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
NJ attorney general calls rise in reported bias incidents ‘a crisis’
Murphy administration creates task force on youth bias in response to report showing bias incidents on the rise in New Jersey.
Lt. Gov. Oliver: Employers that steal wages ‘no longer welcome’ in NJ
New Jersey is toughening its law against wage theft. Business group says it criminalizes inadvertent mistakes.
3 new NJ laws to combat gun violence — but not through gun control
They come in the wake of mass shootings in Texas and Ohio.
‘Aid in Dying’ law for NJ’s terminally ill takes effect this week
Access to willing doctors and the cost for prescriptions are among the uncertainties as New Jersey's physician-assisted suicide law begins Aug. 1.
Salary history questions banned in NJ in interest of equal pay
Starting early next year, employers in New Jersey can no longer ask prospective workers about their salary history.
Help button added to property tax bills, promoting relief programs
A new add will require a web address to be added to yearly property tax bills, encouraging homeowners to see if they're eligible for direct relief programs.
Four new NJ gun laws, including revamped push for ‘smart guns’
Gov. Phil Murphy signed four new gun laws, adding to what the Giffords Law Center already ranks as the second-strongest set of laws among the 50 states.
A guide to fair elections? A plan for redistricting in NJ
Academics from five universities are recommending ways to improve how New Jersey redraws the boundaries of its 40 legislative districts after the census.
Ocean County prepares to sue NJ over immigration rules
Ocean County freeholders direct their counsel to research a federal lawsuit challenging limits on voluntary assistance by New Jersey law enforcement.
Medical marijuana will be easier to get — even home delivery
Patients can soon buy more medical marijuana more each month, with eventual home delivery. The sales tax will fade away, though local taxes may be coming.