(NJ Star Ledger)

1. Qualify source- history, ownership, bias, measures of impact, awards received, quality of news and opinion.

The NJ Star Ledger is the oldest and largest circulated paper in U.S state of New

Jersey and it’s headquarters is located right here in Newark, NJ. A man named S. I.

Newhouse purchased what was then called the “Newark Ledger” in the year 1935 and

merged the paper with the “Star Eagle” in the year 1939 which became “The Star

Ledger.” The Ledger is owned by Advanced Publications, it has a reputation for being

objective and accurate and has won 3 Pulitzer prize awards for public service.

2. Content of the material summarized

Title of article: “It’s time to update our drug policy” By: Debra L. Wentz

In this article Governor Chris Christie proposed a transformation on NJ’s drug

policy so that non violent offenders with substance use disorders would be treated instead

of incarcerated. Christie feels that “everyone will benefit when state policy enables them

to live the lives they want and deserve.” He addressed the rising costs of warehousing

non violent drug offenders in jail and prison. This particular population of offenders has

jumped up 43% nationally in the past 10 years. Christie wants to take advantage of the

public sentiment, compassion and good policy that has the potential to change lives and

solve the states fiscal crisis. He emphasizes the importance of the state sufficiently

funding community based non profits that understand the challenges the people of the

community face and help them to adopt healthy lifestyles and pursue life long goals.

Christie believes that he has the right solution for those substance users who have not

victimized society; he feels that they should have a second chance.

According to Christie studies have shown that inmates