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
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.
Poll finds NJ feeling coronavirus hit deeper than rest of nation
New Jerseyans are more likely to say it has had a major impact on their lives or to know someone who’s sick out or out of work.
South Jersey faces possible 28% economic contraction due to virus
Stockton University study finds 2019 was South Jersey's best economic year since 1984. But due to a reliance on hospitality, it's quite vulnerable to COVID-19.
Another big jump in NJ jobless claims, but smallest in four weeks
More than 140,000 new unemployment claims were filed by New Jerseyans last week, bringing the four-week total after coronavirus shutdowns to over 717,500.
Demand for NJ business aid running 24 times the supply
Thousands of applicants for grants and loans won't be helped because not enough funds are available. Private, philanthropic and federal funds might help.
In 9 days, COVID-19 killed more NJ residents than the flu does in a year
Over the last decade, flu caused an average 1,285 deaths a year in New Jersey. More than that were announced from COVID-19 in the last nine days.
What to do for health coverage if you’ve lost your job in NJ
Loss of a job and health coverage is a life-changing event allowing for special enrollment in the marketplace. NJ FamilyCare could also be an option.
Stay home how long? NJ ‘up against it’ at least until May 20, report says
Center for American Progress says a long, definite time frame would be "much easier in terms of psychology." Murphy says for now it's "until further notice."
Plunging gasoline sales could mean NJ gas-tax hike this fall
New Jersey's gas tax rises each year as sales decline, to ensure the state a steady level of revenue. The stay-at-home order has made gasoline sales shrivel.
NJ’s advice for the jobless, such as: Say you’re looking for work
One in 12 workers in New Jersey filed for unemployment in a two-week span. State urges patience as the system to file for benefits can't keep up.