Worldwide Information Blogger Luc Schrijvers: WORLD WORLDWIDE NORTH AMERICA - New York NY - New York City NYC - THE CITY SCOOP

donderdag 11 december 2025

WORLD WORLDWIDE NORTH AMERICA - New York NY - New York City NYC - THE CITY SCOOP - Triple OT and empty desks at DSS.

[thecity.nyc/home]

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025

Today's SCOOP is brought to you by our members.

Dear New Yorkers,

It’s a tough time for people who work at New York City’s social services agency.

They’ve faced one trial after another recently: rising caseloads tied to the pandemic, the influx of migrants seeking asylum, housing instability and rising poverty.

To make things worse, they will soon have to implement the Trump administration’s new work requirements for SNAP — a momentous undertaking for staff, who must track compliance, verify documentation, and help recipients find employment.

Yet there are fewer hands to handle all that work. A new analysis by THE CITY and our partners at New York Focus found that nearly 12% of positions at the Department of Social Services are vacant; in November, the not-quite-11,000-strong agency had 1,439 job openings, making it one of the emptiest departments in city government.

As a result, the agency has had to ask more of its existing staff. Overtime pay at the Human Resources Administration — the wing of the Department of Social Services that handles benefits — has more than tripled since 2014.

Here’s what we found out about the agency that cares for New Yorkers who need help the most.

Weather ☀️

Mostly sunny, with a high near 36.

MTA 🚇

In Brooklyn, Brighton Beach-bound B trains run local from Prospect Park to Sheepshead Bay from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find all the MTA’s planned changes and the latest delays here.

Alternate side parking 🚙

It’s in effect today, Dec. 11.

By the way…

Here’s what to do when you come across an injured bird on your commute.

Our Other Top Stories

Waiting hours for a 60-minute visit. Turned away for bringing too many diapers, or baby food. Attorneys refused at the door. Those were among the pieces of testimony at a hearing yesterday on what it’s like to try to visit someone on Rikers Island.

The comptroller is officially in the race for Congress. Comptroller Brad Lander has kicked off his run for Rep. Dan Goldman’s seat as Mayor-election Zohran Mamdani gave his endorsement — and other progressive challengers backed down.

Got a question about our next mayor? Want to hear from our reporters directly about the Mamdani transition? Join our members-only virtual chat on Monday, Dec. 15th where our City Hall reporter Katie Honan, senior reporter Greg B. Smith, senior editor Harry Siegel and managing editor Rachel Holliday Smith will answer as many reader questions as they can. If you’re already a donor to THE CITY, look for an invite in your email. If not — donate today and you’ll be invited to join.

Things To Do

Here are some free and low-cost things to do around the city this week.

Thursday, Dec. 11: See Broadway performances from “SIX The Musical,” “Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)” and “The Queen of Versailles” at The Shops at Columbus Circle starting at 5 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 12: Listen to the New York Classical Players perform pieces from Kodály, Martinů and Mendelssohn at the Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew. Free, from 7:30 to 9:15 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 12 to Sunday, Dec. 14: Pick up some local handmade pottery from 30 artists at the BrickHouse Ceramic Art Center in Long Island City.

THE KICKER: Researchers at Cornell University looked at the impact congestion pricing has had on air quality and found it’s led to a 22% reduction in articulate pollution in parts of Manhattan.

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

Love,

THE CITY