Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Brutal Cold Claims 18 Lives; City Activates Code Blue

2/10/2026

23 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Paul Frink sought refuge at Bellevue Warming Center as temperatures fell to single digits.
He joined 17 others seeking warmth as this brutal cold has claimed 18 lives this winter.
The city activated Code Blue to speed shelter access.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said involuntary hospitalization should be a last resort for those posing danger.
The cold snap challenges the city’s efforts to protect its homeless population.

History

Historical Context

In 2000, New York City launched the Code Blue initiative to provide emergency shelter during extreme cold, responding to a rise in homelessness and 20 deaths from exposure that winter. As temperatures plummet again, 18 individuals have already died this season, underscoring the ongoing struggle to protect vulnerable populations and the critical need for effective homelessness strategies led by city officials.

1 of 2

Story summary

Paul Frink sought refuge at Bellevue Warming Center as temperatures fell to single digits.
He joined 17 others seeking warmth as this brutal cold has claimed 18 lives this winter.
The city activated Code Blue to speed shelter access.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said involuntary hospitalization should be a last resort for those posing danger.
The cold snap challenges the city’s efforts to protect its homeless population.

1 / 2