Author
Nikita Biryukov is an award-winning reporter who covers state government and politics for the New Jersey Monitor, with a focus on fiscal issues and voting. He has reported from the capitol since 2018 and joined the Monitor at its launch in 2021. The Rutgers University graduate previously covered state government and politics for the New Jersey Globe. Before then he covered local government in New Brunswick as a freelancer for the Home News Tribune. You can reach him at [email protected].
New Jersey Monitor is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
N.J. towns can’t face contract suits over contaminated water, court rules
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 19, 2024
Judges find the provision of water is a government service and not a contract, barring claims of breach.
New Jersey drug deaths plummet in first half of 2024
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 19, 2024
Suspected drug deaths fell 26% year-over-year in the first six months of the year as an overdose antidote became more broadly available.
Environmental justice law won’t bar Newark power plant plan
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 18, 2024
The decision is a boon to the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission, which for a decade has urged the construction of backup power generation at a wastewater treatment plant.
Rep. Pascrell hospitalized with fever
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 15, 2024
Rep. Bill Pascrell checked himself into St. Joseph's hospital in Paterson Sunday following a fever, staff says.
11 Dems vie in special election to succeed late Rep. Donald Payne Jr.
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 15, 2024
The Democratic primary winner is all but assured of being elected to finish out Payne’s term at the Sept. 18 special general election.
Bill aligning N.J. tax sales with U.S. Supreme Court decision becomes law
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 10, 2024
The new law conforms New Jersey foreclosures with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling barring governments from keeping home equity that exceeds a taxpayers' debt.
Appeals court upholds 2021 limits on nonprofit tax exemption challenges
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 10, 2024
At the root of the case is a 2021 law that exempts nonprofit hospitals from taxation regardless of whether they also host for-profit activities.
Rep. Sherrill says Biden should end reelection campaign
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 9, 2024
Rep. Mikie Sherrill is the first member of New Jersey's congressional delegation to ask Biden to suspend his reelection campaign.
Democratic power broker pleads not guilty in racketeering case
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 9, 2024
Five defendants in the case appeared in person in a Mercer County courtroom for their arraignment on the charges that stunned New Jersey’s political world.
2025 gubernatorial candidates want changes to state budget process
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 9, 2024
Would-be governors say the budget process should change to bring more transparency and better forecasting of revenue and expenses.
Possible August session for Senate would force Gov. Murphy to act on some bills
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 8, 2024
In New Jersey, bills that sit on the governor's desk for 45 days become law without his signature when their chamber meets for a quorum.
New business tax will send more money to preservation programs
By: Nikita Biryukov - July 3, 2024
Some of the revenue the corporate business tax brings the state must go toward the preservation of open space, farmland, and historical sites.