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.
With car thefts still on the rise, lawmakers propose new penalties
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - August 5, 2022
Two state senators are introducing legislation they say will address what authorities characterize as an alarming rise in car thefts by stiffening penalties for ringleaders who recruit minors to steal cars and imposing new consequences for repeat offenders. “We may not get you tomorrow, damn it. But we’re coming for you,” said state Sen. Richard […]
New Jersey rules permitting outdoor dining extended to 2024
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - August 3, 2022
A pandemic-era law that eased local rules on outdoor dining will be extended for another two years.
Plenty of ideas on how N.J. should spend $1B in leftover federal aid
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - August 3, 2022
Gov. Phil Murphy's office is hosting online meetings so residents can suggest ways the state can spend unallocated federal aid.
Plan to widen portion of the New Jersey Turnpike draws heavy opposition
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 28, 2022
The proposed $4.7 billion project would reconstruct and widen the 8.1-mile section of the Turnpike from exit 14 to the Holland Tunnel entrance in Jersey City
Congressmen call for Amazon probe after worker’s death
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz and Dana DiFilippo - July 28, 2022
Congressmen Donald Norcross and Frank Pallone want OSHA to investigate whether Amazon is hiding worker injuries from federal watchdogs.
Warren Buffett firm settles $20 million redlining case out of Camden, Philly area
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 27, 2022
Trident Mortgage systemically underserved and avoided services in majority-minority neighborhoods, federal officials announced Wednesday
Cannabis commission slow to implement workplace rules, the sale of edibles
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 27, 2022
The state's cannabis commission is dragging its feet on some important decisions, business leaders and cannabis advocates say.
4,000 tenants to receive state rental assistance out of 86,000 applicants
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 27, 2022
A state official said more than 86,000 people applied for the state's housing voucher program.
New office in N.J. will focus on suing gun manufacturers
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 26, 2022
The office will bring civil actions against firearm companies that violate state gun laws and contribute to a public nuisance in New Jersey.
Lawmakers pay tribute to late Assemblyman Ron Dancer
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 25, 2022
A conservative Republican from Ocean County, Assemblyman Ronald Dancer served the state for nearly two decades.
N.J. starts in-person help for unemployment claimants
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 25, 2022
Lawmakers have repeatedly called on the department to launch in-person appointments to help residents struggling to get their benefits.
New Jersey’s economy continues recovering from pandemic lows
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 22, 2022
New Jersey added jobs in five of the nine private sectors, according to the Department of Labor.