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 Endorses Stronger Law Against Workplace Sexual Harassment
Gov. Phil Murphy endorsed new legislation Tuesday that would update the state’s laws against workplace sexual harassment for public and private employers.
Murphy Blasts Border Patrol’s Newark Deployment as ‘Politics’
Attorney General Gurbir Grewal says deployment of tactical units to some cities "creates a culture of fear that undermines public safety."
NJ Could Allow More Events at Farms, Wineries — Environmentalists Upset
A bill would allow preserved farms that aren’t in residential areas to hold up to 14 special occasion events a year. Those in residential areas could hold seven.
NJ Lawmakers Consider $50 a Month Cap on Insulin Prescriptions
Health benefits plans regulated by NJ would have to cap out-of-pocket costs for insulin prescriptions at $50/month under legislation that has taken first steps through the Senate and Assembly.
NJ Bail Reform Changes Possible for Strangulation Cases
A tweak under consideration at the Statehouse would presume that people charged with domestic violence by strangulation would be jailed until their trial.
Statue of NJ War Hero at U.S. Capitol May be Replaced by Suffragist
New Jersey would replace one of the state’s two statues at the U.S. Capitol with one of women’s rights activist and suffragist Alice Paul under a bill passed Monday by the state Senate.
11 Big Changes NJ Could Make to Boost Voter Participation
The NJ Institute for Social Justice identifies what it calls four barriers to “a robust, inclusive democracy” and recommends 11 changes it says can boost voter participation in the state.
Murphy on Coronavirus Prevention: Stay Informed, Wash Your Hands
Gov. Phil Murphy is encouraging people to call a toll-free hotline if they have questions about the deadly coronavirus that originated in China.
Step One, Again, for Banning Plastic Bags in New Jersey
State senators are recycling the plastic bag bill, making the proposed ban on carryout bags among the first major pieces of legislation to advance in new legislative session.
To Help NJ Shift Workers, Bill Seeks to End Schedule Surprises
Labor activists Thursday renewed their campaign for a state law guaranteeing more predictable work schedules for people employed by bigger businesses in four industries.