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. 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.
New Jersey investigative panel finds no manipulation in 2021 congressional redistricting
By: Nikita Biryukov - September 6, 2023
The State Commission of Investigation said there is "no merit" to GOP claims of data manipulation when House districts were last redrawn.
New Jersey court backlog sees minor bump amid legislative standstill on judges
By: Nikita Biryukov - September 6, 2023
New Jersey courts' backlog ticked up in July after six months of consecutive decline, and judicial vacancies are rising again.
Budget documents show conflicts for New Jersey lawmakers
By: Nikita Biryukov - September 2, 2023
At least two legislators appear to have failed to properly disclose financial relationships when making their annual spending requests.
New Jersey’s gas tax to rise by 0.9 cents in October
By: Nikita Biryukov - September 1, 2023
Under a 2016 law, New Jersey’s gas tax adjusts automatically to meet an annual $2 billion revenue target to fill the state’s transportation trust fund.
NJ Transit engineers approve strike — but they’ll still have to wait to take action
By: Nikita Biryukov - August 31, 2023
NJ Transit and a locomotive engineers union have not been able to negotiate a new contract for more than three years.