Sex and the city
The week's news at a glance.
New York City
The City of New York began handing out 26 million condoms last week bearing the letter symbols of its various subway lines—but Catholic Church leaders were not amused. In a Valentine’s Day announcement, city officials said the “NYC condoms” are designed to prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. “This is something we’re doing not just because it’s fun and sexy—although it is—but because it will save lives,” said Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden. New York’s two senior Catholic clergymen, Cardinal Edward Egan and Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, condemned the giveaway, saying it would “degrade societal standards.” A spokesman for Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, “With all due respect to Cardinal Egan and Bishop DiMarzio, we feel differently.”
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Peter Mandelson called Epstein his 'best pal' in birthday note
Speed Read The UK's ambassador to Washington described the late convicted paedophile as an 'intelligent, sharp-witted man'
-
'Vampire energy' could be causing your electric bill to rise
Under the Radar Wasted energy could account for up to 10% of home use
-
A Spinal Tap reunion, Thomas Pynchon by way of Paul Thomas Anderson and a harrowing Stephen King adaptation in September movies
the week recommends This month's new releases include 'Spinal Tap II,' 'One Battle After Another' and 'The Long Walk'