Michael Symons

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.

The richest and poorest counties in New Jersey, ranked

Federal data shows every county enjoyed income gains in 2021 to varying degrees, with one up 10% but some only about half that.

Audit finds NJ city overpaying for health benefits, sick leave

An insurance broker didn't correctly calculate the savings from joining the state's health plan. The comptroller says there's a built-in conflict.

NJ court affirms: You don’t have to be driving to be busted for DWI

New Jersey courts have ruled on the drunk-driving topic many times before but continue to receive appeals.

More warehouses are taking over NJ farms — Could laws stop them?

An Assembly panel is examining the issue of warehouse development in rural areas. It is considering a bill but says it won't rush.

NJ bear hunt won’t start Monday, as judge blocks it for lawsuit

The bear hunt, scheduled two weeks ago, was set to start Dec. 5. Opponents say it is a misuse of the state's emergency rulemaking powers.

NJ sex offender’s defense: I can’t be guilty because I’m gay

A state appeals court has denied a bid to overturn a guilty plea from someone who says he couldn't have done the crime because of his sexuality.

Lawmakers eye plan for simple threat that kills 600 a year in NJ

Falls are the top cause of death from unintentional injury among those 60 and older and cause 55,000 ER visits and around $2 billion in health care costs.

NJ spending $25M preparing for America’s 250th birthday

An increase in heritages tourism is expected as the nation marks its semiquincentennial, and New Jersey played a big part in the Revolutionary War era.

Groups sue New Jersey seeking to block next week’s bear hunt

Animal protection activists opposed to the recent restoration of New Jersey’s bear hunt that kicks off on Monday have sued in an attempt to cancel it.

NJ investigating cop trainers after appearance by Fox News pundit

A New Jersey company says it's being targeted based on politics, after an Atlantic City conference featuring Tomi Lahren of Fox News.