Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Today's Headlines

Friday’s Headlines: Repeat Offender Edition

Crossing guard Krystyna Naprawa died in vain.

The biggest story yesterday — not that anyone but the Daily News covered it — was that the very same truck that a driver used to kill a Queens crossing guard last year was involved in a new fatal crash on Thursday in Brooklyn.

As the paper reported, the same truck whose driver killed the crossing guard Krystyna Naprawa on Oct. 20, 2023, was involved in a crash at Tilden and Bedford avenues in Brooklyn after the truck driver made what witnesses said was an illegal right on red.

There was a lot of missing information in the narrative — including, of course, who was driving the truck on Thursday, as well as the name of the victim — but this much is known: the truck belongs to Manolos Trucking, a company that has some explaining to do. (Update: The victim was Maria Piovanetti, 68, who lived nearby on Tilden Avenue. We'll be starting our Friday at her address, where we're likely to find family members who will be outraged that the same truck has been involved in two fatal crashes.)

But also left unsaid (for now) is what punishment the company faced for its driving having killed Naprawa and how a company with a fatality on its record could possibly have another driver involved in a crash. What role, if any, did our Department of Motor Vehicles play in making sure Manolos Trucking properly trains its drivers? Why does the truck in question have seven camera violations (including four red-light violations) since 2019?

And, finally, what are our elected officials going to do about this — starting today? We'll be asking.

In other news from a day that looked slow to the mainstream press, but was busy on our end:

  • Transit union boss John Samuelsen's break with congestion pricing is complete, but we'd be remiss if we didn't point out (again!) that his workers will benefit the most from tolling drivers to improve subway service. (NY Post)
  • The Times did a big story about where people are buying electric vehicles (but for some reason left out the most popular electric vehicle — e-bikes).
  • People aren't liking National Guardsmen with machine guns in the subway. (NY Times, Gothamist, Hell Gate)
  • New Jersey residents have had plenty to say about congestion pricing ... but if you want to comment on Gov. Phil Murphy's 15-percent NJ Transit fare hike, good luck! (Gothamist)
  • Streetsblog posted several big stories:

We never rest. Have a great weekend.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

DOT Testimony: Removing Bedford Ave. Bike Lane Will ‘Reduce Safety’

"Removing the protected bike lane won’t remove cyclists — it will only make the street less safe," the DOT said. "The city risks legal liability for knowingly reducing safety on a Vision Zero priority corridor."

June 30, 2025

Hochul Signs Speed Camera Reauthorization, Enforcement Continues Through 2030

Stating a clear fact that scores of state legislators reject, Hochul said, "Speed cameras save lives and keep New Yorkers safe."

June 30, 2025

Cyclists Tell Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo: The Bedford Ave. Bike Lane is a Lifesaver

A judge will decide the fate of the Bedford Avenue bike lane on Tuesday. Streetsblog offers some user affidavits.

June 30, 2025

DoorDash Lobbying Sunk Bill to Require Apps to Insure Delivery Workers

A secret memo from the rich app company described a simple insurance bill as "costly." And legislators fell into line.

June 30, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: City Hall Handshake Edition

The Department of Sustainable Delivery finally has funding ... but for what? Plus more news.

June 30, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: Council Will Force Apps To Fund Safe E-Bikes for Workers

The City Council is set to pass a bill on Monday that will make app companies responsible for their workers using safe e-bikes.

June 27, 2025
See all posts