Jersey City, New Jersey, police officers came under fire when a gunman started shooting at their cars on JFK Boulevard on Sept. 5, 2025, officials said. (Courtesy of CBS NEWS NEW YORK)
From local events to new schools opening up and updates on local crime, here’s what’s been happening in Hudson County.
North Bergen Pool Updates Hours Of Operation
The North Bergen Municipal Pool is now open on weekends only for the rest of the season.
Pool hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. plus 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for seniors.
The last day the pool will be open is on Sunday, Sept. 14.
Dear West New York, It’s Time For A Reunion!
Memorial High School located in West New York is having a reunion for the Class of 1975!
The 50th Anniversary will take place on Nov. 14 at La Reggia located at 40 Wood Avenue in Secaucus. Classes of 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977 and 1978 are also welcome to attend the event.
The cost to attend is $150 per person and those interested must RSVP by Nov. 1. You can email [email protected] for more information or scan the PayPal QR code to secure your spot.
Fall Is Almost Here Which Means Farmers Markets Are Too
Hudson County still has a solid two weeks of summer left, but with farmers markets going on in Bayonne, North Bergen and West New York, the autumn vibes are in.
The Bayonne Farmers’ Market is going on every Tuesday until Oct. 28 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on 23rd Street off of Broadway. It runs rain or shine, unless extremely heavy rains make it impossible to function.
Some of the vendors include: Alstede Farms, C & C Creations, the Concrete Bouquet, Empanada Lady, Doc Pickle, Sicilian Club Zeppole, Double Batch Bakery, El Gallo do Oro, Cap’s Candy and Blessings Bakery.
North Bergen is home to the Braddock Park Farmers’ Market which is happening now until Oct. 16. It started this past Thursday, Sept. 4 and runs every other Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 90th Street and Bergenline Avenue. You can pick up locally-grown produce and other farm-fresh items from Lentini Farms and help support Hudson County vendors.
West New York’s Farmers’ Market is located at Donnelly Park at 60th Street & Boulevard East.
It runs every Friday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Once fall officially starts, it’ll be from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. They will be accepting QR codes for food stamps for produce.
You Can Win Up To $1,000 At This Local Vocal Competition
You’ve heard of The Voice and American Idol and now you’re hearing about Sounds of the City!
The Jersey City Free Public Library announced its Sounds of the City: Vocal Competition, and there’s still time to audition.
The vocal-only music competition aims to spotlight Jersey City’s youth and young adults and promote messages of peace, unity and anti-violence.
To participate, you must meet these requirements:
- Jersey City residents (proof of residency required)
- People ages 17 to 25
- Vocal performers (Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, etc.)
- Solo Artists (no groups or duets)
Auditions will be held in two phases.
The first are virtual auditions, which are open now through Sept. 19. You must:
- Submit a short pre-recorded video or audio clip (up to 3 minutes).
- Include your name, age, and a brief message about your connection to Jersey City and your commitment to spreading positive messages.
- Submission links will be available on our website and social media channels.
Virtual auditions can be submitted here.
In-Person Auditions will be on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Miller Branch Library, located at 489 Bergen Avenue, in partnership with JCAST.
And the winners will be chosen through a community voting phase, allowing local residents the opportunity to listen, support and vote for their favorite performances.
The top 10 finalists will be invited to record their original songs at JCFPL’s library studios with professional support. In March 2026, the finalists’ songs will be displayed on JCFPL’s website as well as their social media platforms.
The winners will be announced during a special library celebration event in 2026.
Prizes will include:
- 1st Place: $1,000 scholarship/stipend
- 2nd Place: $500 scholarship/stipend
- 3rd Place: $250 scholarship/stipend
Accused Gunman Dead After Shooting Police Cars In Jersey City
Shots were fired in daylight on John F. Kennedy Boulevard near Clinton Avenue this past Friday.
Authorities said the unidentified, male gunman shot at four officers who drove by in two marked cars around 1:20 p.m. A sergeant in one of the cars got out and returned fire, which struck the suspect; he was hospitalized and later pronounced dead.
No officers were struck nor were civilians hurt.
The Hudson County prosecutor said the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to reach out.
Over A Dozen Arrested In A Jersey City Drug Raid
This past Wednesday morning, law officials arrested 18 people reportedly in connection to a drug bust in the Greenville section of Jersey City, and it was caught on video via the Citizen App, showing a number of officers and agents.
Mayor Steven Fulop’s office stated that the raid was part of a lingering violent crime initiative with the U.S. Attorney’s office.
“Over the past 12 years, we have driven down violent crime across Jersey City to historic lows by investing in smart policing strategies, stronger community partnerships, and unprecedented public safety resources, and today’s arrests are yet another example of our dedication to keeping residents safe,” Fulop stated.
Federal charges and more details on the incident are still pending.
Two New Schools Have Officially Opened In Hudson County
The Esther Salas Academy school in Union City opened its doors for the first time this past Friday for students in grades seven to nine.
The state-funded middle school is located at 518 36th Street and started construction back in 2023. The estimated $93.7 million school is expected to house 900 students in its 132,000 square-foot facility and include specialized classrooms like a robotics lab and dance studio.
The school is intended to be the new home of ninth graders removing them from the Union City High School building located at 2500 Kennedy Boulevard to help with overcrowded classrooms.
The Esther Salas Academy now becomes the third middle school in the district, alongside Emerson Middle School, which houses sixth through eighth graders and Union Hill Middle School, which holds seventh and eighth graders only.
And another school a town over opened up this past week.
North Bergen held its ribbon cutting for the Nicholas J. Sacco Junior High School located at 8511 Tonnelle Avenue.
The new school is home to:
- Modern science labs
- Enhanced arts facilities
- New athletic fields
- A state-of-the-art media center
It’ll house seventh and eighth graders, and ninth graders starting next September. The new school will allow the Board of Education to reduce class sizes throughout the district.
Harrison Public Schools Ring In The New School Year With Former NFL Player
The Hudson County school year is officially in full swing as of this week.
But to surprise the students, the staff at Harrison Public Schools welcomed them in with a special presentation from former New York Giants NFL Running Back Tiki Barber. Barber, who’s been retired for 19 years, shared how teachers made a difference in his life.
“This year our district is focusing on ‘One Goal, Every Student’, where all students are acknowledged and provided with resources and supports for success,” Superintendent of Harrison Public Schools, Dr. Maureen Kroog said.
“Tiki Barber spoke to the staff about having expectations and goals for their students and how his life and career was driven by key people in his life. It was a powerful presentation which was well-received by all staff members.”
Barber spent his entire professional career with the New York Giants where he was named to the All-Pro First-team in 2005 and received three Pro Bowl honors from 2004 through 2006.
Prior to his nine-year stint in the NFL, Barber spent four years playing college football at the University of Virginia where he was named ACC Offensive Player of the Year and Player of the Year in 1996. He also earned two All-ACC First honors and had his jersey retired by the Cavaliers.
Know any local news we should include? Email Stella Accettola at [email protected]!
