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
Murphy says NJ schools can’t reopen safely without mask mandate
Gov. Phil Murphy says masks will be required in all schools in New Jersey because of the “recent and rampant spread” of the coronavirus delta variant.
Sweeney: NJ schools need more money for COVID ventilation fixes
Although schools have gotten nearly $2.5 billion in the latest federal coronavirus recovery law, officials tell lawmakers they need more aid for HVAC work.
NJ landlords lose challenge to Murphy’s COVID order on rents
Early in the pandemic, Gov. Phil Murphy issued an executive order letting tenants pay rent using their security deposits, which ordinarily isn't allowed.
NJ adds 13,600 jobs in May – but still down 314,000 in pandemic
At the rate jobs have been added so far in 2021, it would take until the end of 2023 to recover pandemic-era losses. But things might speed up going forward.
Salary and pension? Bill lets retired teachers return to work
In anticipation of a teacher shortage, the Senate endorses a bill allowing retired teachers to go back to work for two years while collecting their pension.
Betting on in-state college sports in NJ? Voters likely to decide
Sports betting in New Jersey includes collegiate sports – but not on Jersey-based college teams or NCAA games played in the state.
MVC considering putting kiosks in municipal buildings
Many transactions can be done online, though some people lack access or find that challenging. Eventually, the tech shift could lead to job reductions.
‘Stand by what we did': NJ defends COVID cases in nursing homes
More than 8,000 COVID deaths are linked to nursing homes in New Jersey. Health commissioner says the directives were clear and were understood by most.
With $6.4B in COVID aid coming, here come the spending ideas
Unauthorized immigrants, small businesses, housing programs and schools among the topics addressed at the Legislature's first fiscal 2022 budget hearing.
COVID-19 drives NJ’s death rate to highest level in 75 years
Not since the end of World War II has New Jersey's death rate been as high as in 2020, a year when more than 1% of residents died for first time since 1953.
NJ could let parents decide if kids repeat grade due to pandemic
Parents would have until June 1 to decide their school-age children are going to repeat their current grade, under a bill advanced Tuesday by a Senate panel.
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.