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
New NJ law: Landlords can’t ask applicants about criminal records
Gov. Phil Murphy signs the bill into law at a Paterson church as part of marking the first observation of Juneteenth as a state and federal holiday.
Proposed state task force would scrutinize youth sports in NJ
From abusive coaches and parents to bullying by players to unscrupulous team and league organizers, the panel would have a wide range of focus.
To help summer economy, NJ may let teens work 50 hours a week
State lawmakers have an idea for easing the labor crunch: Let 16- and 17-year-olds work overtime this summer.
NJ veterans’ homes reforms advance, with one key bill excluded
In response to the devastation caused by COVID-19 at veterans' homes, a package of eight bills is advancing toward final legislative approval this month.
NJ may speed up college athletes endorsement law to this July
The 'name, image and likeness' law enacted last year for New Jersey college athletes was timed to take effect in 2025. A new bill moves it to July 1, 2021.
‘We need to see': Bills advance seeking police in NJ hate groups
Assemblywoman Angela McKnight says need for bills became apparent after off-duty police took part in Capitol protest turned riot in January.
NJ may let police see bodycam video before filing initial reports
Assembly panel unanimously endorses the change, despite objections from reform groups. It wouldn't apply in some cases, including deaths and serious injury.
Congressman suggests NJ pay back-to-work bonuses with federal aid
U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer says unemployed people should be given $500 incentives if they have a job by Aug. 1 and keep it at least into September.
NJ may drop need for parent permission for student health surveys
Parents could still opt their child out of anonymous surveys about substance use and sexual behavior, but their active permission may no longer be needed.
NJ programs may start helping cover costs of medical marijuana
PAAD, Senior Gold, Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund and Victims of Crime Compensation Office would cover or share costs for patients' cannabis.
NJ municipalities push for more say over local marijuana rules
Cities and towns have been blocking dispensaries, some awaiting final rules from the state. They also want power to set stricter regulations than the state.
Regulators consider how potent to allow marijuana edibles in NJ
Except for one research scientist, a parade of advocates urged the state to allow high-potency edibles and concentrates to be sold at New Jersey dispensaries.