Not For Profit. Independent. Fact Based.
NJ21st, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit civic journalism organization founded in 2021 and formally incorporated in the State of New Jersey in 2025. We are committed to increasing transparency and accountability within local government, with a focus on New Jersey’s 21st Legislative District. NJ21st began as a grassroots response to secrecy and misinformation in local decision-making — especially around public education, budgeting, and municipal operations. Since then, our work has expanded to cover a broader range of civic issues across multiple communities. Through independent reporting, public records analysis, and community-driven research, we aim to inform, engage, and empower the public to understand how government really works — and who it works for.
NJ21st’s mission is to provide residents with a factual, citizen-driven perspective on local governance, advocate for evidence-based decision-making, and offer a forum for public discourse that is free from corporate and political influence.
Articles and reporting from NJ21st have been republished or featured by:
NJEducationReport.com – a statewide nonprofit outlet covering education policy, equity, and accountability.
Jersey City Times – a local independent news platform focused on civic engagement, transparency, and community issues in Hudson County.
And referenced by experts in education such as Paul Bennett.
Editorial Team
Laura Kapuscinski is a graduate of Seton Hall University with a degree in sociology. Her professional career has been rooted in the non-profit sector, where she specialized in fundraising and event planning. A mother of four, Laura is also a dedicated community volunteer, actively supporting local initiatives and causes.
John Migueis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in research and direct practice. He holds a BA in Social Work from Seton Hall University and a Master’s in Social Work from Widener University. Not one decent picture of John exists.
Shauna Williams studied design at the Fashion Institute of Technology and worked as a Senior Designer at the Madame Alexander Doll Company. A mother of four, she has been active in the community as a coach for PAL, Wolfpack, cross country and track, and currently serves as Scoutmaster for Troop 368.
Send your article to [email protected] as a Word Document or PDF. Include your name, town, and phone number (only your name will be published).
or
Complete our online article submission form.
We do not allow anonymous posts unless you’re at risk of retaliation from a government or non-profit employer. Verified sources can submit facts for us to publish confidentially.
Articles must follow our terms, be substantive, and fit our site’s tone (candidate endorsements get more flexibility). Check our articles for reference.
For shorter posts, join our Facebook Group or Substack.
