Booker Plans Senate Run, Two Fatally Shot Top Newark News

Months after announcing his interest in becoming New Jersey’s next senator, Mayor Cory Booker made it official Saturday, when he formally kicked off his campaign for the remainder of Frank Lautenberg’s unfinished term. Lautenberg died Monday, and Gov. Chris Christie called a special Oct. 16 election for the remaining portion of the term Tuesday.

A court ruled that school officials in Newark can resume control of the district’s finances for the first time since a state takeover of the district in 1995.

Three men who authorities said are the remaining leaders of a violent South Ward street gang were indicted on dozens of charges, including murder. If convicted, the men could all face the death penalty.

Two people, including a young father who worked as a teacher’s aide at a Newark school, were shot and killed.