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
‘False statement’ helped secure $2.4M tax break from New Jersey
The task force examining problems in New Jersey’s tax incentive programs detailed another round of issues at a hearing Thursday.
Relief in sight? NJT train engineers graduate, more in pipeline
By the end of next month, seven new engineers will join 12 others who finished training this year. Another six classes are behind them, 100+ trainees in all.
Green group sees red, flunks Legislature on environment scorecard
An environmental group’s biennial Senate and Assembly scorecard gives failing marks to the Legislature on a whole.
GOP keeps focus on Murphy saying NJ not for voters worried about taxes
Gov. Phil Murphy, as he's done before, says NJ wouldn't be the choice for those who care only about taxes. He says state is attractive due to other strengths.
NJ Transit, Amtrak start big upgrades at 4 stations on Northeast Corridor
New Jersey Transit and Amtrak are kicking off construction at Trenton, Princeton Junction, New Brunswick and Elizabeth train stations.
Expect Dems to win in Assembly, poll says (Trump, Murphy don’t matter)
FDU Poll finds an ordinary political environment heading into elections, which would likely yield a continuing, solid majority for Democrats.
Raritan Valley Line direct rides into NYC finally being restored
After a more than one-year absence, NJ Transit direct service to New York Penn Station will return for off-peak Raritan Valley Line trains on Nov. 4.
Lawsuit: NJ schools are illegally segregated
A hearing is scheduled for next week in state court in a desegregation lawsuit that could have monumental impacts on public education across New Jersey.
New Jersey’s annual bear hunt starts Monday
New Jersey’s annual bear hunt gets underway Monday, with neither sportsmen nor hunting opponents happy about its rules.
Murphy: Borrow $500M, raise water rates to replace lead lines
Gov. Phil Murphy endorsed having the state borrow $500 million to help pay to replace lead water service lines and remediate lead-based paint in homes.