Mamdani's 78-degree rule clashes with senior heat warnings, sparking backlash
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s push to cap air conditioning at 78 degrees to ease the power grid drew online backlash after he also urged seniors to stay cool, hydrated and use cooling centers during a looming heat wave. Critics mocked the apparent contradiction, while supporters say climate policy must balance energy demands with public safety, pointing to ongoing measures like cooling centers and extended pool hours to counter extreme heat.