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
Taxpayers in these NJ towns pay the greatest share for their schools
Statewide, local property taxes pay for about half of what schools spend. But it varies significantly, over 80% in some places and under 10% in others.
What would you change at Newark Penn? NJ Transit wants to know
Through $191 million in the new state budget, work is underway on what could be $480 million in modernization and repairs to Newark Penn Station.
NJ tax rebates: How much relief do you really get? A town-by-town look
The ANCHOR rebates in the new budget seek to revive a program that has shrunk its number of beneficiaries by more than 80% from its peak 15 years ago.
Report issued on NYC toll plan; public hearings in two weeks
An assessment of the congestion pricing proposal finds it would achieve its goals: reducing traffic up to 20% while raising funds for the transit system.
NJ senator likens teachers union fact-check campaign to Soviet secret police
Sen. Ed Durr takes issue with the New Jersey Education Association's Center for Honesty in Education. The union says some people feel threatened by the truth.
Can progressive crime policies make NJ safer? Murphy nominee thinks so
The Senate Judiciary Committee interviewed and endorsed acting Attorney General Matthew Platkin to have the Cabinet position on a permanent basis.
Marijuana is legal in NJ but could cost gun owners
Marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under federal law and could jeopardize federal gun permits and screenings, even where states have legalized it.
Jersey City, NJ hit-and-run councilwoman also fled a vet bill
A judge ordered the wages of Councilwoman Amy DeGise be garnished to cover a nearly $3,000 unpaid bill from a Paramus veterinarian.
Once a penny apart, gas in NJ now much more than U.S. average
The trend has been shared across Northeast states due to recent unusually high prices for reformulated gasoline, which must be sold through Sept. 15.
Push for NJ car theft crackdown on ring organizers, teen thieves
The spike in car thefts in New Jersey in 2021 has continued through the first half of 2022.