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An adolescent Humpback is spotted off the northern New Jersey coast line Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020. AP Photo/Craig Ruttle

The Lede: Good morning. Rebounding whale populations are increasingly colliding with one of the nation’s busiest maritime corridors as more humpbacks and other, endangered species of whale linger near New York Harbor to feed, scientists say.

The Rundown

  • A dead whale found on the bow of a ship in New Jersey sparks an investigation: After a dead whale was found on the bow of a container ship docked in New Jersey, authorities were working Tuesday to remove the carcass and determine the endangered animal’s cause of death.

  • Whales face growing danger in New York waterways: Conservation groups and boaters are testing fixes, from AI-assisted cameras to training sessions for boaters and industry professionals on recognizing whales, but researchers warn that the risks remain high.

  • Ferry from Brooklyn Bridge Park now connects to Bay Ridge and Staten Island: Now there’s a direct way to travel between the scenic Shore Road Parkway in Bay Ridge, Staten Island’s North Shore, and Brooklyn Heights.

  • Coney Island USA to launch its first film school: Nonprofit arts organization Coney Island USA announced the launch of its first film school, with classes beginning Jan. 25.

  • Elderly man struck with a shovel in random Brooklyn snowstorm attack: The assault occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 27 at Stryker Court and West First Street. The attacker approached the victim silently before smashing him in the head and fleeing.

  • Congestion pricing generated $550 million in net revenue during its first year: Hochul: During its first year, congestion pricing resulted in 27 million fewer vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone of Manhattan, south of 60th Street, representing an 11% reduction in traffic.

  • Our world in photos: Capybaras, cars, cheers and more.

Our World in Photos

ENGLAND — Gizmo the Capybara is fed a carrot by keeper Holly Dorning during London Zoo’s Annual Stocktake 2026. Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP

More Brooklyn News

  • "A Brooklyn Cantina That’s Perfect for a Pregame" (Eater)

  • "On a Brooklyn Boulevard, Mamdani Revives a Project Hampered by Scandal" (NYT)

  • "Sound of 2026: How Brooklyn basement band Geese took flight" (BBC)

Staff Picks

  • READ: "A California teen trusted ChatGPT for drug advice. He died from an overdose." (SFGATE)

  • DRINK: State Sen. Liz Krueger is pushing for wine to be sold in grocery stores this year. (Gothamist)

  • CARTOON: Sorry, wrong number. (Brooklyn Eagle)

  • LIVE: "This Mixologist Bought the Building and Gave His Longtime Brooklyn Apartment a Second Act" (Architectural Digest)

The Wrap

⌛ ON THIS DAY
In 1948, the Eagle reported, "Contrary to popular belief, thousands of plants grow in the vast icy tracts of the north polar regions, although man cannot exist there and only a few seals and birds manage to endure the cold, Rutherford Platt told a large audience at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden last night." Click here to see what else happened on this day in history. 

📔 IMPRINT
American actress and filmmaker Jodie Foster wears shades for W Magazine. 

👑 ROYAL WATCH
"Ex-Prince Andrew Could Be Headed for the Middle East Rather Than Sandringham" (InStyle)

🏀 SPORTS
Thomas accepting bench role in Brooklyn (Brooklyn Eagle)

  • Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner

  • Painter and sculptor Robert Longo, who was born in Brooklyn

  • TV journalist Katie Couric

  • Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage

  • Former N.Y. Yankees second baseman Alfonso Soriano

Click here to see a full list of birthdays!

Brooklyn Today’s editor is Scott Enman. Contact him at [email protected].

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