SoftBank-backed face-scan firm rebrands U.S. unit to add distance after blacklisting - sources

TOKYO (Reuters) - The U.S. unit of SoftBank-backed robotics startup CloudMinds has changed its name to distance itself from the blacklisted China-based firm, two people with knowledge of the matter said, and is selling face-scanning temperature monitors through T-Mobile US.

Mexico's senior Catholic leader backs civil unions for gay couples

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - The Mexican Catholic Church's highest-ranking bishop agrees with recent comments by Pope Francis in support of civil unions for gay couples, the prelate told Reuters.

'It’s repugnant': Sexual misconduct shakes FBI's senior ranks

Investigation identifies at least six sexual misconduct allegations involving senior FBI officials over the past five years, including two new claims brought this week by women who say they were sexually assaulted by ranking agents.

Facebook’s AI mistakenly bans ads for struggling businesses

New York-based businesswoman Ruth Harrigan usually sells her honey and beeswax products in souvenir shops. But with Covid-19 pausing tourism, she’s been almost entirely dependent on Facebook ads to drive online sales.

Colombian president touts tax-free day for economic recovery

Xi touts China's 'openness' on trade in Apec address (Update)

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): President Xi Jinping pegged China as the pivot point for global free trade on Thursday (Nov 19), vowing to keep his huge economy open and warning against protectionism.

Food poisoning aside, Malaysian friends had a holiday to remember in India

Travelling friends left India’s Golden Triangle with beautiful lingering memories.

Alibaba touts billions in sales as Singles Day gets into full swing

HANGZHOU (Reuters): China's Alibaba said orders made through its e-commerce sites during its Singles' Day shopping extravaganza had exceeded US$56 billion by Wednesday (Nov 11) morning, as lockdown-weary consumers splashed out on as many as 16 million discounted products.

Mayor touts NYC's brand winter market in its 1st week of opening amid pandemic

NEW YORK, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Since its return on Oct. 30, the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, the brand seasonal market of New York City, has braved the threat of the eight-month-long COVID-19 pandemic, gradually turning hot and lately earning the support of the mayor with its holiday festivities, shopping and food.

Mercedes bets on evolution as Tesla touts revolution in automated driving

IMMENDINGEN, Germany: As Tesla touts the cutting-edge nature of its new Full Self Driving software, rival Mercedes-Benz says it has developed a similar system but stops short of allowing members of the public to take it on urban roads.