Author

Nikita Biryukov most recently covered state government and politics for the New Jersey Globe. His tenure there included revelatory stories on marijuana legalization, voting reform and Rep. Jeff Van Drew's decamp to the Republican Party. Earlier, he worked as a freelancer for The Home News Tribune and The Press of Atlantic City.
N.J. House Democrats slammed for support of spending bill without SALT deal
By: Nikita Biryukov - August 9, 2022
Republicans are hitting three House Democrats for reneging on their pledge to reverse the state and local tax deduction cap approved in 2017.
After six months in limbo, attorney general nomination advances to full Senate
By: Nikita Biryukov - August 8, 2022
Matt Platkin's confirmation as attorney general has been delayed because two key senators did not immediately sign off on his appointment.
Disclosure statements provide little insight into lawmakers’ finances
By: Nikita Biryukov - August 8, 2022
Recent efforts to require that lawmakers disclose more about their finances have not gone anywhere in the Democratic-led Legislature.
Governor asks state watchdog to examine state university’s flagging finances
By: Nikita Biryukov - August 5, 2022
New Jersey City University has spent down its reserves, accumulating millions in debt amid enrollment declines.
Inflation will push New Jersey’s minimum wage above $14 in January
By: Nikita Biryukov - August 5, 2022
The state was scheduled to raise the minimum wage by $1 in January, but inflation will push the increase a few pennies upward.
Bill requiring schools create threat assessment teams now law
By: Nikita Biryukov - August 1, 2022
The teams will be responsible for identifying students who pose a risk of violence or other harm.
State, federal officials break ground — again — on Portal Bridge replacement
By: Nikita Biryukov - August 1, 2022
Officials broke ground on the Portal North Bridge for a third time, promising the project will end delays caused by the aging span.
Bill to ban menthol cigarettes still alive, lawmakers say
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 22, 2022
Health committee chairs in the Legislature say they are not deterred by the menthol ban's failure to advance to floor votes in June.
Bipartisan bill would end ‘stranger loophole’ for restraining orders
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 21, 2022
The bill's sponsor says state law leaves few options for people who seek restraining orders against people they are not romantically involved with.
Moderate Party’s push for fusion voting finally hits courts
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 20, 2022
The Moderate Party is pushing to allow Rep. Tom Malinowski to appear twice on November's ballot, a move blasted by the GOP as "dishonest."
Municipal judge barred from bench over groping incident
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 19, 2022
The Supreme Court censured and barred Nino Falcone from future judicial service after he groped a woman in his law office in 2019.
Kamala Harris praises N.J. abortion laws at NAACP conference
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 18, 2022
Vice President Kamala Harris warned more restrictions on abortion could come if Democrats grow complacent ahead of November's elections.