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.
Judges revive complaint that state is not providing enough funding to Lakewood’s schools
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - March 7, 2023
The state must conduct a “thorough review” of parents' complaint that Lakewood's schools are unconstitutionally underfunded, Monday's ruling says.
Governor Murphy wants $90M to replace scandal-plagued women’s prison
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - March 3, 2023
Officials say the money would allow the state to construct a new 434-bed prison to replace the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility.
Governor Murphy touts educational investment in new budget plan
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - March 2, 2023
Gov. Phil Murphy stopped at a middle school Thursday to say strong public schools are "critical to our economic future."
State senator introduces bill to ban non-flushable wipes
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - March 2, 2023
Utilities authorities nationwide say non-flushable wipes are wreaking havoc on the sewage infrastructure and causing expensive damage
Murphy staffers, Elizabeth mayor approved to sit on Port Authority board
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - February 28, 2023
The move gives Gov. Phil Murphy more influence over the powerful bi-state agency's board.
Hit man hired by N.J. political consultant sentenced to 20 years in prison
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - February 23, 2023
Africa Bomani is one of two hitmen who pleaded guilty to the 2014 murder of Michael Galdieri, a New Jersey political operative.
Private prison firm sues Governor Murphy in bid to continue housing ICE detainees
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - February 21, 2023
The operators of Elizabeth's detention center say a 2021 state law barring it from renewing its contract with ICE is unconstitutional.
After Ohio derailment, new push for bill requiring cleanup plans for trains carrying chemicals
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - February 20, 2023
Assemblywoman Ellen Park wants to ensure train operators have cleanup plans in place in the case of a train leaking hazardous chemicals.
NJ Transit bus riders want ‘bill of rights,’ guaranteed improved service
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - February 17, 2023
Commuters and transit advocates want the state to pass a bill that would guarantee reliable service for bus riders.
Yes, New Jersey, there is a Central Jersey, bill says
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - February 16, 2023
Assemblyman Roy Freiman said the bill package is intended to overhaul tourism to better the state's economy.
Progressives worry about consequences of new ‘tough on crime’ bills
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - February 16, 2023
Progressives say Democrats pushing new "tough on crime" bills threaten hard-fought criminal justice reforms.
Deadline approaching for new N.J. property tax relief program
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - February 15, 2023
The final deadline for the ANCHOR program is Feb. 28, and Treasury officials say it will not be extended again.