would guard against voter supression in areas where people are wary of law enforcement. Critics say it treats police as criminals.
Lawmakers look to let towns borrow to buy electric vehicles
The Senate passed its bill, and an Assembly committee endorsed its bill. But the plans differ on whether to include hybrid, hydrogen and natural gas vehicles.
NJ could allow extra year of special education, due to pandemic
Students in special education programs would be eligible for an extra year of services if they are supposed to ‘age out’ before mid-2022, under a proposed bill.
NJ may require all teachers get training on remote learning
Assembly panel advances bills requiring training on remote learning for teaching candidates and professional development for current teachers.
Pot mess: Marijuana legalization cleanup ends without deal
With lawmakers and Gov. Phil Murphy unable to agree on changes, Murphy will now have to either sign or veto bills put on his desk two months ago.
Average NJ property tax bill now $9,111 — How your town compares
Property taxes in New Jersey jumped by $737 million, the biggest increase in 10 years.
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.