The Hoboken Girl Team 
2026 is officially here. 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 — but a special edition because we were OOO last week! Among the local news: after 15 years, Wicked Wolf announces closure in Hoboken; New Jersey Governor drops Turnpike widening plan; and a new 29-story luxury development nears completion in Jersey City. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week — ending on January 5th, 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 just a round up of the latest stories across the internet.
Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories + more):
- Local Barre to Move to Downtown Hoboken Taking Over Physique 57 Space
- Hoboken Mourns Loss of Bagels on the Hudson Employee
- After 15 Years, Wicked Wolf Announces Closure in Hoboken
- Stevens Institute to Host Inauguration Ceremony for Hoboken Mayor Elect
- Crumbl Cookies Closes in Jersey City
- Wingstop Opens in Former Kong Dog Space in Hoboken
- Weehawken Family Seeks Help to Locate Missing 20-Year-Old Man
- AxD and Little Charm Bar to Move into Alba Boutique in Hoboken
- Man Charged With Murder + Arson Following Kearny Death Investigation
- Hoboken Woman Walking with Her Child Assaulted on Garden Street
- New 29-Story Luxury Development Nears Completion in Jersey City
- New Jersey Governor Drops Turnpike Widening Plan
Local Barre to Move to Downtown Hoboken, Taking Over Physique 57 Space
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Operators of Local Barre, barre-fitness studio and multi-purpose space located within the Monroe Center at 720 Monroe Street, Suite C300, confirmed to The Hoboken Girl that the business will move to downtown Hoboken in 2026. Local Barre will take the space formerly used by Physique 57 at 104 Hudson Street. Local Barre owners anticipate the move to be complete by the end of January. Read more here.
After 15 Years, Wicked Wolf Announces Closure in Hoboken
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In September of 2025, there were rumors circulating about Hoboken sports bar Wicked Wolf potentially relocating from its current storefront or closing. After hearing news (straight from the source — its owners) that the Wicked Wolf team extended its lease in the same location who shared that they had “no plans to close,” the long-time sports bar announced its closure at 120 Sinatra Drive after 15 years on the first day of 2026. Click here for more.
Hoboken Mourns Loss of Bagels on the Hudson Employee
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Andres, an employee of Bagels on the Hudson, passed away suddenly. He was described by many as the face of the local bagel shop at 802 Washington Street and leaves customers heartbroken by the news of his passing. Bagels on the Hudson shared a post on December 29th in honor of Andres and expressing its sadness for the huge loss.
Crumbl Cookies Closes in Jersey City
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Crumbl cookie shop has closed for good at 306 Grove Street in Jersey City. The store placed a sign on its window reading “Saturday (1/3/2026) we are closing our doors for good. Thank you Jersey City!”
Wingstop Opens in Former Kong Dog Space in Hoboken
The 502 Washington Street storefront in Hoboken has seen several spots come and go over the years, and now the next chapter is officially here. International chicken wing chain Wingstop has opened its newest Hudson County location in the space most recently occupied by Kong Dog. Click here for more.
AxD and Little Charm Bar to Move into Alba Boutique in Hoboken
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Hoboken-based shop Alba Boutique is moving its three concepts into one store. Little Charm Bar and a X d are moving into Alba Boutique at 716 Washington Street. The new layout will include an under-$100 edit featuring favorite collections and brands from a X d and an expanded Little Charm Bar presence.
Hoboken Holds Police and Fire Promotion and Swearing-In Ceremonies
Photo Credit: City of Hoboken
The City of Hoboken recognized multiple members of its Public Safety Department during two ceremonies held on December 23rd at Hoboken City Hall. Per a City of Hoboken press release, the ceremonies celebrated promotions within the Hoboken Police Department and the Hoboken Fire Department, as well as the swearing-in of three new firefighters. All of the promotions take effect immediately.
Weehawken Family Seeks Help to Locate Missing 20-Year-Old Man
A 20-year-old Weehawken man, Emilio Acosta, has been missing since December 18th and his family is seeking the public’s help to locate him. The family says he could be in the midst of a mental health crisis. Per the Hudson County View, Emilio was last seen on December 18 near the intersection of Palisade Avenue and Angelique Street in Weehawken. There has also been a reported sighting of him at the Bergenline Avenue Light Rail Station. Acosta was last seen wearing a cream-colored New York Yankees sweatshirt, a blue Adidas ski jacket, gray sweatpants, and black Timberland boots. Additionally, he is said to weigh about 190 pounds, six feet one inches tall, with brown eyes and brown hair. Anyone with any information is urged to contact the Weehawken Police Department at 201-863-7800 or the Missing in American Network Tip Line at 1-844-642-5678.
Closed Jersey City Barcade Puts Liquor License up for Sale
The recently closed Jersey City Barcade is officially putting its liquor license back on the market, though its Founder + CEO is emphasizing that the sale does not signal a permanent exit from the city. Barcade had a 14-year run at 163 Newark Avenue in Jersey City, and was a destination for food, drinks, and of course, games. It closed in April 2025. Now, the bar’s liquor license is for sale, and The Hoboken Girl chatted with Barcade Founder + CEO Paul Kermizian about the latest update. Click here for more.
Man Charged With Murder + Arson Following Kearny Death Investigation
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit and the Kearny Police Department are investigating the death of a male that occurred on December 20, 2025. Per a County of Hudson press release, at approximately 6:45PM, Kearny Police located a male who was struck by an arrow. The victim, later identified as Pablo Criollo, 45, of Harrison, was transported to University Hospital in Newark, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. During the initial investigation, Oscar Feijoo, 44, of Kearny, was identified as a person of interest. Oscar barricaded himself inside of his Kearny home. When members of Hudson County Regional SWAT attempted to make contact with Oscar, several fires were ignited within the home resulting in a multi-alarm fire response. Oscar exited the home armed with knives and was taken into custody shortly before 1PM on December 21st.
Stevens Institute to Host Inauguration Ceremony for Hoboken Mayor Elect
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The swearing-in ceremony of Mayor-Elect Emily Jabbour and new City Councilmembers will take place at Stevens Institute of Technology on January 15th at 1PM. Admission is free, but a ticket is required. Registration for tickets will open the week of January 5th.
New 29-Story Luxury Development Nears Completion in Jersey City
Construction is nearing completion on The Greyson, a 29-story rental building at 25 Cottage Street in Jersey City’s Journal Square neighborhood. Per TAPinto Hoboken, developed by Nasser Freres, The Greyson will offer 622 studio to three-bedroom rental homes, hospitality-inspired amenities, and a curated living experience, located near the Journal Square PATH station. Click here to view the new teaser website where prospective residents can join a priority list to be among the first to be contacted upon the leasing launch in February 2026.
Hoboken Woman Walking with Her Child Assaulted on Garden Street
A Hoboken woman was assaulted on Saturday, December 20th, while walking on Garden Street with her toddler. Hoboken Police Spokeswoman Marci Rubin confirmed the incident to the Hoboken Girl and shared more information. Click here for more.
New Jersey Governor Drops Turnpike Widening Plan
Governor Phil Murphy announced on December 19th that the most controversial part of a $10.6 billion plan to widen the New Jersey Turnpike extension from Bayonne through Jersey City has been dropped. Per the Hudson County View, Jersey City Mayor-elect James Solomon is celebrating the revised Turnpike expansion project, but still believes more changes are needed. The changes to the projects are anticipated to save approximately $500 million in total costs to the estimated $11.7 billion project.
Electric Picks Jewelry Donates Gift Bags to CASA Teen Girls
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For the second year in a row, Electric Picks has donated gift bags filled with jewelry, beauty products, and more to CASA teen girls in foster care. CASA is a non-profit that supports volunteers who advocate for foster children. The organization shared a post on Instagram to express gratitude to Electric Picks for helping to make the holidays brighter for the teen girls.
New Businesses Coming to Hoboken and Jersey City in 2026
Several businesses have announced plans to open in 2026 in Hoboken and Jersey City, including well-known fitness companies, fast-casual eateries, and other establishments. Click here for more.
Hoboken Announces Winter Art Programs for Youth
Mayor Ravi Bhalla and the Hoboken Division of Cultural Affairs announced registration for youth and young adult art programs launched on December 17th for the winter season on RecDesk. Click here for more information including program fees.
Bayonne Breaks Ground on New Ferry Terminal
Officials from the City of Bayonne, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and New York Waterway broke ground on a new ferry terminal on December 17th at the former Military Ocean Terminal. Per the Hudson County View, in order to have a location for the ferry, the city is obtaining 2.3 acres of land from the Port Authority for $4.4 million. Of those 2.3 acres, 1.6 acres will be used for the ferry terminal and a parking facility, and 0.7 acres will be used for expanding the local waterfront walkway.
Hoboken Adopts North End Redevelopment Agreements
Mayor Ravi Bhalla and the City of Hoboken announced the adoption of four Redevelopment Agreements for the North End Rehabilitation Area. Per a City of Hoboken press release, the agreements, negotiated between Mayor Bhalla and Park Willow, LLC (Rockefeller Group), allow redevelopment projects at four sites to move forward, delivering affordable housing, public open space, protected bike lanes, and a new municipal parking garage.
Hudson Pride Center Receives New Jersey Budget Appropriation
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Hudson Pride Center announced via a press release that for the first time in our organization’s history, we have received a direct appropriation in the New Jersey State Budget. The $850,000 allocation marks a historic moment for Hudson Pride and a powerful statement of support from state leaders for LGBTQ+ communities across Hudson County. Hudson Pride Center will use these funds to bolster its LGBTQ+ Health and Wellness programming, increase access to mental health and HIV prevention services, and further develop inclusive support spaces for youth, elders, and transgender and nonbinary individuals.
Hoboken Partners with New On-Street Electric Vehicle Charging Operator
Photo Credit: City of Hoboken
The City of Hoboken announced that Jolt Charge, Inc. (Jolt) will become the new operator of 14 of the city’s on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging stations beginning January 5th, providing additional revenue and services to the city and community. Per a City of Hoboken press release, the transition follows approval by the Hoboken City Council and a competitive procurement process to ensure continued operation and maintenance of the city’s on-street EV charging infrastructure at no cost to taxpayers. Under the new agreement, Jolt will operate and maintain the 14 on-street EV charging stations at no cost to the city and pay 54% more in monthly rent than the previous operator. This increased revenue will be reinvested into essential municipal services, infrastructure improvements, and sustainability initiatives, to help advance the city’s Climate Action goals of achieving net-zero energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
Event Requests for Hoboken Facilities and Public Spaces Open on 1/20
Event requests for city facilities, including block parties, 5K runs, and more, will open on January 20th at 10AM. Reservations will be available online through RecDesk. The City encourages everyone to register early to secure their preferred event dates. Events will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis. Events must be submitted at least 45 days in advance to be considered for approval. For additional assistance or questions, please contact [email protected].
Lawsuit by Would-Be Hoboken Cannabis Dispensary Allowed to Proceed, Alleging ‘Bribe’ in Permit Denial
Superior Court Appellate Court Judges Robert Gilson, Lisa Perez Friscia, and Robert Vinci ruled in favor of Nature’s Touch, the would-be Hoboken medical cannabis dispensary, allowing the business’s lawsuit against the City of Hoboken and outgoing Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. According to the Hudson County View, Nature’s Touch alleges that it learned of an alleged quid-pro-quo arrangement between Mayor Bhalla and Steven Fulop, the outgoing mayor of Jersey City, through a lawsuit brought against the City by former employee Pantaleo Pellegrini. Nature’s Touch had already been approved by the state Cannabis Regulatory Commission when its application was denied by the City.
