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
Assembly votes to expand medical marijuana, keep taxing it
The 65-5 vote, with six abstentions, pushes the bill one step from Gov. Phil Murphy's desk. Senate approval is expected next week.
NJ could let 14-year-olds get vaccines without parental consent
A new bill would give minors in New Jersey the right to consent to vaccinations starting at age 14, regardless of whether their parents or guardians approve.
Plan to penalize pot possession with $50 ticket advances, shakily
Expungement of criminal records advanced easily. But vote on switching to civil fine for possession was shelved, revived, then advanced without discussion.
Marijuana legalization in NJ on hold until 2020 voter referendum
Marijuana will not be legalized for use by adults in New Jersey any time soon, with the idea now delayed until decided by a voter referendum in November 2020.
NJ close to ending ‘religious’ exemptions for vaccines
NJ's second measles outbreak in seven months may prompt the Legislature to tighten up New Jersey’s vaccination rules by eliminating religious exemptions.
‘Don’t Drive Intexticated’ — AAA likens phones in cars to DWI
AAA Mid-Atlantic on Monday kicked off a multi-year campaign designed to make cell phone use by drivers as socially unacceptable as drinking and driving.
Marijuana legalization could require 100 new growing sites in NJ
The state Health Department projects 2 million square feet of cultivation space would be needed to get adult-use recreational marijuana started.
Gas tax hike coming? Treasurer says no, sales trend says yes
Gasoline sales continue to decline in New Jersey, raising the possibility of another gas-tax hike this fall. The Murphy administration thinks it can be avoided.
NJ Health Dept. calls for rapid growth in medical pot dispensaries
New Jersey current has six medical marijuana ATCs, with six more now seeking permits. The state Health Department says 90 will be needed in three years.
‘No’ or ‘not yet?’ Legal pot backers renew push for vote ASAP
After missing Monday's self-imposed deadline for voting on marijuana legislation, Gov. Phil Murphy and lawmakers say talks will continue to tweak the bill.
Murphy highlights social justice in scramble for marijuana votes
Gov. Phil Murphy continued his search for enough votes to legalize marijuana by stressing it would erase hundreds of thousands of past convictions.
Should New Jersey add lots more places to buy alcohol?
An Assembly panel begins a series of hearings into whether to expand alcohol sales in New Jersey – at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and more.