Community Corner
🌱 BK Reps Speaker Of The House Nomination + Smart Compost Bins
The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Brooklyn.
Hi all. I'm back with your new copy of the Brooklyn Daily. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Today's issue includes updates on...
- Hakeem Jeffries makes history in the House... again
- 'Smart Compost' bins arrive in Bed-Stuy
- Police seek roommate in East New York homicide
But first, today's weather:
🌧 Rain and drizzle in the a.m. High: 55 Low: 34.
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Here are the top stories today in Brooklyn:
1. Not only has Brooklyn's own Hakeem Jeffries made history as the first Black party lead in Congress, last week he also became the first Black nominee for Speaker of the House. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-California) was finally elected Speaker of the House after a toilsome and belabored few weeks. "Of the 15 ballots it took to elect McCarthy, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries won more votes than the Republican representative in just 11 of them." However, a speaker's election is based on the majority of votes cast, not just a plurality. By the 14th vote, McCarthy had persuaded 13 holdouts to shift their votes to him. However, the historical significance of Jeffries' nomination did not fly under the radar. As they cast their votes, Jeffries' fellow representatives recognized the importance of their actions with empowering declarations. Among them was Rep. Al Green of Texas who declared, "And still I rise, and I proudly cast my vote on behalf of the enslaved people who built this Capitol. I cast my vote for the honorable Hakeem Jeffries." In November, Jeffries became the first Black Leader in Congress; he is the highest-raking non-white member of the most racially and ethnically diverse Congress in history, and at 52 years old is the first member of Generation X to lead the House Democratic Caucus.
2. Twenty-five bright orange containers have appeared on the sidewalks of Bed-Stuy — officially the first neighborhood in Brooklyn to implement 'Smart Compost' bins. These curbside compost bins were first rolled out in Manhattan and Astoria in 2021 and are now dotted along some of Bed-Stuy's main thoroughfares. And while they may look like the public trash bins, they aren't quite as accessible; the Smart Compost bins are sealed shut and can only be opened through the NYC Compost app downloaded to a mobile phone. The bins are available 24/7 and will accept food scraps including vegetables, fruit, dairy, meat, bones and prepared food as well as food-soiled paper such as napkins, towels, plates, teabags and coffee filters, as well as plant waste. According to the Department of Sanitation, food scraps collected by the bins will be processed locally and the compost will be used to "beautify green spaces across the city."
3. Police are seeking a man for questioning after his 53-year-old roommate was found beaten to death in his bed on Wednesday night. NYPD responded to a call at 11:14 a.m. 911 call Wednesday about a fight between roommates. When they showed up to the Hinsdale Street apartment near Linden Boulevard in East New York, they found 53-year-old James Hudley dead in his bed with signs of trauma to his head. One of Hudley's neighbors told police that she was surprised by the incident, as she had never heard altercations between the roommates and believed them to have gotten along well.
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Today in Brooklyn:
- Williamsburg Bites Brooklyn Food Tour, The Mini Mall, Today @ 12-3 p.m. | Details
- Pop-Up Talks, Brooklyn Museum, Today @ 3-4 p.m. | Details
- Bit Rot, Wonderville, Today @ 7 p.m. | Details
- Modern Monsters: J. Cole + Nicki + Drake + Kendrick, Brooklyn Bowl, Today @ 8:30 p.m. | Details
- BKLYN Comedy Club Presents: Tyler Fischer, 308 Bedford Ave., Today @ 11 p.m. | Details
🐝 Brooklyn Buzz:
- A new cafe and wine bar brings the tastes of New Mexico: "Montage Brooklyn will soon open its doors on Patchen Avenue, bringing flavors of the founders' home state of New Mexico to Bed Stuy through treats including green chile cheese croissants and blueberry corn masa muffins." (Brownstoner)
- Almost exactly 1 year later, Nets star Kevin Durant is out with another MCL sprain. But CBS Sport's James Herbert is optimistic: "It's not exactly a same-story, different-year situation." The Nets might just be okay (and keep up their streak) without KD — learn why at the link. (CBS Sports)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you around.
— Carlie Houser
About me: I'm a recent grad based in Brooklyn, NY. I love to write, run, read, and find new restaurants and venues around the city.
Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Brooklyn Daily? Contact me at brooklyn@patch.com
