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
Over 15,000 Deported From NJ in 5 Years: Activists Demand Changes
Vineeta Kapahi, a policy analyst for the progressive NJPP, said more than 15,000 immigrants have been ordered deported following court decisions in New Jersey in the last five years, including 4,036 in fiscal 2020.
Bias Incidents in New Jersey Jumped 45% in 2020, State Says
“Sadly, this increase, as shameful and repulsive as it is, is not surprising. We have seen the warning signs,” Gov. Phil Murphy said.
‘Past Time to Open 100%': Businesses, GOP Say NJ Wrong on Pandemic
“We are well past the time to open up businesses 100% in the state of New Jersey,” said Sen. Kristin Corrado, R-Passaic.
Offshore Wind Seen as Energy and Jobs Opportunity for New Jersey
A report on the possibilities for offshore wind in the United States finds New Jersey also acting on some of its recommendations.
NJ Assembly Panels Vote for Parent Notification for Youth Pot Use
The fix to the fix to the marijuana legalization law was endorsed Wednesday by two Assembly committees, potentially putting it on track to reach Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk in a week.
Murphy Seeks Extra $2M for Legal Help for Detained Immigrants
The $8.2 million in the proposed budget would cover around 55% of immigrants facing deportation. Full funding would be around $15 million.
NJ’s Water Pipe Goal: Replace All Lead Service Lines in 10 Years
Water utilities would have 10 years to replace all lead service lines, though that would be a soft deadline, under a bill advanced Monday in the Assembly.
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.
With $6.4B in COVID Aid Coming, Here Come the Spending Ideas
Unauthorized immigrants, small businesses, housing programs and schools among the topics addressed at the Legislature's first fiscal 2022 budget hearing.
COVID-19 Drives NJ’s Death Rate to Highest Level in 75 Years
Not since the end of World War II has New Jersey's death rate been as high as in 2020, a year when more than 1% of residents died for first time since 1953.