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
Women say misogyny rampant in NJ politics. Men, not so much.
A survey that asked people about sexual misconduct in New Jersey politics found harassment and misogyny is widespread.
Murphy cuts or delays $5B in spending — no tax hikes, yet
The state withdraws $850 million in planned spending increases, including $386 million in school aid and $132 million for NJ Transit.
NJ toll-road traffic ticks up; borrowing planned but not cuts
With traffic and revenue down due to the pandemic, the Turnpike Authority plans to refinance debt to defer payments but hasn’t yet reduced operating budgets.
NJGOP sues Murphy, calling business shutdowns unconstitutional
The lawsuit, which was filed in state Superior Court in Cape May County, said the state's shutdown orders violate equal protection and due process.
New jobless claims in NJ up but by the least amount in 9 weeks
Signs of stabilization: Initial claims fell to a nine-week low and continued claims declined – substantially, in fact – for the first time during the pandemic.
Democrats join GOP to say Murphy moving too slow to reopen NJ economy
Legislators from across the political spectrum say it's time - or past time - for the state to commit to dates for reopening businesses ordered to close.
Expect some doctors, dentists to shut down offices after COVID-19
Between extended closures and long-term fears and costs, it's possible that hundreds of medical and dental offices will close, industry representatives say.
NJ Senate plans hearing on COVID-19 ‘disaster’ at nursing homes
More than 5,400 people associated with New Jersey long-term care facilities have died in lab-confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19.
Groups urge tax hikes to narrow NJ’s $10B drop in revenue
Progressive groups say spending cuts can't be the only option for addressing shortfalls in New Jersey's current and upcoming budgets.
A plan for $1,000 COVID payments to immigrants illegally in NJ
A bill directs state to spend $35 million to provide up to $1,000 in cash assistance to immigrants who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.