Hope you had a great Fourth of July and procured an awesome spot from which to watch the fireworks {+ see Snoop Dogg pull Akon onto the stage for a surprise guest appearance during the Jersey City Fourth of July celebration.) If you’re still recovering from this week’s festivities, then sit back, relax, and keep reading as we bring you everything that happened this week around Hudson County. From new coffee options {in both Hoboken and Jersey City} to a dramatic protest that took place on the base of the Statue of Liberty, here are the top news stories of the week:
Hidden Grounds Coffee to Celebrate Grand Opening
New Novel ‘Before We Died’ Takes Place in Mile Square City
Joan Schweighardt is an IPPY and Forward Magazine award recipient and is the author of five other novels.
Call for Art: Central Avenue in Jersey City Needs Artists
Fran’s Deli Suddenly Closes Its Doors
The Italian deli was known for its mutz, paninis, and sandwiches — perfect for most any meal. Fran’s will reopen as Jersey Mike’s, an American sandwich chain that hails from Manasquan, NJ. No word yet on when the new Jersey Mike’s will open.
Off-Broadway Play Written by Woman from Jersey City
In “God Save Queen Pam,” the entire royal house of Edevane has died out, leaving the lone heir, an American bartender from New Jersey named Pam Duffy. With the help of her staff, Pam journeys to figure out her new God-ordained career before the court unseats her. “God Save Queen Pam” promises nothing but hilarity — “no moments of sad reflection, no ironic nods to the woes of the day.”
“God Save Queen Pam” is playing at the Players Theater from June 21st to July 29th. Performances are at 7pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and at 3pm on Sundays. You can purchase tickets at godsavequeenpam.com.
Hoboken Fire Department Looking for New Recruits
“I hope to have a diverse group of applicants, including military veterans, women, minorities, and members of the LGTBQ community,” Provisional Fire Chief Brian Crimmins said in a statement. “A fire department that best represents the community can best serve the community.”
Applications are open now through August 31, 2018 and anyone interested can apply here.
ICE Protester Climbs the Statue of Liberty on July 4
Earlier the same day, several people were arrested during a protest held at the statue. All tourists were evacuated from Liberty Park during the time of the climb.
Pici Pasta Bar Celebrates Its Soft Opening
Thieves Reportedly Following Delivery Trucks and Stealing
“I received photo confirmation of my package delivery and it was gone by the time I got home,” the user wrote. “Apparently there is a trend in the area of thieves following delivery trucks and going in afterward to steal packages… Using Amazon lockers from now on,” the user added.
Be wary, Hoboken + Jersey City.
Cafe Madelaine Now Open on Coles Street
Chipotle Is Headed to Journal Square
A new Chipotle Mexican Grill will make its way to Journal Square in 2019. The Mexican fast food chain inked a lease at 26 Journal Square, just feet away from the Journal Square PATH Station that so many commuters frequent on the daily.
“There is a gap in the market for high-quality, fast-casual food in Journal Square, a neighborhood with growing daytime and residential populations that is near both the county courthouse and two college campuses,” RKF, the brokerage firm handling the deal, said in a press release.
Jersey City Flower Thief Caught on Security Camera
Pulaski Skyway Opens Two Days Ahead of Schedule
{Photo credit: Twitter}
Two days earlier than expected, Pulaski Skyway is finally open. Previously, the New Jersey Department of Transportation had announced Pulaski Skyway would reopen its lanes on Monday, but the northbound lanes were open two days early, allowing traffic to flow in both directions.
Pulaski Skyway temporarily closed down back in 2014 as part of a $1 billion rehabilitation project. After four years of renovations, local drivers are ecstatic to finally have their bridge back!
Have any news tips? Email [email protected] and [email protected] to let us know — we appreciate it.