Photo Courtesy of Wiki Commons

In the last three days, six new cases of West Nile virus cropped up in the City, reports the New York Times. This is a sudden jump—it’s almost as many cases as have been seen in the City for the whole summer. Late August is, however, the peak time for West Nile virus, according to the Times.

There has been one death among the 14 total cases—the fatality was a man in his 80s who had recently been outside the city, reports the Times. 

The number of mosquitoes infected with West Nile is especially high—up 40 percent—compared with last year. The City has been spraying pesticides around various neighborhoods to protect residents, always providing advance notice.

—Alissa Fleck

Photo Courtesy of Wiki Commons

We warned you it was coming—zip lining has officially hit Foley Square for the next two weekends of August. For the NY DOT’s ongoing Summer Streets event, the organization is running a zip line in Foley Square, which is open for public enjoyment. There are other events as well, in celebration of New Yorkers reclaiming their city streets. Numerous streets throughout the City are shut down to cars for the event.

DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan told Metro NY: “The streets are for everyone. It’s a great way for New Yorkers to get out and see and enjoy the city in a different way.”

For the next two weekends only (Aug. 11 & 18), head to Foley Square and get zippin’.

—Alissa Fleck