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
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.
How They Voted: NJ Assembly Approves New Limits on Carrying Guns
After narrow approval in the Assembly, the legislation now awaits two additional votes in the Senate.
Latest NJ Privacy Push: Personal Data on Cars Being Resold
Jim Appleton, president of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers, said deleting customer information from a vehicle’s computer system is standard industry best practice – when car makers cooperate.
Good News (and a Little Bad) About NJ ANCHOR Property Tax Relief
New Jerseyans will have an additional month to apply for payments from the state’s new ANCHOR property tax relief program, and more renters are being made eligible.
NJ Wants More Renewable Energy — But Grid Needs Upgrades to Handle
Nine changes were recommended to the Board of Public Utilities. Four are now being proposed, while five more complex ideas need further debate first.
Time Runs Out for NJ Food Banks Now Covered By Plastic Bag Ban
The November 4th deadline for food banks to stop distributing plastic bags wasn't extended, but the state suggests that enforcement starts with 90-day warnings.
Record Streak for NJ Job Growth Snapped in October
Though the private sector added jobs, a loss in local government employment means New Jersey lost jobs overall for the first time in nearly two years.
Murphy Plan to Solve NJ School Mental Health Debate: Fund Both
The state will proceed with its switch to a new model for a school-linked mental health program – but for one year, keep funding the existing one, too.