Mamdani Makes Earth Day Announcement, New York Senator Calls for Expanded SNAP Benefits, and Increasing Firefighters in the Bronx

Mayor Mamdani announces a transition to sustainable heating for NYCHA residents as part of its third annual Sustainability Agenda as a part of Earth Day. WFUV’s Xenia Gonikberg explains more. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is demanding that seniors have better access to SNAP benefits with her Senior Hunger Prevention Act. Today she is renewing her commitment to getting the bill passed. Gillibrand says the act will reduce barriers to SNAP benefits, such as complicated application and certification processes, and expand access to food delivery services for SNAP recipients. A major fire broke out yesterday in the Belmont Neighborhood, killing 2 people and injuring several more, including 5 firefighters, prompting concern from local leaders concerning this surge of fires in the Bronx. WFUV’s Mia Barth has more on the causes of these fires and new plans to handle them.