Vito's $25 Million Empire Frozen; Manholes Blow in Brooklyn Heights; and More Brooklyn Briefs

- Gov. Paterson dealt a $25 million blow to the social-services empire of Brooklyn Democratic leader Vito Lopez by freezing all its state contracts "pending the outcome of ongoing investigations." NY Post

- Thar she blows (again) at Joralemon and Willow Street in Brooklyn Heights. Manhole flames brought fire engines (six units in all), EMS vehicles, police officers, Con Edison and National Grid vans and more. Brooklyn Eagle

- New York City depends on 700 fragile water pumps to keep the subway tunnels dry—some a century old. Gizmodo 

- The Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum is hosting a Halloween Costume Exchange now through October 12.  Brownstoner

- Brokelyn is giving away copies of The New Brooklyn Cookbook to three lucky winners.  Brokelyn 

- Here's a rundown of Wednesday's public meeting on the proposed Barclays Center Public Plaza at Atlantic Yards. Brooklyn Eagle

- Congress stops ShamWow, Snuggie ads from SCREAMING at you.  Fast Company

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