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 Tax Collections Plunge by Billions – But That’s OK, State Says
The state collected $3.282 billion in revenue in May – a nearly 39% plunge, or $2.072 billion.
NJ Considers ‘Microstamping’ Requirement for All New Guns
Microstamping technology that helps police trace bullets back to guns would be required in New Jersey, but the bill hasn't gotten a hearing.
NJ Senate Panel Votes for Plan to Sue Gun Industry for Damages
State senators voted Monday to advance one part of the latest gun-reform package advocated by Gov. Phil Murphy, a bill that would allow the attorney general to sue gun makers and retailers for damages for endangering public health and safety.
No More Aliens, No More Inmates? NJ May Rewrite its Laws
"Illegal aliens" could be on their way out of New Jersey’s laws, replaced by "undocumented foreign nationals," under a bill advanced Monday by a Senate committee.
NJ Considers Creating Entirely New Department to Deal With Children
New Jersey might consolidate services for youth from across the government, ranging from pregnancy through age 8, in a new state Department of Early Childhood.
How NJ Wants to Make it Easier for Teens to Get Working Papers
Amy Wagner, of Ocean City, a parent of two teens who has been helping them with working papers since 2017, says the state’s current law is among the most restrictive in the country, out-of-date and very cumbersome.
NJ Motor Vehicles Chief Leaving for Federal Job, But Not One She Wanted
The head of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission will be appointed to a Department of Veterans Affairs leadership post, after the U.S. Senate refused to confirm her for the Pentagon job for which she was originally nominated, according to a published report.
‘Never been so challenged': NJ Lawmakers Meet on School Safety
Threat assessment teams would be required in every school district, under one of the bills that advanced. It was actually a combined bill that also folded in a proposal requiring in-service training for school employees on safety and security.
Reruns and Sequels: NJ’s 2022 House Races are Set
Four of the 12 House races are 2020 rematches. And the two candidates most likely to join the congressional delegation are sons of famous politicians.
‘400 years of oppression’ Should Affect NJ Renewable Energy Policy, Advocates Argue
New reports forecast $34 billion in economic activity and an average of 11,000 jobs per year through 2050 – and urge action to ensure a diverse workforce.