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 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.
EMTs added to bill improving pensions for ill 9/11 volunteers
Legislation making police and firefighters who got sick volunteering at Ground Zero eligible for accidental disability pensions gets amended to include EMTs.
Pot half full: Legislature OK’s expungement, delays on medical
Senate and Assembly approve a plan to make it easier to erase past criminal convictions. They're looking at possible changes to medical marijuana bill.
Murphy called this bill unconstitutional. Now he’ll sign it
Legislators expected to override Murphys threatened veto.
Senate to vote on pushing NJ Transit for Raritan Valley Line upgrade
Off-peak direct trains into NYC have been suspended since September. A bill directs NJ Transit to study what it would take to make such service full-time.
Immigrants who are legal but not permanent could get NJ tuition
State lawmakers give initial approval to bill directing colleges to charge in-state tuition to children of high-skilled immigrants with H-1B work visas.
NJ extends high school graduation options through Class of 2022
Graduation rules in place for the current senior and junior classes will be extended to all current high school students, keeping tests like the SAT an option.