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
Democrats join GOP to say Murphy moving too slow to reopen NJ economy
Legislators from across the political spectrum say it's time - or past time - for the state to commit to dates for reopening businesses ordered to close.
Expect some doctors, dentists to shut down offices after COVID-19
Between extended closures and long-term fears and costs, it's possible that hundreds of medical and dental offices will close, industry representatives say.
NJ Senate plans hearing on COVID-19 ‘disaster’ at nursing homes
More than 5,400 people associated with New Jersey long-term care facilities have died in lab-confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19.
Groups urge tax hikes to narrow NJ’s $10B drop in revenue
Progressive groups say spending cuts can't be the only option for addressing shortfalls in New Jersey's current and upcoming budgets.
NJ mayors say $500B fund for states and towns a needed lifeline
With property tax payments lagging and other revenues plunging due to coronavirus shutdowns, mayors endorse $500B in proposed federal aid for governments.
NJ joins with neighboring Northeast states to buy PPE together
Seven states are banding together to create a regional supply chain for personal protective equipment and other supplies needed to handle COVID-19.
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.
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.
Bid to push Murphy to reverse NJ parks closure fails in Assembly
Assembly Democrats brush back attempted vote on a resolution urging Gov. Phil Murphy to reverse his order closing state and county parks during the pandemic.
NJ to give docs, hospitals immunity for COVID treatment choices
Medical malpractice lawsuits might be banned for coronavirus treatment in NJ, including possible choices about who gets a ventilator and who doesn't.
Rutgers prof: NJ’s economic hit just beginning, but long run fine
Roughly one of every seven New Jerseyans covered by unemployment insurance has filed new claims for benefits in three weeks since coronavirus lockdown began.
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.