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 Murphy squares being Catholic with signing NJ abortion law
A bill codifying abortion rights as state law in New Jersey was signed Thursday at a ceremony in Teaneck.
Hopeful signs that omicron COVID surge in NJ may be easing
The 7-day average in lab-reported cases has dropped 12% from its Monday peak. Hospitalizations also dropped in Thursday's report.
Audit finds Monmouth commissioners improperly gave selves raises
An investigation by the state comptroller finds Monmouth Board of Commissioners didn't follow state law in raising salaries for themselves and county sheriff.
More than 480,000 acres off NJ to be leased for wind power
New Jersey and New York plan to work together on a regional cluster for developing a supply chain for America's offshore wind industry.
NJ finances get another positive outlook, though not an upgrade
Another credit rating agency has improved its outlook for New Jersey’s finances, ahead of next month’s introduction of the next proposed state budget.
Murphy wants prescription drug prices in NJ on 2022 agenda
In a State of the State that was mostly a four-year retrospective, Murphy called for tackling prescription drug affordability and gun measures this year.
New leaders, new lawmakers as NJ Legislature begins new session
The positions of Senate president, Senate majority leader and Senate and Assembly minority leader each change hands for the first time in 10 years or more.
Murphy again declares COVID public health emergency in NJ
With his pandemic powers and directives set to expire at day's end, Gov. Phil Murphy renewed them by again declaring a public health emergency in the state.
NJ Legislature passes abortion bill, Murphy will sign this week
The bill codifying abortion rights was passed mostly along party lines, except for one Democrat opposed and one Republican in favor.
Lawmakers let all Murphy’s pandemic orders lapse over mask issue
A scheduled vote to extend many of Gov. Phil Murphy's pandemic orders was canceled after he said he'll continue a school mask mandate that's not in the bill.