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.
Attorneys disbarred for misusing money should get a second chance, panel says
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 10, 2023
A 28-member panel recommends disbarred attorneys be allowed to apply for readmission after five years, with some restrictions.
Corrections officer indicted in alleged beating of man who later died
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 7, 2023
Corrections Officer Giuseppe Mandara was charged with official misconduct in the alleged beating of Darrell Smith, who died a few days later.
Governor Murphy signs bills to expand wind, film, development tax credits
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 6, 2023
Gov. Phil Murphy signed bills sending federal tax credits to wind developers and expanding film and development incentive programs.
Some bills left in limbo after breakneck June voting sessions
By: Nikita Biryukov, Sophie Nieto-Munoz and Dana DiFilippo - July 6, 2023
June is a dizzying time in Trenton, with lawmakers passing hundreds of bills. But hundreds more are stuck in limbo until the fall.
Civil, divorce trials resume in three counties, pause in Passaic
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 5, 2023
Chief Justice announced civil and trials trials will resume in Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland, but judicial vacancies halt them in Passaic.
Bill capping insulin, other drug costs awaits governor’s signature
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 3, 2023
Bill sets out-of-pocket maximums for insulin, asthma inhalers, epinephrine injectors. Health chair says free health care for adults is next.
Senior citizen tax relief bill wins final approval — but fate still uncertain
By: Nikita Biryukov - June 30, 2023
Nearly every lawmaker voted for the StayNJ plan, which will start delivering property tax credits to seniors in 2026.
Governor Murphy signs $54.3 billion budget after chaotic few days
By: Nikita Biryukov - June 30, 2023
Some Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the $54.3 billion spending bill, despite the GOP's complaints over the opaque process.
N.J. Supreme Court says cops need a wiretap to eavesdrop on your Facebook posts
By: Nikita Biryukov - June 29, 2023
Authorities can't use a warrant to force social media companies to hand over posts in near real-time, the court ruled.
Lawmakers advance tweaks to tax incentive program
By: Nikita Biryukov - June 29, 2023
The bill would drastically increase caps on tax incentive awards, with the largest increases coming to developers seeking awards in Paterson, Trenton, and Atlantic City.
In late-night votes, lawmakers advance $54.3B budget that few have seen
By: Nikita Biryukov - June 29, 2023
Republicans accused their Democratic counterparts of cobbling the spending bill together behind closed doors at the last minute
Tax break for seniors bill headed to full Legislature for vote
By: Nikita Biryukov - June 28, 2023
The bill would give senior homeowners a tax credit of up to $6,500 starting in 2026.