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.
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.
Some bills left in limbo after breakneck June voting sessions
By: Nikita Biryukov, Sophie Nieto-Munoz and Dana DiFilippo - July 6, 2023
June is a dizzying time in Trenton, with lawmakers passing hundreds of bills. But hundreds more are stuck in limbo until the fall.
Federal agency warns N.J. smoke shop to stop selling delta-8 candy
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 6, 2023
Federal officials said the store sold products with delta-8 that mimicked popular candy brands, potentially confusing children.
Bill would allow DACA recipients to become New Jersey cops, correctional officers
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - July 5, 2023
New Jersey corrections officials say expanding their hiring pool to include DACA recipients could help reduce staffing shortages.
N.J. Senate confirms Governor Murphy’s latest pick for Supreme Court seat
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - June 30, 2023
Governor Murphy tapped Michael Noriega for the Supreme Court less than two months ago.
Bill aimed at curbing underage drinking is stalled ahead of Legislature’s summer break
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - June 30, 2023
Jersey Shore mayors have called on lawmakers to address pop-up parties and underage drinking on the boardwalk, but a bill that could help is stalled in the Senate.
Sean Caddle sentenced to 24 years in prison for 2014 slaying
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - June 29, 2023
Prosecutors and Sean Caddle's lawyers asked for a lesser sentence, but the judge overseeing the case called Caddle's crimes "most heinous."
Officials defend regulation of cannabis industry during hearing before lawmakers
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - June 24, 2023
Lawmakers accused cannabis regulators of pulling strings to reinstate the license of a major operator, being slow to approve applications, and holding the industry back with red tape.
A year after Dobbs, New Jersey abortion rights advocates celebrate wins — but fear backsliding
By: Dana DiFilippo and Sophie Nieto-Munoz - June 23, 2023
Several proposals sought by abortion rights activists have stuttered in the Statehouse pipeline, leaving advocates with clear marching orders on what’s left to be done as they mark the anniversary of the Dobbs decision.