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
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.
NJ lawmakers target new Comcast fee for going over data limit
Cable and internet company says few customers exceed 1.2 TB threshold. Lawmakers says it's ill-timed when people are working and attending school at home.
NJ considers allowing COVID vaccines at dentists, eye doctors
Lawmakers look to expand access points to the COVID-19 vaccine. Skeptics worry about doses being wasted at individual offices as opposed to mega-sites.
NJ driver’s licenses for unauthorized immigrants to begin May 1
Motor Vehicle Commission amends its proposal to allow people to submit affidavits if they lack needed documents from IRS or Social Security Administration.
Plan advances to boost indoor capacity of NJ restaurants
An Assembly committee Wednesday endorsed a six-bill package aimed at helping restaurants and other small businesses.
Murphy’s 3rd State of the State: ‘We are who we said we’d be’
In pre-recorded message in an empty theater, Gov. Phil Murphy says policies such as minimum wage, paid sick leave and expanded family leave help in pandemic.
Outdoor dining plan approved again after Murphy veto
A week after an unexpected veto, lawmakers approve a revised plan for extending outdoor dining rules through November 2022.
NJ lawmakers move on new foreclosure bill – and fee to fund it
A proposed foreclosure prevention program would let the state HMFA or its contractors could purchase eligible properties or mortgage assets.
Murphy in strong position entering his re-election campaign
With a mostly united party and a major partisan edge in voter registration, Gov. Phil Murphy looks to be the first Democrat to win a second term in 44 years.
NJ’s new $14.5 billion economic plan enacted by Murphy
After just over a year and a half without a tax incentive program, a modified economic plan first pitched by Gov. Phil Murphy in 2018 is in place.
Legislature approves NJ’s plan for legalized marijuana
Rules for adult-use recreational marijuana, which voters green-lighted in a Nov. 3 referendum, now await Gov. Phil Murphy's signature.
No more quotas? Bill to stop rating NJ cops by arrest, ticket stats
Police union says ticket quotas are real and implemented through performance evaluations. A Senate bill would bar them.