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
Murphy urged to end NJ Transit, clean energy fund diversions
Gov. Phil Murphy unveils his 2022 state budget blueprint Tuesday. Progressive activists hope it curbs some chronic fund diversions.
Menendez introduces comprehensive immigration reform bill
Legislation seeks to deliver on President Joe Biden's promises on the issue. It includes an eight-year path to citizenship for 11 million people.
Freeze lifted on medical marijuana dispensary licensing in NJ
Appeals court lifts stay issued in late 2019 that blocked the health deapartment from reviewing ATC plans after disqualified applicants had objected.
Pot mess: Marijuana legalization cleanup ends without deal
With lawmakers and Gov. Phil Murphy unable to agree on changes, Murphy will now have to either sign or veto bills put on his desk two months ago.
Bill ending mandatory minimums now covers all nonviolent crimes
Proposal endorsed by Senate committee still includes official misconduct, a corruption charge that led to misgivings when it was first added to the reform.
How has remote work gone during pandemic? NJ may do a study
Nearly a year into New Jersey’s forced experiment with widespread remote work from home, the Legislature is considering a study into how it has gone.
Latest bid to complete pot legalization drops fines for minors
The so-called 'cleanup' bill is due for votes Tuesday and Thursday in the Legislature, though some key details were still being finalized.
Senate to vote on cutting aid to towns that don’t share services
Shared services to reduce spending is seen as one way to relieve some of the pressure on New Jersey's tops-in-the-nation property tax bills.
NJ lawmakers eye nearly half-billion in COVID recovery grants
Social services providers, small businesses and not-for-profits would be eligible for help if latest wave of pandemic help makes it into law.
NJ electricity supply prices mostly steady into mid-2022
PSE&G costs for the average home are forecast to rise $3.65 a month. For other providers, the change is tiny, ranging from 29 cents to a drop of 59 cents.