Moving the Fourth of July fireworks back to the Brooklyn Bridge for the first time since 2014 went off without any problems, although it did leave a few flames burning on the bridge after the fireworks were finished. It seemed to be the smoldering remains of the fireworks casings or leftover chemicals and not the infrastructure of the bridge itself. The FDNY fireboats stationed in the East River made quick work of the flames, holding back from using the full force of their water cannons so as not to damage the bridge. This was the 43rd annual Macy's fireworks display. From the editor: A Great Big City will no longer publish to Facebook 1 year ago on July 4, 2018 — A woman climbs the Statue of Liberty pedestal, causing Liberty Island to be evacuated and canceling many midday Fourth of July tours It's been three years now since a tourist stepped on an explosive device in Central Park, and police have no new leads into where the device came from or its intention. If you have any information or photos from that day, contact NYPD CrimeStoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (1-800-577-8477), via text message at CRIMES (274637), or via online form. In 2017, the NYPD and ATF increased the reward for potential leads to $40,000. 33 years ago on July 7, 1986 — A man with a sword attacks Staten Island ferry passengers 8 years ago on July 7, 2011, we were tracking the first seasonal case of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus being detected in the region. According to data collected by the CDC, July begins the active season for West Nile infections, which are spread via mosquito bites, so now is the time to be prepared and protect yourself from mosquitoes if you will be outside. If you'll be traveling overseas, take special precaution to avoid mosquito bites, and consider a vaccination against diseases that are common in the areas where you will be traveling. If you're staying in the city, you can even do your part by calling 311 with a report of standing water, defined as a place on public or private property where water gathers and remains for more than five days, creating a habitat where mosquitoes may breed. 108 years ago on July 9th, 1911, the New York Times described how a streak of hot weather, with temperatures reaching 100 degrees during the beginning of July 1911, made it difficult to transport ice from insulated storage warehouses to the "Greeks and Italians who have little ice depots in convenient basements", where people found it more convenient than waiting for the ice delivery wagons. Special honor goes out this week in recognition of Alelia Murphy, who will celebrate her 114th birthday on July 6th in Harlem. She is believed to be the oldest living American. Ms. Murphy was born in North Carolina in 1905 and has lived in Harlem since the 1920s. A Great Big City has been running a 24-hour newsfeed since 2010, but the AGBC News podcast is just getting started, and we need your support. A Great Big City is built on a dedication to explaining what is happening and how it fits into the larger history of New York, which means thoroughly researching every topic and avoiding clickbait headlines to provide a straightforward, honest, and factual explanation of the news. Individuals can make a monthly or one-time contribution at agreatbigcity.com/support and local businesses can have a lasting impact by supporting local news while promoting products or services directly to interested customers listening to this podcast. Visit agreatbigcity.com/advertising to learn more. AGBC is more than just a news website: Our fireworks page monitors the city's announcements of upcoming fireworks, lists them on our site, and automatically sends out a notification just before the fireworks begin, so that you can watch the show or prepare your pet for the upcoming sounds of explosions. Visit agreatbigcity.com/fireworks to see the ful