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
Sentencing reforms advance, but NJ judiciary can’t pay for them
The Legislature may vote to expand municipal court conditional dismissal program to include drug crimes. It's unclear how to afford new probation officers.
NJ farms push back against proposed COVID protections for workers
State legislators are looking to put greater pandemic protections for New Jersey farm workers into law.
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 looks for ideas for helping small businesses get PPE
Small businesses might need personal protective equipment for months or longer. The state wants to see if their collective buying power can be pooled to help.
Worst of COVID-19 toll on mental health yet to come
At an Assembly hearing, lawmakers are told providers are readying for "a surge after the surge" of behavioral health needs that won't peak for months.
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.
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.