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.
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.
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop announces run for governor in 2025
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - April 11, 2023
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop is the first announced candidate in what is expected to be a crowded field to replace Gov. Phil Murphy.
Governor Murphy says some state government jobs shouldn’t require college degree
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - April 10, 2023
Hundreds of people don't get state government jobs, or don't bother applying, because they have no college degree, officials said Monday.
Annual prison count shows racial disparities persist behind bars
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - April 10, 2023
Black people made up 59% of the prison population in the last count, despite representing only 15% of the state's population.
Wind project may ‘adversely affect,’ but not likely to ‘jeopardize,’ endangered marine life, agency says
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - April 7, 2023
The project will likely not jeopardize endangered whales, sea turtles, or Atlantic sturgeon, or harm their habitats, said the agency.
New law offers temporary reprieve for some customers with overdue water, sewer bills
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - April 6, 2023
Gov. Murphy’s signing of the bill comes as a deadline nears for New Jersey to use or lose $24 million in federal funding intended to erase residents’ 2021 water and sewage arrearages.
Governor Murphy declares N.J. ‘safe haven’ for transgender, nonbinary people
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - April 4, 2023
While the number of states banning health care for transgender youth grows, Gov. Phil Murphy said New Jersey will be a "safe haven" for transgender and nonbinary people.
Governor Murphy lifts COVID-19 testing requirement in health care centers, jails, and more
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - April 3, 2023
Gov. Phil Murphy said lifting the COVID-19 testing requirement is a testament to the progress made since the pandemic first hit New Jersey.
Bill proposes tracking deadly car crashes caused by cannabis impairment
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - April 3, 2023
The bill would require the state to publish information annually on how many car crashes involve drivers under the influence of cannabis.