Meteorologists have been saying for several days that the Northern Lights may be visible from the New Jersey area this week, which is something that seldom comes to fruition (remember that ah-hem April Fool’s Joke gone wrong). But tonight, October 10, 2024, thousands of people in the Northern New Jersey and NYC area were able to view them — as well as several days this past week. In Hoboken and Jersey City, the viewing happened around 7:30PM tonight. Here’s more about why the Northern Lights were visible in New Jersey this evening.
Starting as early as two days ago, many New Jersey residents reported seeing pink, purple, and green hues around the Garden State.
^photo from Montague, NJ; Credit: James Casson
This phenomenon, usually caused by geomagnetic activity or geomagnetic storms, called the “Northern lights,” or the Aurora Borealis, are often visible in Canada, but are most known to be visible in Scandinavian countries such as Iceland, Norway, and Finland.
^Princeton, NJ; Photo Credit Mary Lessard
Occasionally, they can be seen in New Jersey, and this past week was one for the books. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center forecasted this activity and it was seen throughout the New Jersey and New York region.
^photo from Hoboken, New Jersey: Credit Jordan and Joelle Hernandez
Did you catch a glimpse? Share your photos with us @thehobokengirl on Instagram and TikTok.
40 News Stories You Missed This Week in Hoboken + Jersey City | January 12 2025
Temperatures dropped far below freezing point this week and it snowed in parts of New Jersey. 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: H+S Giovanni’s closes in Hoboken after 23 years; Port Authority announces toll + PATH fare hikes for 2025; and Barry’s Bootcamp signage was spotted in Hoboken. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on January 12th, 2025.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected].
Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories + more):
- Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla Announces He Will Not Run for Re-Election
- Jim Doyle Appointed Unanimously as New Hoboken City Council President
- 8 Incidents of Theft at Hoboken Lululemon Result in $39k Loss
- New Medspa, fillir, Opens on Washington Street in Hoboken
- Local Dad Brutally Attacked Near Exchange Place PATH Station in Jersey City
- Revised NYC Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect
- Pokémon GO Fest is Coming to Jersey City This June
- Police Officer Melissa Mendola Appointed as LGBTQ+ Liaison by JCPD
- New Restaurant, Shang Gong Chu, to Open at Former Teppan in Jersey City
- Fiore’s House of Quality in Hoboken Launches New Bottled Drinks
New Coffee Shop, Cafexico, Opens in Hoboken
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After much anticipation, Cafexico, a Mexican-inspired cafe, officially opened its doors on Saturday, January 4th. Located at 515 4th Street, the shop pays homage to Mexico with themed menu items — including drinks and pastries — and decor. Click here for more.
H+S Giovanni’s Closes in Hoboken After 23-Year Run
On Christmas Day, Hoboken said goodbye to a longtime favorite. H+S Giovanni’s, a family-owned pizzeria that’s served the community for 23 years, permanently closed its 603 Washington Street location per an Instagram post on December 24th. The restaurant shared it was “unable to agree to terms on a new lease,” but thanked the community for its support over its two-decade run. While Giovanni’s absence will undoubtedly be felt here in Hoboken, some family members also work at Imposto’s just down the street, and “will be happy to take care of [locals] going forward.”
FAA Introduces More Drone Flight Restrictions
The New Jersey drone saga continues. On December 19th, The Hoboken Girl reported that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued several operational updates prohibiting the use of drones in many New Jersey communities. Over the holidays, the FAA “temporarily banned drone flights in another nine New Jersey towns” until mid-January, according to Patch Hoboken. The restrictions were issued over “critical infrastructure facilities” out of an “abundance of caution,” a Homeland Security spokesperson shared with the outlet. NJ residents can see the newest restrictions here, which include Atlantic Highlands, South Kearny, and more.
8 Incidents of Theft at Hoboken Lululemon Result in $39k Loss
On Friday, December 27th, the City of Hoboken and Hoboken Police Department requested public assistance identifying multiple suspects in shoplifting incidents that took place over several months. According to the press release, multiple individuals stole over $39,000 worth of merchandise from the Hoboken Lululemon at 313 Washington Street. There have been at least eight incidents of shoplifting at the store from August 30th to November 26th, 2024. The cases are being investigated by Detective Connor Milne and Police Officer Joshua Campoverde — anyone with information is asked to email [email protected] or [email protected] or call 201-420-2100 ext. 3126 or 3139.
Blue Eyes Temporarily Closes in Hoboken
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Hoboken Italian restaurant Blue Eyes — located on the waterfront at 525 Sinatra Drive — is temporarily closed from Monday, January 6th through Thursday, January 16th. The team took to Instagram to share the news, saying “Please be advised we will be CLOSED from Jan. 6-15. See you on Thursday, January 16!”
Hoboken Resident Killed in New Orleans Attack
25-year-old Hoboken resident William “Billy” DiMaio — a beloved brother, son, and friend — was tragically killed in the New Orleans terrorist attack that occurred on January 1st, 2025. Per AP News, Billy was originally from Holmdel and grew up in Long Island, New York before attending Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia where he was on the lacrosse team and earned his Master’s degree. A GoFundMe has been set up for Billy’s family to support them.
New Medspa, fillir, Opens on Washington Street in Hoboken
An award-winning medspa has made its debut in the ever-growing Hoboken beauty scene. fillir is a Pittsburgh-based medspa that opened its doors this December at 720 Washington Street in the Mile Square. The spot hosted its grand opening on Monday, January 6th. fillir is led by a Double Board-Certified Physician and a team of expertly medically trained injectors and provides the same services as its Pennsylvania counterpart including Botox, Dysport, fillers, microneedling, laser hair removal, and skin treatments. Click here for more.
MOJO Coffee Opening Jersey City Location
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Local favorite MOJO Coffee Company will expand its Hudson County footprint in 2025 with a Jersey City locale. The team shared with The Hoboken Girl back in December 2024 that the new outpost will be located in downtown Jersey City close to the Grove Street PATH station, and is aiming for an early 2025 opening. We now know that the location will be at 159-161 Newark Avenue, as per an Instagram post shared by MOJO on January 5th. The MOJO website also lists the new Jersey City location as “coming soon.” MOJO serves up all of the classic coffee drinks as well as seasonal specials and has two Hoboken locations, at 230 Willow Avenue and 801 Bloomfield Street.
Attack Near Exchange Place PATH Station in Jersey City Leaves Local Dad With Life-Altering Injuries
Local resident Matt Hobbs, a father of two, was brutally attacked near the Exchange Place PATH Station in Jersey City on Saturday, December 28th, 2024. Per a GoFundMe set up for Matt and his family, the attack left Matt with multiple serious injuries including a traumatic brain injury, low-grade bilateral brain bleeds, and impaired vision. Port Authority Police have since arrested 35-year-old Michael Perez of Staten Island and charged him with aggravated assault, per Patch Hoboken.
Revised NYC Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect
Back in 2021, NYC’s ‘Congestion Pricing Plan’ was introduced — which planned an additional toll for commuters headed into New York City’s business hub, south of 60th Street. After pushback from NJ officials and residents, including NJ Governor Phil Murphy attempting to block the new toll, the plan was indefinitely halted in June of 2024. A revised plan of $9 to enter the congestion zone was announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul in November 2024, and the plan officially went into effect on Sunday, January 5th, 2025 — despite New Jersey’s last-ditch effort to block the plan. Governor Hochul claims that the toll will be enough to raise $15 billion for the MTA. Click here for more.
Port Authority Announces Toll + PATH Fare Hikes for 2025
The Port Authority of New York + New Jersey (PANYNJ) announced increases to bridge and tunnel tolls as well as PATH fares for 2025. According to a PANYNJ press release, PATH fares will increase from $2.75 to $3 starting on Sunday, January 12th, 2025. All existing multi-trip and discounted fares will be maintained with appropriate adjustment. Bridge and tunnel toll increases took effect on Sunday, January 5th and raised the auto peak E-ZPass tolls by $0.43 and truck peak E-ZPass tolls by $0.58 per axle.
Fiore’s House of Quality in Hoboken Launches New Bottled Drinks
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Fiore’s, a classic Hoboken Italian deli, announced via Instagram its new line of bottled drinks. This deli, located at 414 Adams Street, has been serving the Mile Square since 1913. Now locals can grab a Fiore’s soda, the perfect addition to any sandwich. The drinks come in six flavors: Seltzer Water, Blood Orange, Root Beer, Sparkling Lemonade, Vanilla Cream, and Black Cherry.
Pokémon GO Fest is Coming to Jersey City This June
Gotta catch ’em all! Good news for Pokémon fans — the 2025 Pokémon GO Fest locations were recently announced, and it’s coming to Jersey City this summer. Details are slim as of now, but what we do know is that Chilltown’s Pokémon GO Fest will take place from June 6th through 8th, 2025. Click here for more.
Pakistani-American Fusion Restaurant, Khokha, Opens in Jersey City
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The new year has come with an abundance of new restaurants and cuisines in the area, including the up-and-coming Journal Square neighborhood of Jersey City. Khokha is a Pakistani-American fast-food restaurant that opened its doors at 60 Sip Avenue, Store 2B in Jersey City on December 20th, 2024. This new spot, with a halal menu of burgers, sliders, paratha rolls, lamb chops, and more, is a foodie’s dream come true. Click here for more.
The Cafe at Journal Squared: Jersey City's Newest Coffee Shop
Photo Credit: Christian Harder
When chilly season strikes in Hudson County there are two things we know help the winter blues: warm beverages and cozy gatherings. Enter The Cafe at Journal Squared, presented by Almost Home — a brand-new coffee shop located at 595 Pavonia Avenue in Jersey City that’s focused on a community-centric feel for the ultimate coffee hang-out. Click here for more.
New Restaurant, Shang Gong Chu, to Open at Former Teppan Location in Jersey City
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There is a new spot coming to Downtown Jersey City’s restaurant scene. Jersey City Upfront shared via Instagram new signage at the old Teppan Bar + Grill restaurant located at 319 Warren in Jersey City. The new restaurant will be called Shang Gong Chu. We will share more updates as they become available.
Police Officer Melissa Mendola Appointed as LGBTQ+ Liaison by JCPD
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The Jersey City Police Department has appointed Officer Melissa Mendola as its LGBTQ+ liaison, a role aimed at improving relations and fostering trust between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community. Per the Jersey City Times, in her new role, Officer Mendola, a member of the department’s Field Training Unit, will focus on addressing bias incidents, educating officers on LGBTQ+ policies, and attending meetings to develop community-focused initiatives. She succeeds Detective Lorraine Mapps of the East District, who retired after 20 years of service.
Juvenile Charged with Killing 20-Year-Old-Man in Jersey City Shooting
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office (HCPO) Homicide Unit and Jersey City Police Department are investigating the first Jersey City homicide of 2025, a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a 20-year-old man. Per the Hudson County View, shortly before 8:30PM on January 3rd, the Jersey City PD was notified of a shooting in the area of Lembeck Avenue and Old Bergen Road in Jersey City, according to Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez. Responding officers located a victim, later identified as Rahmiere Morris, 20, of Jersey City, with an apparent gunshot wound to the torso. He was transported to Jersey City Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at approximately 9:35PM. A 17-year-old male was arrested on January 6th at a residence on Garfield Avenue in Jersey City. He was charged as a juvenile with the murder. Since juvenile matters are confidential, no additional information can be released at this time.
Art House Productions’ Snow Ball Gala: Entertainment Lineup, Festivities, + Honorees
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Art House Productions and presenting sponsor Silverman announced its 17th Annual Snow Ball Gala will take place on Saturday, January 25th, from 8PM-11PM, with an exclusive VIP Honoree Dinner starting at 6PM. The event will be held at Hudson County Community College’s Culinary Arts School and Conference Center, 161 Newkirk Street, in Jersey City. General Admission tickets are $175 in advance, $300 at the door; VIP Honoree Dinner Tickets are $375, $500 at the door; and tickets for patrons with disabilities and working artists are $85. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Construction Underway at Large Storage Facility in Downtown Jersey City
Liberty Storage Center, a new storage facility, is rising just minutes from Downtown Jersey City at 300 Thomas McGovern Drive. The new facility will house 795 self-storage units. Per Jersey Digs, Rochelle Park-based Tulfra Real Estate recently announced the closing of a construction loan to fund the project. The project will be built in three phases. Site work and construction are underway in phase one. The facility will total 260,000 square feet when all three phases are completed.
Barry’s Bootcamp Signage Spotted in Hoboken
Photo Credit: @hannah.sulcov
While Equinox rumors are still swirling about a Hoboken location (plus a confirmed Jersey City location in the works), it’s time to direct our attention to another new fitness spot that is coming to town: Barry’s Bootcamp announced in fall 2024 that the international gym franchise is opening a Hoboken, New Jersey location. It announced the news on its Instagram back in early August, the location was revealed in late September, and now signage is up at the upcoming fitness spot as of January 2025. Click here for more.
Port Authority to Host Additional Information Sessions on Upcoming Hoboken PATH Terminal Closure
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will host another public information session regarding the upcoming closure of the PATH Hoboken Station at the ticketing area of the PATH Station at the Hoboken Terminal on Tuesday, January 14th, from 5:30PM to 7:30PM. Per a Nixle announcement, PATH and PANYNJ representatives will be available to discuss the closure, as well as plans for travel alternatives, while the station is closed from 11:59PM on January 30th through 5AM on February 25th. Additional sessions will be held at multiple locations on Wednesday, January 15th, at 5:30PM, including the World Trade Center, 33rd Street, and Newport PATH stations. A virtual public information session is scheduled for Tuesday, January 21st, from 6PM to 8PM. A link will be provided closer to that date.
ParkMobile Hoboken Resident Code is Reactivated for 2025
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There is a resident use code for ParkMobile that ensures residents get discounted rates on parking in commercial zones. This code is "PARKHOB." Per Hoboken Councilwoman Emily Jabbour’s newsletter, in the transition from 2024 to 2025, this code lapsed temporarily, but as of January 7th it is operational again.
Jim Doyle Appointed Unanimously as New Hoboken City Council President
The Hoboken City Council named Councilman-at-Large Jim Doyle as its new president, with 5th Ward Councilman Phil Cohen taking over as vice president, at the annual reorganization meeting on January 8th. Per the Hudson County View, the vote to name Cohen vice president was 5-3, with 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, 1st Ward Councilman Paul Presinzano, and 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos voting no. Councilwoman-at-Large Emily Jabbour, Councilman-at-Large Joe Quintero, Doyle, Cohen, and 3rd Ward Councilman Mike Russo voted yes.
Hoboken Non-Profit, Community Lifestyle, to Host Ribbon Cutting at New Space
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Local non-profit organization, Community Lifestyle, announced via Instagram that it will host an official ribbon cutting for its new space located at 301 Jackson Street on Thursday, January 16th at 4PM. This center will serve as a safe, supportive environment where both youth and teens can feel valued and understood. Guests will have an opportunity to tour the space and hear about the programs planned for this year.
Hudson County Hosts Meeting Regarding New Vision Zero Action Plan
Hudson County is crafting a Vision Zero Action Plan, which, like Hoboken's plan, aims to prevent all deaths and serious injuries on roadways to ensure safe, comfortable transportation for all. Per Hoboken Councilwoman Emily Jabbour’s newsletter, this requires partnership from the government, law enforcement, community groups, and the community. Hudson County hosted a meeting on Saturday, January 11th at Hudson County Prep High School in Jersey City to share more information regarding the Vision Zero Action initiative.
Hoboken Launches Online Survey for Upgrades to Tom Olivieri Park
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Mayor Ravi Bhalla and the City of Hoboken launched an online survey on January 8th to kick off the public planning process for improvements to Tom Olivieri Park, a 5,000-square-foot pocket park located near the corner of 13th Street and Willow Avenue. Per a City of Hoboken press release, the survey is scheduled to close on Friday, January 24th at 6PM. Public feedback from the survey, as well as future community meetings and stakeholder engagement sessions, will be used to determine improvements to the park which was last updated in 2014. Click here to take the online survey.
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla Announces He Will Not Run for Re-Election
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Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla has announced that he won’t seek a third term as mayor, with a Democratic state Assembly run in the June 3rd, 2025 primary looking imminent, even though he didn’t announce his next move, as of yet. Per the Hudson County View, Bhalla has been considering the possibility of running for the Assembly seat currently occupied by his former Chief of Staff John Allen for months and he is expected to back Councilwoman-at-Large Emily Jabbour, a two-time running mate, to succeed him. The non-partisan Hoboken mayoral race isn’t until November 4th, while the Democratic primary is scheduled for June 10th.
New Hoboken Café Coming to First + Washington Streets
A new café is coming to Hoboken at the former Goodman's Clothing, a longtime clothing shop on Washington and First Streets. Per Patch Hoboken, the new eatery will be called Café Mango and it will be on the first floor. The second floor will remain a commercial space, according to permits.
The Heap is Coming to Jersey City for New Exhibit
Photo Credit: Art House Productions
After walking the streets of Hoboken, The Heap is making its way to Jersey City as Art House Productions and Puppet Heap collaborate with The Heap at Art House: A Pop-Up Exhibit, which will run from January 20th through January 29th at Art House Gallery. Per NJ.com, this pop-up exhibit will be on display in the Art House Gallery and visible to the public from Marin Boulevard. The exhibit will also feature other Puppet Heap characters. Following the exhibit will be a spring program in the Art House Productions theater in March of 2025, featuring a performance by The Heap, short films created by Puppet Heap and a talk-back with artist Paul Andrejco.
Blue Violets Hoboken Dispensary Wins Case in Superior Court
Photo Credit: Blue Violets
Blue Violets cannabis dispensary in Hoboken is celebrating a court victory permitting it to keep operating at 628 Washington Street. Per the Hudson County View, Hoboken for Responsible Cannabis, Inc., a group led by former 5th Ward council candidate Liz Urtecho, sued Blue Violets for being too close to a school in violation of a location ordinance, which ultimately got their planning board approval vacated in September. Blue Violets decided to take their case to the Superior Court for New Jersey Appellate Division and the December 30th decision was largely in their favor.
How to Properly Dispose of Your Christmas Tree
For the holiday revelers who have enjoyed the pine scent of a real Christmas tree at home this season, the unfortunate part you’ve dreaded is here — taking down the tree. From squeezing it through narrow brownstone doorways to elevators filled with needles to wrapping your tree in a fitted sheet like a dead body, sometimes it feels like the tree always wins. Luckily, we’re here to help with what to do — and not do — when it’s time to take down the Christmas tree. Click here for more.
How to Help the Victims of the Los Angeles Wildfires
On Tuesday, January 7th, a wildfire broke out in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Since then, six more fires have spread across the area, leading to mass destruction in residential areas and five deaths. There are multiple organizations in need of donations to aid in this situation, and while New Jersey is not affected by this natural disaster, it’s important to help where we can. Click here for more.
Cornerstone Pets in Hoboken Reopens After Unexpected Water Damage
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Cornerstone Pets, located at 105 9th Street in Hoboken, reopened after unexpected water damage. The pet shop shared via Instagram that the water damage came from burst pipes above them, which also caused a 24-hour power outage. Cornerstone Pets is currently in the process of repairing its floors and ceiling, but its doors are open for business.
Jersey City Pub, Fox + Crow, Closes for January
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Jersey City pub and parlour, Fox and Crow, shared via Instagram that it’s taking a winter break during the month of January to “rest and recharge.” This hidden gem in the Heights is best known for its burgers and cocktails. It’s located at 594 Palisade Avenue, just steps away from the Ninth Street elevator.
Jersey City Oddities Market Announces 2025 Closure
Jersey City Oddities Market announced via Facebook that 2025 will be its last year. There are some events scheduled for 2025 including its signature Til Death Do Us Part Valentines Market on February 9th at Sip Studios, followed by The Living Dead Market on June 22nd and October 12th at Harsimus Cemetery in Jersey City. There may also be a few pop-ups at LSC: After Dark.
DEP to Host Event at Liberty Science Center Regarding Liberty State Park Revitalization Program
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After years of concerns about developer Paul Fireman's plans for sports and entertainment facilities at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, activists say they're trying to get more information about a potential new initiative that may be discussed at a public meeting this month. Per Hoboken Patch, activist Sam Pesin said on New Year's Day that he's asking people to attend an "open house" scheduled by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) at Liberty Science Center on Saturday, January 25th. The event will focus on the Liberty State Park Revitalization Program, according to the DEP.
Alts, NYC-Based Alteration Company, Opening in Hoboken This Spring
New York City may be the big apple of the East Coast, but Hoboken is just as juicy with the plethora of new businesses opening in 2025. As an exciting addition, Alts, an NYC-based tailoring company providing services like bridal alternations (yes, that includes bridesmaid’s dresses, a frequent query in the HG Facebook Group), custom clothing, and more, is making its way across the Hudson. Formerly known as Alteration Specialists, this company has plans to open at 530 Washington Street in Hoboken this April. Click here for more.
Chinese Restaurant, South of the Clouds, to Open in Jersey City
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South of the Clouds, a Chinese restaurant serving up Yunnan-inspired cuisine, will open its doors soon at 313 Grove Street in Jersey City. The Historic Downtown Special Improvement District made the announcement on Instagram. This restaurant currently has a location in NYC and is known for its authentic Yunnan Rice Noodles.
Councilman Russo to Reintroduce Ordinances in Regards to Hoboken Rat Infestation
Councilman Michael Russo announced in his newsletter on January 10th that he is going to reintroduce two ordinances at the next city council meeting to help alleviate the rat infestation in Hoboken. The next council meeting will be on Wednesday, January 22nd at 7PM. Residents are invited to attend and make their voices heard regarding this ongoing issue.
