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.
Sen. Menendez should resign, top New Jersey Democrats say after newest indictment
By: Nikita Biryukov - September 22, 2023
Sen. Bob Menendez won reelection in 2018 after a jury deadlocked on earlier corruption charges. He might not be so lucky again.
Feds accuse Sen. Menendez of taking gold, car and cash for favors
By: Nikita Biryukov - September 22, 2023
Sen. Bob Menendez was charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and conspiracy to commit extortion.
Judge declines to limit Daniel’s Law for reporters
By: Nikita Biryukov - September 21, 2023
Judge Joseph Rea declined to find the law shielding judges' and law enforcement officials' addresses violated free speech protections.
Mixed reception for N.J. plan to phase in ban on sales of new gas-powered cars
By: Nikita Biryukov - September 21, 2023
The Murphy administration wants to phase in a ban on selling new gas-powered cars, a plan praised by environmentalists but panned by business leaders.
N.J. lawmakers want automatic state funding bumps for cash-strapped social services groups
By: Nikita Biryukov - September 21, 2023
Social service organizations face staffing shortfalls and service reductions amid rising costs. Indexed state aid could fix that.
N.J. lawmakers added $1.5 billion to budget, but few funds went to competitive districts
By: Nikita Biryukov - September 19, 2023
Just over $22 million of the more than $1.5 billion lawmakers added to the budget reached the state's four most competitive districts.
New Jersey’s abortion coverage mandate takes effect for large employer plans
By: Nikita Biryukov - September 18, 2023
As of Monday, state law requires health plans at employers with more than 50 workers to include coverage for abortion.
Governor Murphy warns business leaders of persistent inflation, looming downturn
By: Nikita Biryukov - September 15, 2023
Gov. Phil Murphy told South Jersey business leaders Friday he believes inflation and rate hikes will persist, but stopped short of doomsaying.
New Jersey high court will weigh legality of non-disparagement agreements
By: Nikita Biryukov - September 13, 2023
New Jersey's Supreme Court agreed to take up a case asking whether state law bars non-disparagement agreements in some circumstances.
Tahesha Way becomes New Jersey’s third lieutenant governor
By: Nikita Biryukov - September 8, 2023
Secretary of State Tahesha Way became New Jersey's third lieutenant governor Friday, filling a vacancy left by Sheila Oliver's Aug. 1 death.
Governor Murphy will conditionally veto bill that lifts brewery event, food restrictions
By: Nikita Biryukov - September 8, 2023
Gov. Phil Murphy will ask the Legislature to approve a rewritten bill that includes broader liquor license reforms late this year.
Ailing North Jersey pension gets $334 million in federal aid
By: Nikita Biryukov - September 7, 2023
A private pension fund set to go insolvent next year will receive $334 million in federal aid to stabilize it through 2051.