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
Upgrades Enacted for NJ Unemployment, But You’ll Have to Wait
Legislation motivated by the frustrating backlog for unemployment benefits during the pandemic was signed into law Thursday by Gov. Phil Murphy.
Online Gambling in NJ May Be Causing Serious Problems With Young Men, Boys
Gambling and addiction experts warn sports betting and other online access is attracting more underage bettors in New Jersey.
NJ Wants to Help You Start a Marijuana Business
The Cannabis Training Academy, funded through sales tax revenue from recreational marijuana sales, will roll out its free 10-week course in 2023.
How Many Abortions in NJ? A Look at Numbers After Supreme Court Overturned Roe
There was a small increase in the number of abortions in New Jersey during the first two months after the Supreme Court invalidated the federal assurance of abortion rights, returning the decision to the states.
Gov. Murphy Scolds GOP For ‘Racial’ Focus on Crime, Which He Says is Down in NJ
Hours before the shootings of two Newark police officers, Gov. Phil Murphy said violent crime, shootings and murders are down 15% to 30% in 2022.
Top NJ Election Official: Beware Text Messages Trying to Trick You
New Jersey is the latest in a series of states to warn about inaccurate information in unsolicited texts from a group called Voting Futures.
Enrollment Doubled — The 10 Fastest-growing School Systems in NJ
Five school districts in New Jersey have more than doubled their enrollment between 2001-02 and 2021-22. See how your district has changed.
Senator to Murphy on COVID Vaccine Mandate For Schools: Don’t Go There
A CDC panel wants the agency to recommend that states add the COVID-19 vaccine to the recommended list of immunizations needed to attend school.
NJ Proposal to Ban Subscriptions For Features Already Built into Cars
Legislation awaiting a hearing in the state Assembly would ban car manufacturers and dealers from offering in-car subscriptions for features already built into the vehicle.
Landmark Approvals For First NJ Recreational Marijuana Businesses
So far, adult-use cannabis is only sold through medical dispensaries. The first recreational-only businesses now have approvals for operating licenses.