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.

Who drives electric cars? The places in NJ with the most EVs

And all counties in New Jersey, ranked by their share of electric vehicles - which now account for more than 1 of every 100 cars in the state.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.