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
Next year’s school aid: Two-thirds gain funds, one-third lose
Overall, formula aid to schools is increasing by $578 million. The winning districts share $770 million more, while others lose a combined $192 million.
Murphy budget boosts state spending 11%, avoids new tax hikes
Gov. Phil Murphy proposes a $44.8 billion budget for fiscal 2022, fueled by a surplus propped up by borrowing, that includes no new tax or fee increases.
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.
Teen drivers may need 50 hours practice driving for NJ license
The change in state law was recommended in 2007 but hasn't been enacted. All but three states have practice driving mandates.
NJ lawmakers target new Comcast fee for going over data limit
Cable and internet company says few customers exceed 1.2 TB threshold. Lawmakers says it's ill-timed when people are working and attending school at home.
NJ considers allowing COVID vaccines at dentists, eye doctors
Lawmakers look to expand access points to the COVID-19 vaccine. Skeptics worry about doses being wasted at individual offices as opposed to mega-sites.
Plan advances to boost indoor capacity of NJ restaurants
An Assembly committee Wednesday endorsed a six-bill package aimed at helping restaurants and other small businesses.
Outdoor dining plan approved again after Murphy veto
A week after an unexpected veto, lawmakers approve a revised plan for extending outdoor dining rules through November 2022.
Legislature approves NJ’s plan for legalized marijuana
Rules for adult-use recreational marijuana, which voters green-lighted in a Nov. 3 referendum, now await Gov. Phil Murphy's signature.
No more quotas? Bill to stop rating NJ cops by arrest, ticket stats
Police union says ticket quotas are real and implemented through performance evaluations. A Senate bill would bar them.
The barber of any street: NJ could allow shops on wheels
A bill advancing in the Legislature would allow for mobile barbershops and hair salons.
Compromise on pot legalization on track for Thursday approval
Latest and last group of amendments includes a cap on growers through 2022 and leaves business groups unhappy about workplace testing plans.