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
Towns, businesses huddle on ways to save downtowns from COVID
Municipal leaders worry about widespread commercial vacancies, and loss of property tax revenue, as the recession leads to permanent business closures.
State parks privatization to be explored under new NJ budget
Language in the three-month budget enacted Tuesday directs the DEP to seek ideas for "cultural, recreational and local economic opportunities" in state parks.
No new programs, taxes, fees in short-term budget sent to Murphy
The $7.7 billion in spending will keep the state operating through September. Big decisions about cuts, taxes and borrowing are due over the next three months.
Legislature votes for Black Lives Matter Day, Juneteenth holiday
Senate votes to create a June 19 state holiday. Assembly votes to commemorate Black Lives Matter each July 13. Neither bill has yet made it to Gov. Phil Murphy.
Stronger than the SARS-CoV-2? Tourism industry seeks NJ ad blitz
Travel and tourism industries say New Jersey should spend as much as $75 million from its federal COVID-19 funds on ad campaigns urging visits to the state.
NJ school buildings to reopen in September, with major changes
It seems unrealistic for most schools to have all students in attendance and meet social distancing rules. Hybrid approach with some virtual learning likely.
Stopgap NJ budget advances, delaying painful choices until fall
Senate and Assembly are expected at the Statehouse Monday, for first time since March, for voting sessions that include a 3-month, $7.7 billion spending plan.
Assembly panel focuses on COVID’s toll on oft-overlooked disabled
One-third of residents in NJ’s developmental centers have contracted COVID-19, and 173 people in those centers or other settings have died.
NJ legislation stalls on giving ‘COVID credit’ to trim prison terms
Public health emergency credits would knock a year off most inmates' terms, making thousands eligible for immediate release. A planned vote was delayed.
Child-care centers say recovery at risk as they face closures
New Jersey's child care industry needs state or federal help to avoid collapse, business owners and policy analysts told an Assembly committee.