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
Is RU Football a Waste of Money? A Call to Investigate Spending by NJ Colleges
After a report about huge bills for DoorDash deliveries for the Rutgers football team, a bill seeks an office that would focus on higher education spending.
NJ school buildings to reopen in September, with major changes
It seems unrealistic for most schools to have all students in attendance and meet social distancing rules. Hybrid approach with some virtual learning likely.
Lawmakers Look to Shield H.S. Coaches From ‘Overbearing’ Parents
A bill moving in Trenton would provide head coaches of high school sports three-year contracts and spell out a process to follow to fire them or cut their pay.
Trip to Colorado convinces NJ senator he’s right on legalizing marijuana
Sen. Nicholas Scutari, who wants New Jersey to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana for recreational use, says Colorado's experience bodes well for a similar effort here.