COVID, ICE, And Bruuuce: Hudson County's Top Stories 2020

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — It's hard to deny that the coronavirus pandemic was the biggest local and national story of 2020, with the U.S. death toll reaching more than 341,000 Americans Wednesday.

On the local level, mayors suddenly were thrust into a new role: fielding questions, helping residents find tests (in short supply in spring), consoling those who lost loved ones.

After the initial state lockdown from March to June to slow the spread, what was next?

Hudson County, with its proximity to Manhattan, has attracted a diverse population of commuters who appreciate their downtown shops and restaurants. But how could they survive? And how could students best learn at their computers?

But of course, there were other big stories:

• The controversy surrounding the ICE contract renewal at the county jail
• Protests against racial inequities after the death of George Floyd
• The recent controversy over a New York Republicans event held in Jersey City
• Crime (even dognapping!)
• Bruce Springsteen watching his son become a Jersey City firefighter
• And severe storms with flooding and downed trees.

Here are some of the top stories in Hudson County this year:

Coronavirus:

In spring, Hoboken was one of the first towns in the area to close facilities in March. In fall, a Secaucus nurse was the first local resident to get the vaccine.

Hoboken Closes Playgrounds, Day Cares Amid Coronavirus

Second Coronavirus Death Reported In Hoboken, Mother Of 2 Police Officers

Local Mom/Big Brother Star Shares Scary Coronavirus Fight

Secaucus Nurse First To Get COVID Vaccine At Hudson County Site

Hudson County's COVID Cases Remain 'Very High'

Four Hoboken Residents Die Of Coronavirus In December, After No Deaths Since May

'I Cannot Get Air': When North Jersey Woman Begged For Coronavirus Test

No Nursing Home COVID-19 Vaccines On Monday; NJ Missed Deadline

Real estate:

Many Hudson County residents left for the suburbs, but more than 3,000 New Yorkers moved to Jersey City and Hoboken.

3,000 New Yorkers Moved To Jersey City And Hoboken During Pandemic

People Move To New Jersey, Find It Nice

Politics:

A young New York Republicans club taunted Gov. Cuomo about their indoor party, but it turned out that they were secretly holding the event in Jersey City. Gov. Phil Murphy was not amused.

Gov. Called Congressman 'Putz' For Event. The Restaurant Responded.

Business stories:

The state released guidelines for outdoor dining. Local towns allowed restaurants and shops to sell outdoors, and many restaurants expanded their delivery and takeout options.

Some establishments had to close, both chains and local venues, while others opened.

Jersey City And Hoboken Restaurateurs Discuss Surviving The Winter Months

New Parents Start Cafe In Hoboken, Then Struggle Amid Coronavirus

James Beard-Winning Restaurant Closes, With Note About Pandemic

Jersey City Coffee Shop On West Side Says It Will Close For Good

Racial justice:

Local police chiefs spoke out after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Protests were held in the area.

Live Coverage: Secaucus Black Lives Matter/Police Reform March

Hoboken Protest For George Floyd: Photos

Then, local observers became outraged when the county of Hudson renewed a 10-year contract for ICE to oversee the county jail.

Outrage Continues Over Hudson County Renewing ICE Contract

Hospitals:

Three area hospitals were up for sale, and words were exchanged.

Judge Tosses Restraining Order In Hudson County Hospital War

Officials Fear Closure Of Some Hudson County Hospitals

Crime:

Domestic violence tends to rise during the holidays, with various pressures ramping up. In a shocking and sad crime in spring, a Jersey City man killed his restaurateur wife. And a Hoboken woman spoke up about domestic violence, sharing the story of her mother's death at the hands of her father years earlier.

Slain Jersey City Restaurateur Was 5 Months Pregnant

Hoboken Woman Lost Mom To Domestic Violence. She's Worried Again.

According to reports, there were 18 homicides in Hudson County this year, including in Jersey City, Bayonne, and Hoboken.

This year's homicides in Hudson County

And a security guard was accused of stealing from patients at a Secaucus hospital.

Secaucus Security Guard Accused Of Stealing From COVID Patients

Bruuuuce!

Bruce Springsteen's son became a Jersey City firefighter.

Springsteen's Son Becomes Firefighter: PHOTOS

Animals:

Don't forget the puppies.

Puppies?

Puppies were popular in lockdown, but that meant puppy scams, puppy thefts, and luckily, some happy (scrappy) endings.

Secaucus Woman Says Man, Woman Swiped Her Dog, Escaped On Jersey City Light Rail

With New Book, Hoboken's Gone To The Dogs

Jersey City Woman Finally Gets Son's Missing Dog Back After Pleading

Stormy weather:

Several severe storms swept through the area. Many Hoboken corners flooded during two "50-year storms."

PHOTOS: Hoboken Floods From Second '50-Year-Storm' In 2 Weeks

And in December, a nor'easter dumped more than 10 inches of snow on the area and closed most schools.

Nor'ester Impacts Hudson County: Snow Continues

What's to come in Hudson County? Watch for Patch's previews in the new year: Development, business, more.

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