The Hoboken Girl Team 
Both Hoboken + Jersey City’s new mayors were officially sworn into office this week. 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: a new Subway sandwich shop is coming to Hoboken; 14 New Jersey school districts may soon debut electric buses; and a Hoboken High School teacher receives a nomination for a national award. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week — ending on January 18th, 2026.
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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):
- Lola Rebranding to New Lounge Concept with Former Butcher’s Block Chef
- Tate McRae Poses with Fans at Mulligan’s in Hoboken
- Terrace by Alessio’s Rebrands to Uptown Terrace
- New Subway Sandwich Shop Coming to Hoboken
- Firefighters Respond to Blaze in Jersey City Home
- Strands Salon Studios Opens in Hoboken
- Café Littles to Host Grand Opening in Jersey City
- Carol Ann’s Table Announces Temporary Closure in Jersey City
- New Jersey Legislature Unanimously Passes Sexual Assault Evidence Submission Act
- Liberty State Park in Jersey City to Host a Fan Festival for the FIFA World Cup
- New Hoboken + Jersey City Mayors Sworn Into Office This Week
- 14 New Jersey School Districts May Soon Debut Electric Buses
- Hoboken High School Teacher Receives Nomination for National Award
Lola Rebranding to New Lounge Concept with Former Butcher’s Block 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 Girlexclusively 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 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.
Tate McRae Poses with Fans at Mulligan’s in Hoboken
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According to Deuxmoi, singer-songwriter Tate McRae was allegedly spotted at Mulligan’s in Hoboken celebrating a birthday alongside her boyfriend, Jack Hughes, who plays for the New Jersey Devils. The Instagram account shared a photo of Tate posing with fans inside Mulligan’s, alongside a DM that said, “She was in the bar last night. One of the New Jersey Devils hockey players had [their] birthday party there after [their] game think she’s going out with one of them.” Click here for more.
Terrace by Alessio’s Rebrands to Uptown Terrace
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Alessio’s Cafe soft opened Uptown Terrace on January 16th, now open in the park, replacing Terrace by Alessio’s. The new location is surrounded by Northwest Resiliency Park and now serves as an event space for birthday parties, engagement parties, bridal and baby showers, cooking classes and more.
New Subway Sandwich Shop Coming to Hoboken
A well-known sandwich chain is returning to Hoboken. A reader sent The Hoboken Girl photos of a permit up on Hudson Street detailing renovations to make way for a Subway sandwich shop at 205 Hudson Street. This part of the city has become a bit of a sandwich hotspot in Hoboken, as a major chain took over a local favorite a couple of years ago. Click here for more.
Firefighters Respond to Blaze in Jersey City Home
Members of the Jersey City Fire Department responded to a house fire on January 12th. According to TAPinto Jersey City, the fire erupted at a Bowers Street home at approximately 6PM. Damage could also be seen to the exterior of the neighboring Trinity Baptist Church. No injuries have been reported.
Strands Salon Studios Opens in Hoboken
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There’s a new hair stylist studio in Hoboken. Founder, Krista Melendez, officially opened the doors of Strands Salon Studios on January 2nd. She offers haircuts, color, and styling services and is based out of 1425 Hudson Street.
Carol Ann’s Table Announces Temporary Closure in Jersey City
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Carol Ann’s Table announced via Instagram on January 15th that it is closed until further notice. The BYOB restaurant features a small, curated menu and is located at 333 Palisade Avenue. The caption read: “We’ll be back soon and better than ever. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and understanding. We look forward to reopening our doors and welcoming you back very soon!”
Hoboken Releases Results of CLEAR Pilot Program
The City of Hoboken released the results of the three-month CLEAR (Camera-based License Plate Enforcement for Access & Response times) pilot program on January 12th, demonstrating significant improvements in street safety, transit access, and loading zone turnover along downtown Washington Street. Per a press release, data from the CLEAR pilot program, which operated along Washington Street from Observer Highway to Eighth Street, shows reductions in blocked bike lanes, bus stops, loading zones, and travel lanes.
Fire Department Forces Jersey City Bakery to Stop Serving Eggs
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Scram, a bakery that started in Charleston, South Carolina, announced on Instagram that its egg sandwiches were removed from the menu because of fire code issues. The Jersey City fire chief inspected the bakery in November and found some of their kitchen equipment not up to code, namely a 24-inch electric flat top with no hood suppression system, according to NJ.com. Customers are quite upset since this breakfast spot makes some of the best egg sandwiches in New Jersey.
There Are 20+ Empty Storefronts on Washington Street in Hoboken
Walking along Washington Street in Hoboken, it’s hard not to notice a handful of empty windows, shuttered doors, and dark storefronts. Right now 24 storefronts are currently empty, with about five of them undergoing renovations. It’s not the first time businesses have closed or moved on from the main strip in Hoboken, but seeing those “For Lease” signs had us wondering: what’s next for Washington Street? So, the HG team took a look at the numbers and spoke with some local experts to see if this is a new trend or if it’s how Hoboken businesses are evolving. Click here for more.
Liberty State Park in Jersey City to Host a Fan Festival for the FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup is coming to New Jersey in June of 2026, with eight matches being held at MetLife Stadium. To celebrate the major event, Liberty State Park in Jersey City will be hosting a five-week FIFA Fan Festival where fans can enjoy live match screenings, food, performances, + more. Click here for more.
Emily Jabbour Sworn in by NJ Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill as Hoboken’s Mayor
Hoboken officially has a new mayor, sworn in by the Governor-Elect of New Jersey. Emily Jabbour officially took office as the Mayor of Hoboken on January 15th during an inauguration ceremony attended by governor-to-be, Mikie Sherrill. Elected officials from all around Hudson County joined to celebrate the 40th Mayor of Hoboken taking office. Click here for more.
New Jersey Legislature Unanimously Passes Sexual Assault Evidence Submission Act
In order to address the often flawed nature of reporting sexual assault, NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced the rollout of a new program to track the progress of Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Kits, more commonly known as “rape kits” in July of 2025. New spotlight has been drawn to the nationwide backlog of rape kits, where kits that have been collected at hospitals from consenting victims seeking legal routes of justice, fall behind due to a high volume of kits and can get lost in the shuffle — some are even destroyed for space. On January 12th, 2026, the New Jersey State Senate voted 38-0 to pass a bill that would require all SAFE kits to be tested with the consent of the survivor. According to the non-profit organization, End the Backlog, New Jersey is currently at a backlog of 5,873 untested kits. Click here for more.
Café Littles to Host Grand Opening in Jersey City
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On January 24th, Café Littles at 80 Mallory Avenue will host its grand opening celebration. The event will feature a special ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Joel Brooks, Ward B Jersey City Councilman, music, games, food and drinks.
DoorDash Names Alfalfa Among Healthiest Restaurants of 2026
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Alfalfa was named one of DoorDash’s Healthiest Restaurants of 2026 and featured in several healthy-eating roundups online. The restaurant was recognized for its thoughtfully sourced ingredients and well-balanced meals.
Hoboken Exhibit Showcases New Jersey’s Embroidery + Lace History
Photo Credit: Hoboken Business Alliance
The Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA), in partnership with the Stevens Institute of Technology’s Samuel C. Williams Library, Maridian Properties, and Kung Fu Tea, announced a new storefront exhibit, “Saving the Last Scraps: Preserving the History of the Embroidery & Lace Industry in New Jersey.” This exhibit celebrates a lesser-known but globally significant chapter of New Jersey history and is on display in the window of Kung Fu Tea at 536 Washington Street. The exhibit will remain on display through May 2026 and explore the rich legacy of the embroidery and lace industry that came to Northern New Jersey beginning in the late 19th century.
NJDOT to Improve Traffic Light Timing in North Bergen
North Bergen officials say that the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) will improve traffic light timing at 91st Street and Tonnelle Avenue. Per the Hudson County View, a resolution was adopted at the January 7th board of commissioners meeting, requesting that NJDOT reevaluate traffic patterns at the heavily traveled intersection, citing severe congestion and public safety concerns. Vehicles were experiencing delays of more than 45 minutes to travel just a few city blocks, preventing residents from leaving or returning to their homes and creating obstacles for emergency responders. Following the meeting, Public Safety Commissioner Allen Pascual, Police Chief Robert Farley Jr., and EMS Chief David Prina met with NJDOT engineers to review conditions at the intersection.
This Jersey City Bakery Has Been Open for 98 Years
One local bakery in Jersey City, Second Street Bakery, has been around for almost 100 years in the same spot at 402 2nd Street. What started as a wholesale bread bakery in 1927 has now turned into a three-generation family business. We had a chance to visit this neighborhood bakery and speak with the current owner, Gino Siniscalchi, about his family, the business, and how things have changed in his more than 30 years of ownership. Click here for more.
14 New Jersey School Districts May Soon Debut Electric Buses
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announced more money in grants going towards electric vehicles. Specifically, $32 million is going towards dozens of electric school buses and EV charging stations. It’s all part of the state’s transition to zero-emission school buses that will better protect the health of school children and improve public access to charging stations in Jersey communities. Click here for more.
Glamming The Warrior’s Heroes For Healing Gala Returns to Jersey City
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The 5th Annual Heroes for Healing Gala in Jersey City is back for an unforgettable night celebrating courage, strength, and community. Hosted by Glamming the Warrior, a Jersey City 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the gala will take place on Friday, February 6th at Hudson House Wedding Venue (2 Chapel Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07305). The gala celebrates five years of empowering cancer patients and survivors, recognizing 15 honorees who have touched lives with their resilience. Guests from across Hudson County and beyond will enjoy an evening of celebration, inspiration, and a rooftop after-party to keep the festivities going. Click here for more.
NJ Transit + Amtrak Face Service Cuts Due to Construction
NJ Transit and Amtrak riders will see a 53% reduction in train service to and from New York beginning February 15th to connect the new Portal North Bridge to the rest of the Northeast Corridor Line. NJ Transit announced on January 15th via a press release, that the four‑week process will affect the schedules of 280 Amtrak trains and 332 NJ Transit trains across five rail lines to allow for infrastructure work and testing. Regular service is expected to resume March 15th.
New Jersey House Commission OKs Parking Lot For Yachts
The New Jersey House Commission approved a 60-year lease that will let a private marina operator build a huge boat warehouse at Liberty State Park. During the meeting held on January 15th, The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection requested and received approval for a 60-year lease with Suntex Marina Investors, a company that owns and manages hundreds of marina properties across the country. Click here for more.
Free Admission to 12 New Jersey Museums for Mikie Sherrill’s Inauguration
In honor of the 2026 inauguration of Mikie Sherrill, museums across New Jersey opened their doors with free or discounted admission for one day only, giving locals a great excuse to explore art, history, science, and culture without the usual price tag. This special offer was available on Saturday, January 17, 2026, with select parameters varying by location. Click here for more.
Cannabis Dispensary Plans to Open At Grove Street Location Near City Hall
A Higher Ground Dispensary is looking to relocate from 41 Marin Boulevard to 293 Grove Street, according to the Jersey City Times. The cannabis control board is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the relocation application on January 26th. If approved, the dispensary would be located on the strip of Grove Street across from City Hall.
Jersey City Resident Appears on Jeopardy Three Times
Jersey City resident Vicky Talvola has appeared on Jeopardy three times. The first two appearances in September 2025 netted her $26,400 in winnings – plus eternal bragging rights. Vicky appeared again on January 8th, 2026, in a Wildcard episode. Click here for more.
Where to Drop Off Batteries in Hoboken + Jersey City
In a recent press release dated January 12, 2026, the Hoboken Fire Department reminded residents that lithium-ion batteries must never be disposed of in household trash or recycling bins. Here’s everything you need to know about safely disposing of batteries in Hoboken. Click here for more.
Council President Serves as Acting Mayor of Hoboken for Two Days
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With former Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla sworn in as a state assemblyman to represent the 32nd Legislative District on January 13th, Council President Jim Doyle became the acting mayor for approximately two days until Mayor-elect Emily Jabbour’s official inauguration. The inauguration took place at the DeBaun Auditorium at the Stevens Institute of Technology on January 15th.
Governor Murphy Signs Law Advancing Kean-NJCU Merger
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Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation transferring all of New Jersey City University’s academic programs, facilities and assets to Kean University while allotting $25 million in support of the transition, among other procedural steps. Per a Kean University press release, the new law positions Kean to expand its mission as New Jersey’s urban research university by integrating NJCU as Kean Jersey City in Summer 2026. All New Jersey City University students would become students of Kean University.
Hoboken + Jersey City Mayors Sworn Into Office This Week
The new leaders of Hoboken + Jersey City were sworn in on Thursday, January 15th, 2026. The mayors-elect are not new to our corner of Hudson County: Hoboken Mayor-elect Emily Jabbour served two terms on the Hoboken City Council, and Jersey City Mayor-elect James Solomon served two terms on the Jersey City Council. It’s a shift in leadership, as the last Mayor of Hoboken, Ravi Bhalla, was elected in 2017, and in Jersey City, Mayor Steven Fulop took office in 2013. Click here for more.
Bayonne Man Arrested for Allegedly Posting Child Sexual Abuse Files to Snapchat
A Bayonne man has been arrested after allegedly uploading child sexual abuse files to his Snapchat account. Anthony Santiago, 28, was taken into custody on January 8th and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement. He remains in custody at the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing.
Secaucus Doctor Charged With Distributing Opioids In Exchange For Sexual Favors
A doctor from Secaucus is facing a 58-count indictment for prescribing drugs for sex and defrauding New Jersey Medicaid by billing for visits that never happened, per a U.S. Attorney’s Office press release. Ritesh Kalra, 52, of Secaucus, was previously charged by criminal complaint in July and now stands charged by indictment with additional offenses. The new charges include 36 counts of distributing opioids outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, and 21 counts of health care fraud.
Hoboken High School Teacher Receives Nomination for National Award
Hoboken High School AP African American studies teacher Christopher Munoz has been nominated for the National Life Group’s 2025-26 LifeChanger of the Year award. This recognition rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership. Christopher was nominated by Jersey City educator Noel Depeppe for his commitment to education and his involvement within the community.
National Science Competition Recognizes Jersey City Students
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Two students at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School were among 300 high school seniors in the U.S. to be recognized as part of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college math and science competition this year. Per the Jersey City Times, the Society for Science, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting science journalism and education, announced the top 300 scholars in its 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search. Among them were McNair seniors Meghana Addanki and Mythili Venkata Kota, who were the only Jersey City students to make the top 300. An additional 16 New Jersey high schoolers were also named among the top 300.
New Pavilion at Mercer Park Breaks Ground in Bayonne
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Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners Anthony L. Romano, and Commissioner Jerry Walker (D-3) celebrated the groundbreaking of a brand-new pavilion at Mercer Park in Bayonne on January 12th. Per a County of Hudson press release, this exciting project will create an outdoor community space complete with room for concession stands and new bathrooms, enhancing the park’s ability to host events and provide residents with a welcoming space to gather.
