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.
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.
Assembly GOP criticizes Governor Murphy on spending
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - December 16, 2022
Assembly Republicans hope to change the state's tax brackets next year by adjusting them for inflation.
Measure would regulate dietary supplements for people under 18
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - December 16, 2022
Critics of the bill say it's too broad, and would stop people under 18 from buying Vitamin C or iron pills at their local pharmacy.
Temp workers rely on public health care more than Amazon, Walmart employees, study says
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - December 15, 2022
New Jersey taxpayers subsidize temporary staffing agencies by more than $20 million annually while workers take home poverty wages, the study says.
Trade group says reports reveal an ‘unfair and unbalanced’ court system in N.J.
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - December 14, 2022
The situation in New Jersey is so alarming, the American Tort Reform Association says, the group put the Garden State on its annual “judicial hellholes” report.
Bear hunt to continue for four days after hunters fail to reach goals
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - December 13, 2022
Hunters killed 93 bears during last week’s five-day bear hunt, which represents just 6% of the bears targeted for harvest, state data shows.
Bill would fast-track unemployment aid for striking workers
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - December 9, 2022
The number of major work stoppages has dipped dramatically since the late 1970s, but there was an increase in 2021.
Measure aims to connect unemployed residents with health care jobs
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - December 8, 2022
Under the measure, state officials would create a program aimed at recruiting unemployed people to work in health care facilities.
Bill would set new standards for reentry housing
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - December 6, 2022
The bill would require the state to create new standards for transitional housing for people released from prison.
N.J. cannabis panel gives initial green light to consumption lounges
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - December 2, 2022
Consumption-area workers would be barred from overselling to consumers and they would have to ensure people are using cannabis safely on their premises.
Measure would require state to study high school dropout rate
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - December 2, 2022
New Jersey's statewide dropout rate hovers around 1%, but some districts see rates five times as high.
N.J. bear hunt delayed as legal battle begins
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - December 1, 2022
The bear hunt was set to begin just before sunrise on Dec. 5, but is now delayed after a judge issued an emergency stay blocking its start.