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
Ban advances on plastic bags, Styrofoam in NJ – paper bags, too
Plastic straws would survive, though only available by request. Supermarkets would be required for to give out reusable bags for free for two months.
Voters, not lawmakers, to decide marijuana legalization in 2020
Marijuana legalization still lacks the votes needed to pass the Senate, so it'll be decided as a constitutional amendment in the 2020 election.
NJ on verge of cutting back driver’s license suspensions for crimes
Mandatory license suspensions for things unrelated to unsafe driving would end. It would be discretionary in some matters, including unpaid child support.
Ban on flavored vapes, menthol cigarettes in NJ advances
Package of bills also increases fines for illegal sales, increases vape-shop licensing fees and hikes taxes on consumers.
NJ may act soon to reduce jail terms for drug, property crimes
Major changes could be coming to criminal sentencing in New Jersey, under recommendations by a state commission that are endorsed by top state officials.
Task force, Murphy call for ban on flavored vapes in New Jersey
Panel also calls for restricting online sales, increasing penalties for stores and employee who sell to people under 21 & a possible ban on menthol cigarettes.
Most of NJ for action against plastic bags & straws, poll says
Nearly two-thirds of New Jerseyans back a ban on plastic bags, though support drops when asked about the details. A slim majority would ban plastic straws.
NJ task force spends hours on question of banning vape flavors
A task force appointed by Gov. Phil Murphy heard more than three hours of testimony for and against a sweeping crackdown on electronic cigarettes.
Plan advances to ban cigarette sales at NJ pharmacies
Legislation endorsed by the Senate health committee would impact retailers such as supermarkets that have pharmacies, as well as stand-alone pharmacies.
Free beaches for NJ teens? Yes, if lawmakers get their way
Beach badge season is over for 2019 – and if some lawmakers get their way, might never return for most teenagers in some Shore towns.
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.
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.