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
Report: NJ students improving on tests, so don’t change too much
JerseyCAN calls widespread gains on state standardized tests evidence N.J. shouldn't step away from rigorous exams as it replaces what used to be called PARCC.
Labor backs Murphy, who blasts ‘voodoo math’ of lawmakers’ budget
Gov. Phil Murphy clung to his push to raise taxes on income exceeding $1 million Tuesday, despite opposition from Democratic legislative leaders.
Rape probe of Murphy administration inspires 10 proposed laws
A package of 10 bills moving in the Assembly resulted from months of oversight hearings into rape allegations mishandled by Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration.
Church says new bill unfairly treats some victims of sexual abuse
A bill seeks to clarify liability for public entities in sexual abuse lawsuits. Catholic Conference says it puts a tighter lid on monetary damages.
Lawmakers defy Murphy — no millionaires’ tax in this budget
Budget committee Democrats advance 2020 budget that spends slightly more than the governor had proposed and without the tax and fee hikes he proposed.
Lawmakers look to shield H.S. coaches from ‘overbearing’ parents
A bill moving in Trenton would provide head coaches of high school sports three-year contracts and spell out a process to follow to fire them or cut their pay.
NJ Senate advances reforms as thousands protest outside
While unions rallied against the Senate president's legislative plan, some of its less-controversial ideas related to state and county government advanced.
A look at 8 gun-control measures NJ lawmakers are considering
Advocates say the changes make a good set of laws stronger. Critics say they're aimed at law-abiding owners who aren't the problem.
Lawmakers look to extend biz tax breaks Murphy wants to replace
Lawmakers don't favor the economic plan Gov. Phil Murphy has pushed since October. They're eyeing a 7-month extension to allow more time to negotiate.
NJ, NY lawmakers eye new commission to oversee Gateway project
The Gateway Development Corporation would be expanded and empowered to accept funding, should it eventually materialize, for projects in new rail tunnel plan.