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
Billions in wagers: The top places to gamble in NJ
Casinos, racetracks and their sports betting partners reported $4.3 billion in gaming revenue in 2022, through October. A breakdown of where it's spent.
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
Lawmakers consider requiring car dealers to reset a car's computer systems before selling or leasing a previously driven vehicle.
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.
Record streak for New Jersey 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.
Time runs out for NJ food banks now covered by plastic bag ban
The Nov. 4 deadline for food banks to stop distributing plastic bags wasn't extended, but the state suggests that enforcement start with 90-day warnings.
The 10 school districts in NJ with biggest loss of students
Around two-thirds of school districts in New Jersey are going through enrollment declines. See which are down most and check your district here.
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.
NJ seeing a problem with more kids getting diet and muscle pills
Lawmakers and advocates say the change is needed to address an increase in body image issues leading to eating disorders.
Are your cops biased or corrupt? NJ to expand public reports on discipline
Police departments in New Jersey will have to disclose more information about serious misconduct by their officers starting in 2023.
Vote restores NJ bear hunt, sets its December 2022 start date
Dozens of opponents turned out at the meeting of the Fish and Game Council, which voted unanimously to restore the annual hunt.
NJ concealed-carry gun bill rewritten to gain key endorsements
With changes to ensure that retired officers aren't affected, police unions now back the proposed legislation.