Author

Sophie Nieto-Muñoz, a New Jersey native and former Trenton statehouse reporter for NJ.com, shined a spotlight on the state’s crumbling unemployment system and won several awards for investigative reporting from the New Jersey Press Association. She was a finalist for the Livingston Award for Young Journalists for her report on PetSmart's grooming practices, which was also recognized by the New York Press Club. Sophie speaks Spanish and is proud to connect to the Latinx community through her reporting.
Rep. Rob Menendez joins tour of migrant center, calls for speeding up work permits
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - September 15, 2023
Rep. Rob Menendez said faster approval of work permits for migrants could alleviate some workers shortages.
Attempt to bar Donald Trump from 2024 ballot lands in New Jersey
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - September 15, 2023
A Mahwah man and former history teacher is mounting a legal challenge to keep former President Donald Trump off the 2024 ballot.
New Jersey panel that approves the bear hunt has too many hunters on it, activists say
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - September 14, 2023
Six of the 11 members of the Fish and Game Council are chosen by a state hunters club. Critics of the bear hunt say that should change.
Calls grow for Legislature to return to Trenton to address report on veterans homes
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - September 12, 2023
Republicans say the Legislature should reconvene to form a special legislative committee to investigate the findings of the Department of Justice report.
Activists say Governor Murphy is turning his back on bears
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - September 11, 2023
Gov. Phil Murphy vowed on the campaign trail to end the hunt when he took office in 2018.
You’ll soon find weed brownies and THC drinks at New Jersey cannabis dispensaries
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - September 9, 2023
Nearly a year and a half after New Jersey's cannabis market opened, regulators have decided to move ahead with expanded sales of edibles.
Feds declare care at state-run veterans’ homes constitutionally deficient
By: Dana DiFilippo and Sophie Nieto-Munoz - September 7, 2023
Three years after COVID-19 killed more than 200 residents at two state-run veterans' homes, the feds blast the state for persisting problems.
Advocates call on New Jersey lawmakers to make school meals free for all students
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - September 7, 2023
About 26,000 more students became eligible for the free and reduced meals program when the new school year started.
Asylum seekers become target in run-up to New Jersey’s legislative races
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - September 1, 2023
With a new report that the Biden administration could move asylum seekers to Atlantic City, observers say it could become an election issue.
Activists urge Biden administration to shut down Elizabeth ICE jail
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - August 31, 2023
On Tuesday, a federal judge sided with prison operator CoreCivic that a 2021 state law that barred it from entering into a contract with ICE is unconstitutional.
Activists renew calls for change after police kill Jersey City man
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - August 30, 2023
Activists say police are not equipped to handle people dealing with serious emotional distress.
New Jersey cops are winning fight to use cannabis while off duty
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - August 28, 2023
Some local officials want to bar officers from using cannabis while they're off duty, but a key state agency says cops are allowed to.