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 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 heritage tourism is expected as the nation marks its semiquincentennial and New Jersey played a big part in the Revolutionary War era.
Groups Sue NJ Seeking to Block Next Week’s Bear Hunt
Groups opposed to the recent restoration of New Jersey’s bear hunt that kicks off on Monday have sued in a last-minute 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.
At Last, Independent Review of NJ COVID Response Beginning
The long-promised independent review of how New Jersey’s state government handled the COVID-19 pandemic is getting underway, Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday.
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.
Winter Tax Break For NJ Home Heating Fuels? Lawmakers Float Plan
A newly proposed bill would exempt natural gas and electricity for New Jersey residential customers from sales taxes during the winter.
Former Top Aide to NJ Senate President Pleads Guilty to Fraud
A Democratic political operative who until last month served as chief of staff to Senate President Nick Scutari pleaded guilty Monday to defrauding campaigns and political action committees.
These are NJ Gamblers’ Favorite Places to Wager Billions, Ranked By Revenue
New Jersey casinos, racetracks, and their sports-betting partners have reported more than $4.3 billion in gaming revenue in the first 10 months of 2022.