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. You can reach her at [email protected].
New Jersey Monitor is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
New Jersey lawyer seeks to keep RFK Jr. off November ballot
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - June 25, 2024
New Jersey's "sore loser law" disqualifies Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from appearing on November's ballot because he tried to win the Democratic nomination in June, the lawsuit says.
Senate Democrats push new protections for reproductive rights in New Jersey
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - June 24, 2024
New Jersey Democrats announced a bill package aimed at strengthening abortion rights on the second anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned the federal right to an abortion.
Watchdog to examine financial benefit of gubernatorial hopeful Bill Spadea’s radio show
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - June 21, 2024
Bill Spadea's bosses raised eyebrows when they said he would remain as host of a high-profile radio talk show — where he often speaks about politics and policy — while running for governor.
Lawmakers advance bill adopting antisemitism definition after nine hours of testimony
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - June 20, 2024
People gave the middle finger and shook their heads after the senators advanced bills to adopt an official definition of antisemitism.
Panel set to vote on controversial bill adopting definition of antisemitism
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - June 20, 2024
Bill sponsor Assemblyman Avi Schnall said the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism is accepted by the "vast majority of Jews across the spectrum."
Two ‘outsiders’ on opposite ends of political spectrum enter New Jersey governor’s race
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - June 17, 2024
Sean Spiller and Bill Spadea join an increasingly crowded field of pols hoping to succeed Gov. Phil Murphy in 2026.
Democratic power broker George Norcross indicted on racketeering charges
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - June 17, 2024
The indictment accuses Norcross of overseeing a criminal enterprise, using direct threats and intimidation to win development rights along the Camden waterfront.
Immigrant advocates alarmed by prospect of new immigrant jail in Newark
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - June 17, 2024
A federal judge's 2023 order allowing a private firm to run an immigrant jail in Elizabeth makes the opening of a new one more likely, advocates fear.
Two officials accused of using transit agency to seek revenge over political spat
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - June 14, 2024
Attorney General Matt Platkin's office says the two men texted about their plan to block payments to an engineering firm over a political feud.
Murphy administration urges Biden to offer protections to undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - June 14, 2024
Thursday was the 12th anniversary of DACA, an Obama-era policy that offers work permits and protection from deportation to undocumented residents brought to America as children.
Local activists, mayors urge passage of new business tax to fund NJ Transit
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - June 13, 2024
Business groups oppose the new tax, saying it would make the state less competitive in attracting and retaining employers.
Jersey Shore leaders, cops gripe to lawmakers about ‘lawless’ young people
By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz - June 13, 2024
Jersey Shore leaders want the state to reassess juvenile detention statutes and pass new laws to punish people who plan pop-up parties.