■ Brazil
Carnival offers condoms
Brazil, one of the Latin American countries hardest hit by the AIDS epidemic, will hand out a record 11 million condoms to prevent the spread of the disease during its erotically charged Carnival festival when casual sex rises. The "Dress Yourself" campaign is to remind revelers a condom should be part of their outfit, no matter how little they wear to parades and parties renowned for semi-nude, hip-thrusting dancers. Millions flock to cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Recife for the Feb. 4 to Feb. 9 festival. Crammed streets and close contact in tropical heat intensifies sexual relations, health authorities said.
■ United States
Cosby faces complaint
A female acquaintance of comedian Bill Cosby has made an allegation against him that has prompted a police investigation in Pennsylvania, the entertainer's attorney said. Attorney Walter Phillips said authorities in Pennsylvania told him they have begun an investigation. He would not discuss the specifics of the allegation -- which he called "utterly preposterous" -- but said it amounts to, at the most, "inappropriate touching." No charges have been brought against Cosby. Phillips said, "We are hopeful and optimistic that no charges will be brought forward."
■ United States
Oily birds indicate spill
Investigators are testing oil wiped from the coated bodies of birds to try to determine the origin of a mysterious oil spill somewhere along the California coast. More than 1,100 birds have been brought to a bird care center in San Pedro, and a sea lion was taken to a nearby marine mammal center. Possible oil sources include pipes broken in mudslides, natural seepage exacerbated by seismic activity, or even cars and trucks submerged in floods, officials said. Of a total of 1,141 live birds taken to the Los Angeles Oiled Bird Care and Education Center in San Pedro, 366 died or were humanely euthanized. Investigators are intrigued by the timing of the spill, which coincided with heavy rains and mudslides.
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