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.
Court declares churches’ battle against 2020 pandemic restrictions moot — again
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - November 30, 2022
The majority declared the challenge of pandemic restrictions on religious gatherings "moot" since most restrictions ended over two years ago.
Murphy administration proposes abortion coverage mandate in some health plans
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - November 30, 2022
The proposed new regulation is part of the Murphy administration's push to expand access to abortion in the wake of the Supreme Court's Dodd decision.
Gov. Murphy announces long-awaited review of state’s COVID-19 response
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - November 28, 2022
Philadelphia-based firm Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads will lead the review and release a report in late 2023.
Gun group sues N.J. attorney general over public nuisance law
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - November 23, 2022
Plaintiff the National Shooting Sports Foundation calls the law “breathtaking in scope" and claims it violates the First and Second amendments and the Due Process and Commerce clauses.
Senate again halts vote on bill expanding rights for temp workers
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - November 22, 2022
Another attempt to advance a bill expanding the rights of temp workers failed Monday when Senate leadership pulled the bill from the voting session, leading to howls of protest from immigrant activists who were then thrown out of the Senate chambers. It was the second time in about a month that a vote on the measure was postponed moments […]
New Jersey gun bill narrowly clears Assembly after aggressive debate
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - November 21, 2022
The bill would create an extensive list of places where carrying a weapon would be banned, including beaches, bars, zoos, and sports stadiums.
Residents sound off on how to use cannabis social equity fees
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - November 18, 2022
From funding baby bonds to a guaranteed basic income in the state, advocates had many ideas for how to spend cannabis social equity fees.
Temp workers’ bill of rights expected to face senators again Monday
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - November 18, 2022
The state Senate is set to vote on a temp workers' bill of rights Monday - the fourth time it'll go before that chamber for a vote.
Name changes in N.J. now confidential, in support of transgender community
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - November 17, 2022
Gov. Murphy ordered name changes in N.J. exempt from public records, in line with recent court decisions and in support of transgender rights.
N.J. bear hunt likely returning despite pleas from animal activists
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - November 16, 2022
The New Jersey Fish and Game Council unanimously approved reinstating the controversial bear hunt after human-bear interactions spiked.
Google to pay N.J. $17M for misleading consumers on tracking services
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - November 14, 2022
The tech company agreed to pay out $391.5 million to 40 states, a record privacy settlement, after a four-year investigation.
Environmentalists push back on return of N.J.’s bear hunt
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - November 14, 2022
One year after declaring there would be no bear hunt, Gov. Phil Murphy intends to revive it after a jump in reports of human-bear encounters.