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
GOP Fighting Odds, Dems Battling History in NJ Governor’s Race
Republicans nominate former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli as their nominee to take on Gov. Phil Murphy over more conservative, Trump-fashioned alternatives.
NJ to Expand Prescription Drug Programs to 20,000+ More Seniors
Lawmakers have begun advancing a plan offered by Gov. Phil Murphy in the proposed budget to expand income eligibility by $10,000 for PAAD and Senior Gold.
NJ Supreme Court: Details on Disciplined Cops Can Be Released
Going forward, every police department in New Jersey will be required to annually publish the names of officers who were fired, demoted or suspended for more than five days, including a summary of the misconduct and the sanction imposed.
Murphy Says NJ Will Close Troubled Edna Mahan Women’s Prison
New Jersey plans to permanently close the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility, in the wake of the violent cell extractions on Jan. 11 that were the latest and perhaps last in a series of scandals at the state’s only women’s prison.
NJ Legislature Honors Dr. Anthony Fauci, Target of GOP Criticism
Just one Republican voted for the resolution: Sen. Chris Brown (R-Atlantic). Other Republicans either voted no, voted to abstain, or didn’t vote.
Bill Passes Ending NJ Health Emergency, Preserving Some Powers
Assemblyman Hal Wirths called the bill “a charade” and was among a long line of Republicans who criticized the process for considering it, which skipped committee hearings where the public could have its say.
First County in NJ Reaches Goal: 70% of Adults Fully Vaccinated
Morris County has reached the 70% goal. Statewide, according to the CDC, 62% of adults are fully vaccinated and 74% have gotten at least one COVID shot.
NJ Programs May Start Helping Cover Costs of Medical Marijuana
Four state programs would begin helping cover the cost of medical marijuana for beneficiaries, under a bill that took a first step through the Legislature Wednesday.
Thursday Vote Planned on NJ Emergency Powers Bill With These Six Changes
State lawmakers plan to try again Thursday to pass legislation extending some of Gov. Phil Murphy’s pandemic powers beyond this month’s planned end of the public health emergency.
Voting Groups Ask to Join Case Fighting County Lines in NJ Primary
Voting-rights advocacy groups filed a legal brief Tuesday asking to participate in a lawsuit that seeks to end use of ‘the line’ to benefit party-backed preferred candidates in designing ballots for primary elections.