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
With prices rising for natural gas and electricity, proposed legislation would offer a tax break for homes that rely on those sources for heat.
Wait, how much? NJ Turnpike extension cost hits ‘astounding, absurd, shocking’ amount
More than 30 members of the public rip the spiraling cost for the proposed project at the monthly Turnpike Authority meeting.
Former top aide to NJ Senate president pleads guilty to fraud
Tony Teixeira admitted to a conspiracy to pad expenses charged to political committees affiliated with former Sen. Ray Lesniak.
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.
Good news (and a little bad) about NJ ANCHOR property tax relief
Fewer than half the expected recipients have applied in the program's first two months. The deadline was extended a month, and an ad campaign is coming.
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.