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
Plastic & paper bag ban dies in Assembly after Senate approval
The bill would ban single-use carryout bags in two years. Its sponsor says it will be a top priority in the new session with a first hearing on Jan. 30.
Ban on flavored vapes in New Jersey advances in Legislature
Bill is set for Monday approval, despite protests from vape shop owners who say it will force them out of business and send former smokers back to cigarettes.
New law seals marijuana convictions in NJ, expands expungement
Gov. Phil Murphy signs law making it easier to erase and get past criminal convictions. "Who hasn’t made a mistake, for crying out loud?” he said.
It’s now up to you: NJ Voters to decide in 2020 on legal marijuana
A proposed constitutional amendment will be before voters next November, after it barely achieved the needed three-fifths supermajority in the Legislature.
Ban advances on plastic bags, Styrofoam in NJ – paper bags, too
Plastic straws would survive, though only available by request. Supermarkets would be required for to give out reusable bags for free for two months.
NJ moving ahead with proposed law letting college athletes be paid
Though the NCAA has relented on the issue, after California passed a law, legislators say states are moving ahead to ensure it's done timely and correctly.
Voters, not lawmakers, to decide marijuana legalization in 2020
Marijuana legalization still lacks the votes needed to pass the Senate, so it'll be decided as a constitutional amendment in the 2020 election.
NJ on verge of cutting back driver’s license suspensions for crimes
Mandatory license suspensions for things unrelated to unsafe driving would end. It would be discretionary in some matters, including unpaid child support.
Ban on flavored vapes, menthol cigarettes in NJ advances
Package of bills also increases fines for illegal sales, increases vape-shop licensing fees and hikes taxes on consumers.
NJ warned that violent Pagans biker gang is growing, spreading
Pagans are adding chapters and pushing north in the state, setting up violent skirmishes with a rival motorcycle gang, the Hell's Angels.
Task force, Murphy call for ban on flavored vapes in New Jersey
Panel also calls for restricting online sales, increasing penalties for stores and employee who sell to people under 21 & a possible ban on menthol cigarettes.
Most of NJ for action against plastic bags & straws, poll says
Nearly two-thirds of New Jerseyans back a ban on plastic bags, though support drops when asked about the details. A slim majority would ban plastic straws.