College Graduations, New Rec Center Debuts Top Local News

Several college commencements were held in the city this week, including for Essex County College and Rutgers-Newark, which graduated its largest class ever.

The Waterfront, a state-of-the-art recreation center, opened its doors in the North Ward .

Former president of the Newark School Advisory Board and South Ward native Shavar Jeffries kicked off his campaign for mayor. Jeffries, now a professor at Seton Hall’s law school, seeks to succeed Cory Booker in 2014.

A woman was found dead near the city’s light rail line. Her autopsy revealed she died of blunt force trauma.