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Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026

Brooklyn Democratic Party chair and Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn speaks at a gala in Red Hook, Oct. 30, 2025. (Ben Fractenberg/The City Reporter)

Dear New Yorkers,

A state Supreme Court judge has invalidated a recent vote by the Brooklyn Democratic Party’s executive committee that critics say was an undemocratic power grab by the party chair after her faction lost a majority of district leader seats in the June primary election.

Judge Jill Epstein on Monday permanently blocked the party from enacting controversial rule changes the committee approved by thin margins at an August meeting called by party boss Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn. The proposals, which Bichotte Hermelyn championed, passed with crucial votes from district leaders who had lost their primary races.

Epstein’s decision handed a victory to party reformers who sued to block the changes, arguing they were an unlawful attempt to stop reformers from installing their preferred chair following the primary.

“The court has affirmed what nearly all our city, state and federal representatives have said: It’s time for our party to hold a normal meeting under the rules that were in place at the time of the election,” Tony Melone, president of the reformist New Kings Democrats, said in a statement. “Then we can work together to win in November.”

The party’s leadership says it will appeal the judge’s ruling, which it called “a disappointment” that “misinterprets” the party’s rules and “disrupts the established practice that ensures stability during transitions.”

Read more about the latest twist in the saga over the Brooklyn Democratic Party’s future ahead of a critical party meeting later this month.

Weather ☀️

A high near 72 and sunny during the daytime. A low around 60 and mostly clear at night.

MTA 🚇

Midday in Brooklyn, Manhattan-bound J trains skip Chauncey Street, Halsey Street, Gates Avenue and Kosciuszko Street. Find all the MTA’s planned changes and the latest delays here.

Alternate-side parking 🚙

It’s in effect today, Sept. 15.

By the way…

Local students, parents and school staff can nominate any New York City public school teacher for the FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence through Nov. 29. Winners receive $25,000 prizes and their schools receive $10,000 grants for arts-based initiatives.

Our Other Top Stories

The vast majority of local buildings required to cut their carbon emissions have done so or taken steps to, a new report by the city Buildings Department finds — but the hard part is yet to come. As the Mamdani administration ramps up to release its first legally mandated streets plan, advocates are presenting a roadmap designed to push City Hall to meet its marks. The hosts of FAQ NYC discuss the different ways New Yorkers marked 9/11’s 25th anniversary, and more, on the podcast’s latest episode. New York’s Board of Regents voted to advance sweeping changes to graduation requirements, even as state officials acknowledged key questions about the transition remain unresolved, 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.

THE KICKER: The New York Transit Museum and MTA are hosting their free 2026 Bus Festival at Brooklyn Bridge Park this Saturday, featuring vintage buses, an interactive scavenger hunt and the debut of a newly restored 1918 double-decker bus.

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

Love,

The City Reporter

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