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 NJ law guarantees at-home nurse visits for newborns and moms
New Jersey joins Oregon as the only states with universal newborn home visitation programs. The first visit will happen within two weeks of birth.
Murphy: Mask and vaccine mandates must remain options in NJ
Governor says the state is "looking at a whole number of options" for vaccine mandates and indicates any change in school mask guidance could wait a month.
Unions make pitch: Use COVID aid for NJ state worker hazard pay
The Murphy administration is soliciting ideas for what to do with nearly $4 billion in federal COVID recovery funds from the American Rescue Plan.
Murphy strongly recommends masks indoors in NJ – but not mandated
The recommendation applies statewide, not only counties with substantial COVID transmission, for indoor settings that are crowded or have unvaccinated people.
NJ awards over $35 million in arts grants, as arts budget doubles
The State Council on the Arts approves $28 million in state funds and $7.5 million in federal funds, with another $4 million for capital projects to come.
NJ man accused of murder, kidnapping in Rahway to remain jailed
At a court hearing, Tyler Rios waived his right to a full hearing on whether he should be detained until the charges are settled.
Murphy not budging despite petition seeking remote school choice
Gov. Phil Murphy says in-person schooling is superior, but a group of parents says that isn't the case for all students.
$44M federal grant to address traffic, pollution by major NJ port
The money will be used to upgrade congested roads and ramps at the northern entrance to Port Newark and Port Elizabeth.
Fugitive sought for alleged sexual assault of kids in Jersey City
Hudson County prosecutors are seeking a fugitive who has been charged with multiple sexual assaults of children.
The latest plan to save horse racing in New Jersey
A bill that would allow fixed-odds betting on horse races, rather than the traditional pari-mutuel wagering, awaits action on Gov. Phil Murphy's desk.