The Hoboken Girl Team 
Spring is blooming in New Jersey, with flowers growing, sun shining, and pollen dusting our cars. It’s been a busy week in the Hoboken + Jersey City area. We learned that Hoboken ranked among the best places to live in New Jersey. Jersey City is making moves with major 911 system upgrades, and city leaders pushed for a proposed $150M aid package to help address the city’s major budget deficit. Plus, we included some of our favorite April Fools’ jokes from local businesses that had us doing a double-take. From new openings to community updates, there’s plenty to catch up on this weekend.
Every week, we round up the top news stories of the week from both our site and aggregate across the web from various sources because there’s SO much happening. You can read more at the links below, and always feel free to submit any news tips to [email protected] or via DM @thehobokengirl on IG. Our email newsletter also shares more of our top stories on a twice-weekly basis, which you can sign up for here.
– Hoboken police arrested three individuals following a late-night incident on Harrison Street, recovering illegal drugs and a loaded handgun during the response (Press Release).
– The Hudson County Sheriff’s Office has hired a former police officer who previously admitted to fraud for a civilian position, raising questions about the decision (Hudson County View).
– A Union City man has admitted to stealing over $1 million in an investment fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims (U.S. Department of Justice).
– State lawmakers are considering a $150 million transitional aid request for Jersey City as officials work to address the city’s budget deficit (Hudson County View).
– Jersey City officials announced sweeping reforms to the 911 Communications Center, including new leadership oversight, upgraded technology, and expanded capabilities aimed at faster, more accurate service for residents (Press Release).
– Newly released footage sheds more light on a fatal police shooting in Hudson County, showing the suspect allegedly attacking an officer after being shot (NJ.com).
– A Secaucus man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in a 2024 fatal shooting in North Bergen after pleading guilty to aggravated manslaughter (Press Release).
– Four Secaucus men were charged with aggravated assault after an incident in Hoboken. (Patch)
– Good 4 Hoboken: Pop music fans are buzzing after spotting what appears to be an Easter egg tied to Olivia Rodrigo’s newest album, found along the waterfront. (The Hoboken Girl).
– A new café from Nepal Tea Collective has opened in Jersey City, bringing a unique tea experience and global flavors to the area (The Hoboken Girl).
– A new Burlington store is opening inside Hudson Mall in Jersey City, adding to the retail options at the shopping center (NJBIZ).
– LEGO shop Bricks + Minifigs is set to open in Hoboken with LEGO sets, collectibles, and more (The Hoboken Girl).
– Hoboken has earned a top spot in a new ranking of the best places to live, highlighting its appeal for residents (Patch).
– Jersey City is moving forward with plans to redevelop the long-vacant North Baptist Church into housing while restoring key historic elements, though delays could still threaten the aging structure (Jersey Digs).
– State officials plan to cull deer in Liberty State Park in Jersey City to manage the population, drawing pushback from activists who oppose the killings and advocate for alternative solutions (Jersey City Times).
– Hudson Kitchen is hosting a hands-on Demo Day for food lovers on April 7th (Hudson Kitchen).
– Main Street Pops is returning to Hoboken in 2026 with its popular artisan events and markets around town (The Hoboken Girl).
– A new speakeasy opened in Jersey City within a Chinese restaurant (The Hoboken Girl).
– Jersey City’s WFMU remains the longest-running freeform radio station in the U.S. (The Hoboken Girl).
– For those with summer on the brain, the 2026 Jersey Shore badge prices have officially been released (The Jersey Shore Girl).
– A significant budget deficit at Hudson County Schools of Technology is being linked to ongoing issues within its accounting and finance department (Hudson County View).
– Hotel prices in North Jersey are skyrocketing ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with some rooms reportedly exceeding $8,000 per night (Patch).
– An IHOP is set to replace a former massage parlor along the Hudson County waterfront in Bayonne, bringing a familiar breakfast spot to the area (Patch).
– The Hoboken resident who runs Tipsy Tie Dye on First Street was featured on NBC New York, showing off her fresh, grown-up twist on tie-dye so many locals have come to love (NBC New York).
– NJCU moves forward with a merger with Kean University (NJCU).
– Governor Mikie Sherrill gave a local shoutout to JC boutique Kanibal & Co. (@govsherrillnj via Instagram).
– A former Hoboken councilwoman is suing the city, claiming officials failed to respond to a public records request in a timely manner (Hudson County View).
– A new cannabis dispensary called The Retreat has officially opened in Jersey City’s Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood (@theretreatnj via Instagram).
– Hoboken opens the door to Airbnb as NYC and other NJ towns continue cracking down on short-term rentals (Gothamist).
– Cannabis operators say New Jersey’s rollout of consumption lounges is moving too slowly, leaving business owners stuck waiting for applications and next steps (NJ Spotlight News).
And a quick April Fools’ recap of our faves:
– A post claiming Hoboken’s beloved “Stumpy” tree was destroyed turned out to be an April Fools’ joke that definitely had some locals fooled for a minute (@hobokennj via Instagram).
– Gravity Vault had climbers doing a double take after joking that its Hoboken location would be open 24/7 for nonstop sends (@gravityvaulthoboken via Instagram).
– Rumble Boxing stirred up some Bravo buzz with a fake announcement that Summer House’s West Wilson would be stepping into the ring in Jersey City (@rumbleboxingjerseycity via Instagram).
– A post imagined NJ Transit adding “screaming cars” for commuters to vent during their commute — and honestly, people kind of loved it (@thegardenstate via Instagram).
Have a *real* news tip or story? Email us at [email protected].
Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.
