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
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.
Is RU football a waste of money? A call to investigate spending by NJ colleges
After a report about huge bills for DoorDash deliveries for the Rutgers football team, a bill seeks an office that would focus on higher education spending.
Cruel Summer: Temps Topped 90 degrees in NJ Prisons Without AC
Nearly one-third of New Jersey's state inmates live in prison housing without air conditioning. Around 3,000 correctional officers work in those units.
Wawa Pays NJ $2.5M to Settle Credit Card Data Breach
Hackers got access to credit card data for as many as 34 million transactions in six states and D.C. in 2019, both in Wawa stores and at its fuel pumps.
Two more NJ towns add mental health screeners to police response
On two shifts a week, cops in Elizabeth and Linden will be joined by mental health screeners in responding to 911 calls for behavioral health crises.
For first time in 10 weeks, new COVID cases increasing in NJ
With Tuesday's update from the state, New Jersey’s 7-day average of new lab-detected COVID infections was 20% higher than it has been a week earlier.
Former NJ trooper who stalked female motorist gets year in prison
After letting the woman go with a warning after a motor vehicle stop, Michael Patterson followed her to make a second unwarranted stop, then followed her home.
Despite Raising Pay, Majority of NJ Businesses Say Hiring Difficult in New Survey
The 63rd annual business outlook survey by the NJBIA finds more businesses plan to expand hiring in 2022 than did in 2021.
New NJ Law Ends Arrest, Ticket Quota Data when Evaluating Cops
Ticket and arrest quotas were already barred in New Jersey, though such data could still be used as part of a performance evaluation – but not anymore.
NJ Supreme Court: Details on disciplined cops can be released
Unanimous ruling upholds Attorney General Gurbir Grewal directives making public names and summaries of major discipline. A judge will decide on past cases.
NJ may require all teachers get training on remote learning
Assembly panel advances bills requiring training on remote learning for teaching candidates and professional development for current teachers.
3 officers charged with brutal beatings at NJ women’s prison
Three correctional officers were charged with official misconduct in connection with a January incident, and authorities say more arrests are likely.