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Friday, Aug. 14, 2026

For-hire drivers pack into a Taxi & Limousine Commission hearing on fines at the TLC's Lower Manhattan headquarters, Aug. 13, 2026. (Ben Fractenberg/The City Reporter)

Dear New Yorkers,

For-hire drivers are rallying behind a new proposal to give them a break on fines that are stacked on top of license suspensions for missing mandated drug tests or vehicle inspections.

“Drivers are already suffering from the economic penalty of being suspended, not being able to work,” Midori Valdivia, commissioner and chair of the city’s Taxi & Limousine Commission, said Thursday at a TLC board meeting where drivers turned out in large numbers. “And so we did want to reduce the financial burden on our drivers.”

If approved, the rule change would eliminate $200 fines slapped on drivers whose licenses have been suspended for being more than 30 days late on required annual drug tests, as well as penalties ranging from $100 to $500 for not completing vehicle checkups. It would take effect this fall.

The commission’s proposal follows Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s executive order for city agencies to find ways to alleviate costs and bureaucratic hurdles that cause “undue hardships for small businesses.” It also takes a cue from an April survey of thousands of TLC-licensed drivers where nearly 27% of them flagged certain fines and penalties as a leading source of frustration.

“Our main demand is this: Stop seeing drivers as easy targets, stop treating us like cash registers or ATM machines for the city,” said Mohamed Mohamed, 63, a former yellow taxi driver who now drives for Uber and Lyft.

Read more about how the TLC is moving to take financial strain off the city’s 180,000 for-hire drivers.

Weather ☀️

A high around 86 and mostly sunny during the daytime. A low near 69 and partly cloudy at night.

MTA 🚇

Midday in Queens, Jamaica Center-bound E trains stop at 75th Avenue and Briarwood. Find all the MTA’s planned changes and the latest delays here.

Alternate-side parking 🚙

It’s in effect today, Aug. 14.

By the way…

The city Health Department is reminding families how to protect young children from lead poisoning caused by peeling lead paint.

Our Other Top Stories

The Mamdani administration has told nearly 2,000 homeowners threatened with the new pied-à-terre tax they won’t have to pay because their primary residences were erroneously tagged as possible second homes. Year-round roadside dining is set to return to city streets after local lawmakers passed a package of bills expanding New York City’s outdoor dining program. The City Council also passed legislation making Staten Island’s unofficial borough flag official. One item you may want to add to your summer bucket list, if it isn’t already on it: visiting City Island — and checking out our guide for an enjoyable trip. U.S. immigration authorities belatedly confirmed the death of a third immigrant at the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, more than a week after a local member of Congress said he had been informed of the death. The local teachers union is threatening to oppose the city’s reading curriculum overhaul after a plunge in student reading scores on state exams, our friends at Chalkbeat report.

Sponsored by JPMorganChase Business Capital for New Entrepreneurs: Funding Strategies and Credit Tips to Help You Grow Starting a business takes more than a great idea—it takes resources. Whether you’re launching a service, opening a storefront, or building an online brand, access to capital can shape how quickly you can get started and how confidently you can grow. For new entrepreneurs, the path to funding often begins with a clear plan, strong local connections, and smart credit habits. There’s no single “right” way to fund a new venture. Many entrepreneurs combine multiple strategies over time: Start with a solid business plan: Outline what you sell, who your customers are, how you will reach them, and how you will make money. Include cash flow projections—your expected income and expenses over time—so you can map revenue and anticipate slower months.  Explore local grants and programs: Local organizations can share grant opportunities, pitch competitions, and entrepreneur support resources through newsletters and digital platforms. These can be especially helpful for first-time founders who want to minimize debt early on.  Connect with your banker early: Meeting early can help you understand what lenders typically look for, what documentation you’ll need, and how to strengthen your business profile over time. A banker may also be able to alert you to products or programs that are designed to support new businesses. Consider crowdfunding: Crowdfunding platforms can help you raise capital directly from your community. For some entrepreneurs, it’s also a way to validate demand, build visibility, and start creating a customer base before a full launch. Seek angel investors or venture capital (when it fits): If your business is designed to scale quickly—such as a high-growth product or technology-based model—investors may be a strong match. This route typically requires preparation: a compelling pitch, a strong understanding of your numbers, and networking to find the right partners. Business capital isn’t just about getting funding—it’s about building a foundation that supports smart decisions, steady cash flow, and long-term growth. With a strong plan, the right local connections, and responsible credit habits, new entrepreneurs can move from “starting up” to building something sustainable and successful. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.  © 2026 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Things To Do This Weekend

Here’s what’s going on around the city.

Friday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 16: Don’t miss the last three nights of this year’s Battery Dance Festival in Lower Manhattan. Free, Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park, 7 p.m. nightly. Saturday, Aug. 15: Take advantage of the last scheduled weekend of car-free Summer Streets in Manhattan this year. Free, Brooklyn Bridge to Broadway and Dyckman Street, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15: Head to Hudson River Park for the annual Blues BBQ Festival, featuring music, hot sauces, smoked delicacies, a marketplace and games. Free, Pier 76, 1-9 p.m.

THE KICKER: Do you find this snarled Upper West Side bike rack “strangely beautiful”? One person reportedly asked if it was “struck down by God.”

Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Friday.

Love,

The City Reporter

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