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. law allowing birth control without a prescription is ‘a win for humans,’ doctor says
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - January 13, 2023
Under the new law, pharmacists can provide oral, transdermal, or vaginal contraceptives —from birth control pills to hormonal patches to vaginal rings — without a prescription.
High cost of legal cannabis in New Jersey irks customers
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - January 11, 2023
New Jersey cannabis officials say indoor cultivation, the small number of dispensaries, and inflation have kept prices stubbornly high.
Judge temporarily blocks part of N.J.’s new gun law over constitutional concerns
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - January 9, 2023
The temporary restraining order blocks portions of the new gun law, including its ban on bringing guns into places like libraries and restaurants.
New N.J. gun law boosts state’s ranking by gun control group
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - January 6, 2023
New Jersey previously ranked eighth in the country for strongest gun laws by Everytown, a pro-gun control organization.
Sherrill, Menendez express frustration over failed House speaker votes
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - January 5, 2023
A soon-to-be member of New Jersey's House delegation expressed frustration Wednesday with the failed attempts to elect a speaker.
N.J. implements new rules targeting power plants
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - January 4, 2023
The new regulations target power plants seeking permits, renewals, or expansions in “overburdened communities."
Driving on Turnpike, Parkway to get more expensive in new year
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - December 27, 2022
On Jan. 1, 2023, tolls will climb 3% on the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike.
Casino smoking ban among measures that remain in limbo at end of 2022
By: Dana DiFilippo, Nikita Biryukov and Sophie Nieto-Munoz - December 25, 2022
A bill that would ban smoking inside casinos is one of numerous measures that didn't make it to law in 2022.
Lawmaker’s involvement in controversial cannabis shop plan raises eyebrows
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - December 21, 2022
Opponents of a controversial Hoboken cannabis dispensary plan are criticizing Assemblyman Raj Mukherji for helping the plan move forward.
Bill offering protections for temp workers fails to get Senate vote for third time
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - December 20, 2022
Angered by the news that a bill to protect temporary workers would not get a vote in the state Senate Monday, temporary workers and their advocates gathered outside the Statehouse and chanted, “Aqui estamos, y no nos vamos.” “We are here, and we’re not leaving.” Monday marked the third time the legislation (S511) was pulled from consideration in […]
N.J. bear hunt ends with 7% of state’s harvest goal met
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - December 19, 2022
Just 114 black bears were killed during the 2022 hunt, and in two counties, hunters killed zero bears, according to state data.
Governor Murphy signs bill eliminating test requirement for would-be teachers
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - December 16, 2022
Education advocates have said the state-mandated testing requirement was a financial burden for low-income prospective teachers.