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
A plan to force Costco to sell gas to anyone in New Jersey
Costco began limiting gas sales to members of the warehouse club in July in New Jersey, like it does elsewhere. Proposed legislation would bar that.
Gov. Murphy warns that NJ Transit fare hikes possible
In asking for an environmental impact study, the state says NJ Transit fare hikes would be considered due to the proposed tolls' impact on New Jersey traffic.
Chipotle exploiting underage workers? Pays huge big penalty to NJ
The restaurant chain is paying $7.75 million for having teens work too many hours and not providing required meal breaks.
How much NJ schools actually spend on teaching students: A rank of all districts
Total spending per pupil in New Jersey's public schools increased 7.1% during the 2020-21 school year to a statewide average of $24,543.
NJ would prohibit transgender health care for youth
Sen. Edward Durr says such prescriptions and surgeries are "nothing short of child abuse" and should be barred for people under 18 years old.
NJ, at last, offers guidance for managing marijuana in workplaces
Marijuana is legal for adults to use in New Jersey, so businesses attempting to keep a drug-free workplace can drug test only if a worker is impaired.
Expensive winter ahead: Natural gas rates going up in NJ
The Board of Public Utilities said world events drove the cost increase as they approved rate increases that take effect Oct. 1.
What to do if you were charged sales tax for tax-free school supplies in NJ
The state Treasury Department says if going back to the seller doesn't work, you can file a claim with the state to get your money back.
Why is NJ now testing students at the start of the year in September?
The state is again requiring schools to administer a test called Start Strong in September as a benchmark of what students retained from last year.
One year after Ida, added recovery funds slow to flow in NJ
Additional federal recovery funds were greenlighted by the federal government in May, but those programs are still months away from being in place.