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.
Two longtime Democratic senators square off in primary
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - May 5, 2023
Incumbent Sens. Dick Codey and Nia Gill are running against each other in a redrawn 27th District, 30 years after they first ran together.
Governor Murphy wants $10M to fund firefighter grant program
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - May 3, 2023
The grant program helps fire departments cover the costs of equipment like masks and protective clothing.
NJ Transit workers allege transit cops are slow to respond to attacks by riders
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - May 2, 2023
A lawyer representing NJ Transit workers said attacks by riders are “an ongoing problem that hasn’t stopped.”
Bill proposes lowering age for children to seek mental health services without parental consent
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - April 28, 2023
More than 30 states allow children as young as 16 to seek mental health treatment without parental consent.
Labor commissioner gets friendly reception in budget committee, a turnaround from years past
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - April 26, 2023
In recent years, state labor officials faced harsh questioning from lawmakers about backlogged unemployment claims. This year was different.
Anguished by recent shootings, retirees rally for gun control laws
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - April 25, 2023
Former state Sen. Loretta Weinberg organized a rally of senior citizens calling for stricter federal gun regulations.
As cannabis stores are slow to open, worries over delta-8 sales grow
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - April 24, 2023
Delta-8 products are marketed as legal cannabis products but are not regulated and can often include harmful chemicals.
A milestone for New Jersey as cannabis industry hits one-year mark
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - April 21, 2023
Critics say New Jersey cannabis regulators are acting too slowly. State officials disagree, calling their actions thoughtful and deliberate.
Cannabis panel reverses course, approves key licenses for Curaleaf
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - April 17, 2023
Four days after the state's cannabis regulators curtailed Curaleaf's legal weed sales statewide, the panel reversed course.
Cannabis panel curbs Curaleaf’s bid to continue selling recreational weed
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - April 13, 2023
The vote represents a surprising blow to the cannabis giant, the largest grower and seller of cannabis in New Jersey.
Lawsuit targeting new severance pay law is dismissed by judge
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - April 13, 2023
The law requires large businesses to pay robust severance pay after mass layoffs and expands how much notice it must give ahead of layoffs.
N.J. municipal judge inappropriately touched employee, complaint alleges
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - April 11, 2023
Judge R. Douglas Hoffman serves as a part-time judge in several municipal courts, including Robbinsville.