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
Sorry, Class of 2023: NJ’s high school graduation test returns
The State Board of Education approves the New Jersey State Graduation Proficiency Assessment, mandatory for 11th graders, to be given in March.
Ciattarelli: No NJ mask, vaccine mandates – or sales tax on masks
Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli visited New Jersey 101.5 for an hour-long interview Thursday.
NJ expands Ida recovery grants for small business to cover Henri
Applications for grants of up to $5,000 will be available Friday, Sept. 17. They'll be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
NJ to restart study of options for often-flooded Rahway River
Projects could protect Cranford, Millburn, Rahway and Springfield. Study got underway in 2016 but was sidelined about two years ago.
Despite money in bank, NJ now pays interest on unemployment loan
Not only will employers soon pay higher payroll taxes, but now the state is paying interest to the federal government on the loan it has to pay jobless benefits.
House ethics panel looking at stock trades of NJ’s Tom Malinowski
The House Ethics Committee says it will announce its course of action regarding stock-trade disclosures by U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski on or before Oct. 21.
Biden calls Ida damage in NJ ‘incredible’ after touring Manville
The president met officials in Hillsborough and families in Manville and says the damage caused by Ida underscores need to improve America's infrastructure.
COVID index already higher, but CALI less crucial for NJ schools
COVID-19 Activity Level Index, or CALI, scores will still be calculated but will determine COVID screening testing levels rather than school closures.
NJ plans $10 million in grants to small businesses damaged by Ida
The grants, in amounts up to $5,000, will be reimbursements for August rent or mortgage payments. It's a first step in advance of expected federal help.
As NJ recovers from ‘Waterworld,’ enviros call for climate action
From spending on more resilient infrastructure to rethinking development patterns, environmentalists say there are ways to respond to frequent flooding.