The Hoboken Girl Team 
Super Bowl Sunday is here and temperatures are back down to single digits. It has been another week of news in Hudson County, and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up, as we do every week, from all around the internet. Among the local news: Hoboken opens applications for Community Development Block Grant funding; a new Target is opening soon in Jersey City; and Wonder Bagels is opening a new location in Journal Square. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week — ending on February 8th, 2026.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected] for consideration.
This is an editorial article, meaning no one has paid to be in this article and it is simply a round up of the latest stories across the internet.
Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories + more):
- Jennifer Lopez Spotted in Hoboken for Netflix Movie Office Romance
- Philly-Based Chain, City Fitness, Opening 2 Hoboken Locations
- Wonder Bagels to Open in Journal Square
- New Needlepoint Shop, The Little Stitchery, Coming to Hoboken
- New Target in Jersey City to Open Soon
- Speedy’s Burgers + Bowls Reopens Near Journal Square
- The Collective Hoboken Brings 3 Local Brands Under 1 Roof
- Jersey City Issues Over 400 Snow-Related Summonses
- Lola Reopens with New Concept + Chef
- Federal Government Sued over Hudson Tunnel Project Funding Freeze
- Hoboken Opens Applications for Community Development Block Grant Funding
Jennifer Lopez Spotted in Hoboken for Netflix Movie Office Romance
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Jennifer Lopez stars alongside Brett Goldstein in the upcoming Netflix film, Office Romance, which is being filmed in New Jersey and most recently in Hoboken. J Lo was seen enjoying hot chocolate with her co-star near the Hudson River. Per Netflix, penned by Goldstein and Joe Kelly, Office Romance will be directed by Ol Parker (Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again) and co-stars Betty Gilpin. The film also reteams Lopez with Edward James Olmos, who originally played her father in the 1997 film Selena, and will once again portray her onscreen father.
Jersey City Has $250 Million Budget Deficit; Mayor Says He’ll Take “$1 Salary”
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Jersey City Mayor James Solomon announced the city is facing a $250 million budget deficit for 2026. After working with outside financial experts, Mayor Solomon released a report detailing the massive deficit on February 4th, 2026, saying that his team inherited the problem from the previous administration. Former Mayor Steven Fulop disagrees with these claims. Just a day after the report was released, Mayor Solomon says he’s going to take a $1 salary for the entirety of 2026. Click here for more.
Hoboken Fire Department Rescues Elderly Man From Palisades Cliff
Photo Credit: City of Hoboken
The Hoboken Fire Department (HFD) Rescue 1 and Engine 3 rescued an elderly individual at approximately 8:35AM on February 6th, after he fell down the Palisades cliff, just south of the Ninth Street Light Rail elevator, in Jersey City. Per a City of Hoboken press release, the individual was located by the Hudson County Sheriff’s Department, about 25 feet below street level, on the Hoboken-Jersey City border. He was injured and had been exposed to freezing temperatures for hours. HFD personnel conducted a high-angle rope rescue operation, with the assistance of the New Jersey Transit Police Department’s Emergency Services Unit, securing the man in a Stokes basket and lifting him safely to Paterson Plank Road in Jersey City. The man, who has not been identified, was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
New Play Space + Café, Spark Place to Open in Jersey City
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Spark Place, a space made for little wanderers, soft play, slow mornings, and meaningful moments, opens in Jersey City on February 14th. From open play and cozy café breaks to birthdays and community gatherings, Spark Place allows parents to exhale while their children explore. This spot serves both parents and kids the treats, fuel, and little comforts they need to get through the day, from coffee to grab and go items.
New Cocktail Bar from Anthony David’s Team SRO Opening in Hoboken 2/10
After nearly two years in the works, the team behind Anthony David’s is ready to open its new Hoboken cocktail bar, SRO, located next door at 107 10th Street. Ahead of the opening, The Hoboken Girl got a sneak peek at the space. Click here for more.
Chinese Restaurant + Bar Taking Over Kitchen Step Space in Jersey City
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A new Chinese restaurant and bar is joining the diverse foodie scene in downtown Jersey City. DONG BEI Restaurant + Bar is taking over the former Kitchen Step location at 500 Jersey Avenue. It’s the first New Jersey location for the Chinese restaurant, with several other locations already in business across the river in New York City. The restaurant serves authentic Northeast Chinese food and traditional Chinese drinks. Click here for more.
Philly-Based Chain, City Fitness, Opening 2 Hoboken Locations
Two new gyms owned by City Fitness, a Philadelphia-based company, will open in Hoboken in 2026. In December 2025, a source close to the project confirmed that the gym will take two spaces, one each in downtown and uptown Hoboken. In January of this year, the gym confirmed its expansion plans and hinted at a Jersey City location coming soon. Click here for more.
Wonder Bagels to Open in Journal Square
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Wonder Bagels will be setting up shop in one of Jersey City’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. Per Jersey Digs, the bagel shop will be coming to the ground-floor retail space of 626 Newark Avenue, a 526-unit high-rise that was recently completed. The upcoming Newark Avenue spot will be located just a few short blocks from the Journal Square PATH Station. An estimated timeline for the opening has not been announced.
New Target in Jersey City to Open Soon
Target plans to open two new stores in New Jersey in March including a small-format retail operation in a busy section of Jersey City. Per Patch Jersey City, a 40,000-square-foot Target at 104 Sip Avenue in Jersey City and a 150,000-square-foot store at 235 Prospect Avenue in West Orange are scheduled to open March 15th. The Jersey City store is designed for commuters with its proximity to public transportation and early opening time of 7AM.
New Needlepoint Shop, The Little Stitchery, Coming to Hoboken
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The Little Stitchery, a needlepoint shop, is opening a Hoboken location soon. While the exact address hasn’t been confirmed yet, the team shared that it will be located on Washington Street. The shop’s focus is all about community, connection, and creativity. Click here for more.
5 Foodie Treats You *NEED* for Super Bowl 2026 Week in Hoboken + Jersey City
It’s no secret that Super Bowl food in Hoboken and Jersey City can be easy to come by: we’ve got an endless supply of wings, catering platters, bar food, and cheesy eats to go around. But some local restaurants and bars are doing fun things that really take it to the next level, so of course, we had to investigate (read: taste test) a few of them. Click here for more.
Speedy’s Burgers + Bowls Reopens Near Journal Square
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Speedy’s Burgers + Bowls has reopened in Jersey City, this time near Journal Square. The burger and bowl spot, previously located in Paulus Hook, is now serving up its affordable comfort food menu at 154 Chestnut Avenue in the Hilltop neighborhood, just a few minutes’ walk from the JSQ PATH station. The Hoboken Girl visited for a taste of the menu and tour of the new space. Click here for more.
Inside Tiny Topiary, a New Community-Driven Café in Jersey City
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One Jersey City couple decided to open a community-driven café, Tiny Topiary, right in the Bergen Hill neighborhood. Open seven days a week, Tiny Topiary, located at 163 Monticello Avenue, focuses on serving slow food and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment. Click here for more.
The Collective Hoboken Brings 3 Local Brands Under 1 Roof
This February, three local brands are officially expanding The Collective, bringing the concept to a new, permanent home at 79 Hudson Street, Suite 103LL, in Hoboken. The businesses joining The Collective are Hoboken Hat Bar, Susan Beth Design Studio, and The Loop. Click here for more.
Know Your Rights in New Jersey: What to Do If ICE Questions You
With immigration enforcement activity making headlines nationwide, many New Jersey residents — including U.S. citizens — have questions about their rights if approached by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Here is a clear, legally grounded overview of what your rights are in New Jersey, whether you are a U.S. citizen, non-citizen, adult, or parent, plus trusted resources to review or share with your family. Click here for more.
What’s Going On with Hoboken Street Cleaning?
The ice is (sort of) thawing, and the snow is starting to melt around Hoboken while crews continue to clear the frozen mess from the streets. The City has implemented overnight snow removal, but confusion remains surrounding when and why residents need to move their cars. Street Cleaning briefly resumed on Monday, February 2nd, but was suspended again in response to resident feedback. We reached out to the City directly to get a clear answer on the situation. Click here for more.
Jersey City Issues Over 400 Snow-Related Summonses
Jersey City has issued more than 400 summonses to residents and businesses for not shoveling sidewalks and other snowfall-related violations as the city continues to dig out from last month’s storm. Per the Jersey City Times, New Jersey’s second-largest city got at least 9 inches of snow during the January 25th storm. Jersey City had issued 430 summonses and 15 warnings as of February 5th. A majority of the summonses were issued in the first days after the storm, according to the mayor’s office.
This Hoboken Bar Has Transformed Into a V-Day Pop-up
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A Hoboken bar is here to lift our spirits with a delightfully over-the-top Valentine’s Day pop-up. The Waiting Room, located at 72 Hudson Street, continues its locally beloved tradition of festive experiences with hundreds of roses hanging from the ceiling, V-Day-themed cocktails, and new menu items. PS: talk about love at first bite, there are discounted specials during happy hour. Click here for more.
Inside Morgan Julia Designs, Jersey City’s New Needlepoint Studio
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A new needlepoint studio opened in Jersey City that’s set on supporting new and experienced needlepoint enthusiasts. Morgan Julia Designs was started by a young woman who wanted to bring her needlepoint designs from Florida to the Garden State. Click here for more.
Lola Reopens with New Concept + Chef
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Following the closure of the Wicked Wolf, the restaurant group behind the former Hoboken bar has new plans for its other establishment in town. ECS Hospitality group tells The Hoboken Girl exclusively that The LOLA, located at 102 Sinatra Drive, is taking a new direction, shifting gears towards a cocktail lounge with former Butcher’s Block Chef Brandon (Bud) Carter, who recently opened Olea in Spring Lake. The new space opened on February 6th, 2026. The team is also eyeing the former House of Que space, hinting at a bar and restaurant concept going in the space. Click here for more.
Federal Government Sued over Hudson Tunnel Project Funding Freeze
Photo Credit: GDC
Construction on the $16 billion Hudson Tunnel Project could be coming to a halt due to a lack of federal funding. In 2025, federal funding for the project, aiming to expand train service between New Jersey and New York, was frozen due to a federal review into whether any unconstitutional practices were occurring on site. As of January 2026, the commission leading construction announced it cannot continue construction until the Trump Administration resumes funding the majority of the project. The freeze puts thousands of jobs and the construction timeline at risk. In February 2026, the commission filed a lawsuit against the federal government, looking to release funding and continue construction. Now, the project has come to a halt. Click here for more.
A List of Black-Owned Businesses to Support in Hoboken + Jersey City
In cities like Hoboken + Jersey City, there are small businesses to support on every street locals turn on. The Hoboken Girl has compiled a list of Black-owned businesses to support locally for easy access and reference. From Chopped chefs to celebrity manicurists to workout gurus and beyond, there are so many amazing entrepreneurs in this area. Click here for more.
Where to Celebrate Galentine’s Day 2026 in Hoboken + Jersey City
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The season of love is also for our besties, and Galentine’s Day is the ideal time to celebrate the friendships that mean the most. We’re sharing a variety of fun local activities for this Galentine’s season. Click here for more.
Hoboken Opens Applications for Community Development Block Grant Funding
The City of Hoboken is accepting applications for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for fiscal year 2026. Per a City of Hoboken press release, this funding, estimated at approximately $1 million based on the 2025 allocation, is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist low- to moderate-income community members and respond to urgent community needs. To apply for funding, applicants should visit the Hoboken Community Development Block Grant webpage here. Applications are due on Friday, February 20th at 4PM.
Groundhog Predicts Six More Weeks of Winter
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Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Monday, February 2nd, which means, according to the legend, six more weeks of winter are on the way. The annual Groundhog Day ceremony, which is always held on the second day of February, took place in front of thousands of spectators on Monday morning at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, about 80 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.
Jersey City Resident Creates Streaming Platform for Locally-Made Films
3R Studios is Jersey City’s first independent community-driven streaming platform. Its founder, Juan Diego Roque, has spent nearly a decade shooting music videos, producing documentaries, and building community through film. Now he’s trying something bigger: what he calls “indie HBO.” Click here for more.
This Union City Furniture Store Turns Into a Cozy Cafe on Weekends
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During the week, Studio Beni is an appointment-only furniture store, selling couches, bookshelves, and other antique pieces. On weekends, the store at 216 19th Street in Union City starts brewing coffee and transforms into a little coffee shop. The owners tell The Hoboken Girl they wanted a different way for people to enjoy the space they’ve spent so much time curating over the years, and they’re looking to extend their service hours to certain weekdays. Click here for more.
How to Sign Up for Emergency Alerts in Hoboken + Jersey City
Staying informed and up to date is paramount while living in Hoboken + Jersey City. From snowstorms to flooding to traffic to heat waves and more, there are plenty of services available that send you important information as it becomes available. Here’s a list of emergency resources and alert services in Hoboken + Jersey City you can sign up for today. Click here for more.
The Hoboken Girl’s Women’s Business Owners Networking Night Returns on 2/26
At The Hoboken Girl, supporting local businesses has always been at the heart of what we do (a green heart, of course). Over the years, we’ve connected with inspiring founders and small business owners whose stories, creativity, and dedication help shape the character of our community. This incredible community of businesses is exactly why we’re so excited to host our fourth Women’s Business Owner Networking Night with YogaRenew. On Thursday, February 26, 2026, Hudson County business owners can meet, connect, + support one another in a cozy setting at YogaRenew. Click here for more.
Kearny HHI Heliport Zoning Use Permit Hearing Delayed
Helo Holdings, better known as HHI Heliport at 165 Western Road in Kearny, appeared in municipal court on February 5th regarding enforcement of a zoning use permit. Per the Hudson County View, Norrice Raymaker, of the Safe Skies Coalition, praised Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and the county commissioners for previously approving resolutions in support of state and federal legislation seeking to reign in non-essential helicopter traffic. Guy and U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8) applauded Kearny, under the direction of Mayor Carol Jean Doyle, for issuing a zoning violation to HHI Heliport back in September. The case was rescheduled to March, per Hudson County View.
Hoboken Thespians Break Records at NJ Festival
The Hoboken High School Thespians Competition Team participated in the New Jersey Thespians Festival, one of the most rigorous and respected student theatre events in the region. Per a Hoboken Public Schools press release, Hoboken students earned a school-record 16 Superior Medals. Nineteen students received perfect scores on the adjudication rubric from multiple judges, an extraordinary achievement at this level of competition. As a result, these students have qualified to present their work at the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University Bloomington this June, where they will represent Hoboken on an international stage alongside top high school theatre programs from around the world.
Jersey City Council Votes to Acquire $515k High Water Rescue Vehicle
The Jersey City Council voted 6-3 to approve a resolution to use a federal grant to acquire a $515,000 Skeeter High Water Rescue Vehicle in case it is needed during flooding after much debate. Per the resolution, the city would utilize a federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to purchase the vehicle for the Department of Public Safety. The council approved the resolution to purchase the vehicle 6-3.
Jersey City Announces Snow Removal Operations
The City of Jersey City has announced upcoming snow removal operations on eight main roadways, spanning from Bergen-Lafayette to downtown. Per the Hudson County View, free storm parking is available at designated public parking lots throughout the city and a complete list of available lots can be found here. Residents are encouraged to park in their driveways when possible.
Hoboken City Council Approves 8% Water Rate Hike
The Hoboken City Council narrowly approved an 8 percent water rate increase for 2026 and 2027 “to provide for the annual costs and to ensure that the system operates as a self-liquidating utility on a continuing basis” at the January 28th meeting. The measure ultimately passed 5-4.
