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
‘Disturbing’ that NJ Lacks Plan for Pop-up Parties, Senator Says
A South Jersey senator said the state needs a comprehensive plan for dealing with pop-up parties promoted on social media like the one in Wildwood over the weekend in which two people died.
Gov. Murphy Warns NJ Transit Fare Hikes Possible
The Murphy administration says NJ Transit fare hikes are possible if New York is allowed to proceed with current plans for congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan’s central business district.
Need to Call the NJ MVC? Help May Be On the Way
With the state Motor Vehicle Commission all-in on steering drivers toward online transactions, state lawmakers want to force it to have a better call center for those needing help.
People in NJ are Suing Walmart Over Drug Testing
Walmart faces a potential class-action lawsuit in New Jersey after a Gloucester County resident says he lost a job offer after testing positive for marijuana, which is now legal for recreational use by adults.
NJ Might Allow Electronic License Plates That You Can Customize
Is there nothing that can’t get a tech upgrade? Lawmakers are advancing a plan to allow for digital license plates on vehicles in New Jersey.
NJ Could Soon Be Seizing and Destroying Obnoxious ‘Boom cars’
"Boom cars" carrying souped-up sound systems that blast music heard through neighborhoods could be seized and destroyed, under new legislation developed by a group of Democratic lawmakers from South Jersey.
NJ Would Prohibit Transgender Health Care For Youth
Minors in New Jersey would be prohibited from receiving irreversible treatments and surgeries that would change their sex, prevent or delay puberty or result in sterilization, under a bill proposed Thursday by state Sen. Edward Durr.
Murphy Doubles Down on NJ’s Future Offshore Wind Plans
Gov. Phil Murphy upped New Jersey’s target for deriving power from offshore wind by nearly 50% Wednesday, in an announcement made as part of Climate Week.
Chipotle Pays Big Penalty to NJ For Child Labor Law Violations
Chipotle Mexican Grill will pay $7.75 million to resolve widespread violations of New Jersey’s child labor laws, the state announced Tuesday.
NJ Might Let You Look Up Arrest Warrants on Public Database
New Jersey might create a statewide database of arrest warrants available to the public, though the idea concerns criminal-justice and immigration reform groups nervous it would be abused.