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 bear hunt won’t start Monday, as judge blocks it for lawsuit
The bear hunt, scheduled two weeks ago, was set to start Dec. 5. Opponents say it is a misuse of the state's emergency rulemaking powers.
NJ sex offender’s defense: I can’t be guilty because I’m gay
A state appeals court has denied a bid to overturn a guilty plea from someone who says he couldn't have done the crime because of his sexuality.
Lawmakers eye plan for simple threat that kills 600 a year in NJ
Falls are the top cause of death from unintentional injury among those 60 and older and cause 55,000 ER visits and around $2 billion in health care costs.
NJ spending $25M preparing for America’s 250th birthday
An increase in heritages tourism is expected as the nation marks its semiquincentennial, and New Jersey played a big part in the Revolutionary War era.
Groups sue New Jersey seeking to block next week’s bear hunt
Animal protection activists opposed to the recent restoration of New Jersey’s bear hunt that kicks off on Monday have sued in an attempt to cancel it.
NJ investigating cop trainers after appearance by Fox News pundit
A New Jersey company says it's being targeted based on politics, after an Atlantic City conference featuring Tomi Lahren of Fox News.
Online gambling — near 45% of NJ gaming revenue — up for renewal
The 2013 law authorizing internet gambling in New Jersey expires next year. Another 10-year extension is before lawmakers now.
At last, independent review of NJ COVID response beginning
The state has hired a Philadelphia law firm and an outside management consulting group for a pandemic response review due by late 2023.
The richest and poorest counties in New Jersey, ranked
Federal data shows every county enjoyed income gains in 2021 to varying degrees, with one up 10% but some only about half that.
Winter tax break for NJ home heating fuels? Lawmakers float plan
With prices rising for natural gas and electricity, proposed legislation would offer a tax break for homes that rely on those sources for heat.
Wait, how much? NJ Turnpike extension cost hits ‘astounding, absurd, shocking’ amount
More than 30 members of the public rip the spiraling cost for the proposed project at the monthly Turnpike Authority meeting.
Former top aide to NJ Senate president pleads guilty to fraud
Tony Teixeira admitted to a conspiracy to pad expenses charged to political committees affiliated with former Sen. Ray Lesniak.