This restaurant is taking the city for a ride. A Brooklyn pizzeria has been using a school bus parked on the street to get around City Hall restrictions that forced restaurants to tear down outdoor dining sheds ahead of winter — but city officials say the eatery is about to get schooled. L’Industrie in Williamsburg…

A new report released by the ATI and Reentry Coalition, calls for a statewide overhaul of reentry and alternatives to incarceration programs. 

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Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon (D-Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights) has been working since 2015 to reform the way the state closes hospitals. 

The post Simon urges Hochul to sign LICH Act hospital bill before time runs out appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.

Muriel Goode-Trufant, a public servant at the New York City Law Department, has been confirmed as the city’s 82nd corporation counsel.

The post NYC Council confirms Muriel Goode-Trufant as corporation counsel appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.

After five years and a series of setbacks, the beloved Brooklyn pizzeria L&B Spumoni Gardens has officially opened its Dumbo location.

The new spot, located at 46 Old Fulton St, marks a significant expansion for the iconic eatery, which first opened in Bensonhurst in 1939. Known for its signature Sicilian pies and spumoni ice cream, L&B has long been a favorite among Brooklynites.

The Dumbo location was first announced in 2019 but faced an uphill battle to open to the public. City agencies, the Department of Buildings and the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, issued several violations early in the process.

Construction delays mounted, and the COVID-19 pandemic further derailed progress, forcing the restaurant to revisit parts of its building plan.

The final hurdle, as first reported by the Brooklyn Eagle, involved a staircase that jutted onto the sidewalk and required removal to meet city regulations. Brooklyn Paper stopped by the location during the summer while crews were at work breaking down the staircase and looking forward to a fall opening.

Once the work was completed, L&B passed its final inspection, clearing the way for its much-anticipated opening.

The famed pizzeria took to Instagram on Tuesday to announce the opening of the Old Fulton St. outpost, welcoming Dumbo to the L&B family.

“After much anticipation, we’re thrilled to bring our iconic Sicilian pizza, classic Italian favorites, and famous Spumoni to the heart of DUMBO,” the post reads. “Whether you’re craving that first cheesy bite of our legendary square slice or a sweet scoop of our iconic Spumoni, it’s all here.”

A LOCAL NUWAUBIAN NATION SPINOFF is attempting to sell off its headquarters in Bushwick for $15 million — but not without complications.

The post Tangled legal dispute over selling of HQ of controversial Nuwaubian Nation sect appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.

THE BROOKLYN MUSIC SCHOOL is set to hold a free holiday show at Atlantic Terminal Mall on Thursday for shoppers and commuters.

The post Brooklyn Music School to perform in Downtown Brooklyn appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.

A Williamsburg man is facing charges for allegedly running a large-scale drug packaging and distribution operation following an eight-month wiretap investigation, authorities announced Tuesday.

George Capella, 45, was arrested on Dec. 4 after law enforcement officials reportedly seized approximately 33 kilograms of cocaine, over six kilograms of fentanyl, $420,000 in cash, eight loaded firearms, and drug paraphernalia during a raid on his residence and vehicles, according to the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP).

Capella was arraigned Dec. 5 in Manhattan Criminal Court, where Judge Rachel Pauley denied a bail request and ordered him remanded.

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan said the haul of the investigation was “startling, even to seasoned investigators.”

“Money, drugs, and paraphernalia seized from the defendant’s cars and home have all the hallmarks of a major drug packaging and distribution operation,” said Brennan. “Prosecutors and investigators put tremendous effort into tracking this drug importation and distribution operation over eight months. Their determination and long hours undoubtedly saved many lives.”

Prior to Capella’s arrest, the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force (NYDETF), which includes agents from the DEA New York Division, the NYPD, and the New York State Police, conducted the wiretap investigation, dubbed “Operation Interstate Powder.”

Authorities then began surveillance on Capella’s residence at 151 Leonard Street in Williamsburg.

On Dec. 4, investigators allegedly saw him retrieve two suspected kilogram-sized packages of narcotics from a black Honda Accord parked outside his building before entering his residence. Hours later, Capella left in a Lincoln Aviator, which was stopped by law enforcement nearby. Officials say they recovered seven cell phones from the vehicle.

After obtaining court-authorized SNP search warrants, officers searched the Honda Accord, Lincoln Aviator, and Capella’s residence. Inside the Honda, investigators reportedly found 33 kilogram-sized packages of cocaine and over six kilograms of fentanyl. The drugs were labeled with luxury brands, including Moet and Louis Vuitton symbols.

Authorities said several of the narcotics were wrapped in various types of plastic packaging, including some with images of “Baby Yoda” from Star Wars.

Agents also allegedly recovered eight loaded firearms, three of which were hidden in a compartment inside the Honda, along with an imitation pistol. The Lincoln Aviator contained a drug residue-coated scale and another cell phone, authorities said.

A search of Capella’s also residence allegedly uncovered additional drugs and narcotics packaging equipment, including a kilogram press machine, a scale, and stamps. DEA laboratory tests confirmed the drugs included cocaine, fentanyl — some dyed pink — methamphetamine, and heroin packaged in glassine envelopes.

“This defendant, who allegedly profited off of the misery of drug addiction and peddled narcotics in our communities, will now be brought to justice,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez in a joint statement. “I commend all of our law enforcement partners who worked on this case and made such a significant seizure of guns, cocaine, and fentanyl.”

Capella remains in custody as the investigation continues.

POLICE ARRESTED A BROOKLYN MAN for allegedly driving his vehicle while under the influence onto the tracks of the Long Island Rail Road.

The post Brooklyn man arrested for alleged drunk driving on LIRR tracks appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.