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.
Former top aide to N.J. Senate president avoids prison time for role in tax fraud
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 24, 2023
The Union County political operative last year admitted to participating in a scheme to overbill political campaigns and nonprofits.
Cannabis company cites ‘ample supply’ of weed in N.J., but critics wonder where it is
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 24, 2023
Marijuana advocates argue that the claims of sufficient cannabis supply are not in line with stubbornly high prices in New Jersey.
Biden administration says closure of ICE detention center in N.J. would be ‘catastrophic’
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 19, 2023
Attorneys for the federal government agree with the operator of an Elizabeth detention center that a New Jersey law barring these centers is unconstitutional.
Progressive Democrats criticize push to replace assemblyman on ballot with his son
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 19, 2023
Assemblyman Joe Egan said he will not seek a 12th term in the Legislature, paving the way for his son to replace him on the November ballot.
Cannabis panel debates how to help applicants with prior marijuana convictions
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 19, 2023
Critics chided the commission for its June decision to give priority to so-called social equity applicants seeking some licenses.
Staffing agencies fighting to kill New Jersey’s temp worker law
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 14, 2023
Some provisions of the law, like providing equal pay for temporary workers doing the same work as full-time employees, go into effect Aug. 5.
N.J. Supreme Court to weigh whether towns must disclose some residents’ email addresses
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 14, 2023
Attorneys for the plaintiffs argue there is no provision in the Open Public Records Act that would exempt the email addresses they seek.
Lawsuit challenges law that shields home addresses of judges, law enforcement
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 13, 2023
The lawsuits comes as more state and local officials are permitted to shield their home addresses from the public, citing security concerns.
Activists call for federal oversight of N.J. State Police over racial discrimination allegations
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 12, 2023
Lawyers say nearly two dozen current and former state troopers allege they are victims of discrimination.
Bill to halt residency requirement for N.J. teachers in limbo for the summer
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 11, 2023
Lifting the in-state residency requirement for teachers needs more support before moving forward, one assemblywoman said.
Governor Murphy signs bills aimed at reducing car thefts and related crimes
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 7, 2023
Gov. Phil Murphy signed a series of bills Friday aimed at reducing car thefts and increasing penalties for repeat offenders.
Medical marijuana sales are dropping in N.J., but is that a bad sign?
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 7, 2023
Medical marijuana advocates commend the state for prioritizing medical cardholders, but say there's still plenty of room to grow the program.