Author

Sophie Nieto-Munoz

Sophie Nieto-Munoz

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: - 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: - 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: - 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: - 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: - 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: - 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: - 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: - 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: - 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: - 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: - 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: - April 11, 2023

Judge R. Douglas Hoffman serves as a part-time judge in several municipal courts, including Robbinsville.