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
‘Huge increase in taxes’ looming in NJ because of health benefits
Lawmakers and local officials say the state needs to find money to sidestep nearly 23% increases in premiums for local workers in the state's health plan.
Investigative agency finds big problems at NJ drug rehab centers
Patient brokering, double billing, rigged drug tests. The State Commission of Investigation says the addiction treatment industry is rife with issues.
NJ freezes some property tax bills: Top 10 towns gaining (or melting) the most
Senior Freeze application deadline is on Oct. 31. Income eligibility thresholds have been raised, but participation remains down. More changes may be coming.
NJ gambling addicts charged with crimes could get help, not jail
New Jersey lawmakers are considering a gambling treatment diversion court, similar to one established in Nevada.
Former NJ women’s prison officer indicted on inmate rape charge
Former senior corrections officer Tyrell Harris-McLaughlin of Jersey City faces 5 to 10 years in prison on the most serious charges.
Grocery stores ask that NJ bag rules not be changed for home delivery
A Senate committee advanced a plan to allow paper bags and other options for home delivery, rather than reusable bags, for three years.
At last, major Hoboken, NJ train station area redevelopment to begin
NJ Transit selected the developer in 2005, but the reinvention of the ferry terminal and accompanying apartment and office tower has been long delayed.
New Jersey records one of nation’s biggest spikes in poverty
Census Bureau estimates show the number of New Jerseyans in poverty climbed by more than 132,000 between 2019 and 2021, with median income down.
Federal report finds bad news for New Jersey economy
After seven straight quarters of recovery and growth following the pandemic lockdowns of 2020, the New Jersey economy shrunk in the spring of 2022.
Some schools lock up students in ‘quiet rooms’ — NJ may start tracking that
Critics say data collection and parent notification are only a first step and that to protect students with disabilities, a ban would be better.