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
How toxic is NJ political climate for women? Survey aims to know
A workgroup focused on misogyny and sexual assault and harassment in New Jersey politics begins its work. One says men should be "very, very, very nervous."
‘Zack Alerts’ coming to NJ so public can help find hit-and-run drivers
Statewide Hit and Run Advisory Program, similar to Amber and Silver alerts for missing children and seniors, is signed into law.
Wave of new laws wraps NJ’s busiest Legislature since mid-1980s
Hope you like new laws: Including joint resolutions, Gov. Phil Murphy has signed the equivalent of one a day since taking office.
NJ Transit, water top lawmakers’ priorities for 2020 session
Democrats remain in control of the Legislature, though a little less firmly after Republicans gained three seats in the 2019 midterms.
N’s high property taxes keep rising — average is now $8,953
New Jersey’s average residential property tax bill grew at the fastest rate in three years in 2019, 2.1%, reaching $8,953.
Murphy’s 2020 priorities: Millionaires tax, NJ Transit strategic plan
Gov. Phil Murphy made a veiled reference to seeking re-election in a State of the State that promised details on an agenda for 2020 in the weeks ahead.
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.
NJ parents would get more say over student depression screenings
Legislation is back on track for approval that would have public schools screen students for depression yearly in grades 7 through 12.
To draw election map, NJ may count inmates in prior hometowns
Legislature advances bill allowing online voter registration, in addition to possible end of "prison-based gerrymandering."