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
NJ’s lofty COVID-19 goal: Vaccinate 70% of the population
Health officials have been working for a few months on a distribution plan for an eventual vaccine to protect against COVID-19.
No respite for drivers: Tolls rise Sunday, gas tax in three weeks
Transportation advocates worry a hike in NJ Transit fares could be next and say the state should divert toll-hike revenue rather than widen roads.
Shortages of supplies and staff add to schools’ reopening stress
After a summer of ever-changing guidance, first days of schools in some towns are being pushed online or complicated by a lack of personnel or gear.
Vote-by-mail changes to expand in 2021 with more drop boxes
Democratic lawmakers vote to codify in law Gov. Phil Murphy's 2020 election rules, which are being challenged in court by President Donald Trump's campaign.
New bill: No license needed after passing road test during COVID
New drivers who face a backlog in getting their license would be allowed to drive once they pass the road test until two months after the MVC surge subsides.
NJ lawmakers push against calls for all-virtual schools in fall
NJEA says COVID-19 will inevitably spread in reopened schools and that decision-makers who ignore that research will be culpable if deaths result.
NJ may screen students for depression – but will help follow?
Some education groups and parents ask: What good is a depression screening if schools and the overall mental health system lack the resources to help?
Reopen schools or keep them virtual? Poll finds NJ unsure
FDU finds 46% say schools should reopen with appropriate protective measures, 42% support online learning until a COVID-19 treatment or vaccine is available.
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.
NJ motor vehicle agencies closed since mid-March ready to reopen
After nearly three months in which its doors were closed, during which some transactions continued, the NJMVC’s reopening date will be announced Friday.
Over 120,000 new claims for jobless benefits filed in NJ — 1.1M total
Nearly $800 million in benefits were paid out in New Jersey last week. New filings include 51,000 from gig workers and 70,000 for traditional benefits.
New Jersey quality of life rated at new high in latest poll
Poll director Patrick Murray says there's a spirit of goodwill toward local communities and neighbors amid the coronavirus pandemic.