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
Hopeful signs that omicron COVID surge in NJ may be easing
The 7-day average in lab-reported cases has dropped 12% from its Monday peak. Hospitalizations also dropped in Thursday's report.
Murphy again declares COVID public health emergency in NJ
With his pandemic powers and directives set to expire at day's end, Gov. Phil Murphy renewed them by again declaring a public health emergency in the state.
NJ Legislature passes abortion bill, Murphy will sign this week
The bill codifying abortion rights was passed mostly along party lines, except for one Democrat opposed and one Republican in favor.
Lawmakers let all Murphy’s pandemic orders lapse over mask issue
A scheduled vote to extend many of Gov. Phil Murphy's pandemic orders was canceled after he said he'll continue a school mask mandate that's not in the bill.
Lawmakers agree to 45-day extension of Murphy’s emergency powers
Some COVID-era administrative orders, directives and waivers expire next Tuesday. Gov. Phil Murphy asked for a 90-day extension, but lawmakers went halfway.
Fan is suing New York Giants, Jets for $6B because they really play in New Jersey
A New York City resident says the Giants and Jets are deceiving people by having New York in their name while playing in New Jersey.
Ambulance services warn of devastation if NJ staffing rule lapses
Ambulance companies say they're severely short-staffed already and that if staffing waivers lapse next week, things will get far worse.
NJ announces 79 new COVID deaths; over 5,000 now in hospitals
One of every 30 New Jersey residents has tested positive for COVID in the last two weeks, around 313,000, according to state data.
NJ considers ‘bond or forfeit’ law for animal cruelty cases
People accused of animal cruelty could be forced to pay a bond up front to cover a shelter's costs of care under a bill now awaiting final votes in Trenton.
NJ may look to retired teachers to fill school staff shortages
A bill in position to reach Gov. Phil Murphy next week would allow retired teachers to draw a salary and their pension simultaneously.
The new list of the 20 smallest towns in NJ
The merger of Pine Valley into Pine Hill in Camden County still leaves the state with 564 municipalities, including 13 with less than 500 residents.
What district are you in now? A guide to new NJ congressional map
Details on all the changes in the new map that will be used for congressional races in New Jersey from 2022 to 2030.