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.
N.J. lawmakers look for more solutions to teacher shortage
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - May 12, 2023
Lawmakers have spent hours debating the teacher shortage and introduced dozens of bills, but they don't know if anything has had an impact.
Study: N.J. needs more child care workers and centers as industry recovers from pandemic
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - May 11, 2023
Nearly a quarter of parents report they supervise their kids while working, have cut their hours at work, or used paid leave to remain home.
Officer misconduct on the rise, as more face major discipline, report shows
By: Dana DiFilippo, Nikita Biryukov and Sophie Nieto-Munoz - May 10, 2023
Major discipline against law enforcement in New Jersey crept up in 2022, with corrections officers the busiest offenders, a new report shows.
Gottheimer, Menendez fight congestion pricing outside of congested tunnel
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - May 9, 2023
The congressmen said congestion pricing would divert traffic — and pollution — into North Jersey towns.
Study finds promise in program pairing cops with mental health experts
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - May 9, 2023
Attorney General Matt Platkin said pairing cops with mental health experts is crucial to restoring trust between police and residents.
Senate panel approves bills creating jobs programs for ex-offenders, people with disabilities
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - May 8, 2023
The bills aim to connect people with disabilities and people who are recently released from prison with job opportunities.
Job protections for temp workers go into effect
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - May 8, 2023
Temporary workers in New Jersey this week get a host of new protections intended to prevent wage theft and exploitative job conditions.
Two longtime Democratic senators square off in primary
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - May 5, 2023
Incumbent Sens. Dick Codey and Nia Gill are running against each other in a redrawn 27th District, 30 years after they first ran together.
Governor Murphy wants $10M to fund firefighter grant program
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - May 3, 2023
The grant program helps fire departments cover the costs of equipment like masks and protective clothing.
NJ Transit workers allege transit cops are slow to respond to attacks by riders
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - May 2, 2023
A lawyer representing NJ Transit workers said attacks by riders are “an ongoing problem that hasn’t stopped.”
Bill proposes lowering age for children to seek mental health services without parental consent
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - April 28, 2023
More than 30 states allow children as young as 16 to seek mental health treatment without parental consent.
Labor commissioner gets friendly reception in budget committee, a turnaround from years past
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - April 26, 2023
In recent years, state labor officials faced harsh questioning from lawmakers about backlogged unemployment claims. This year was different.