News Headlines - 14 February 2020

▽Vision Fund losses drag down SoftBank profits by 99% - CNN

SoftBank profits have been almost entirely wiped out, as the company continues to feel the pain from big losses in its massive tech fund.
The Japanese tech conglomerate on Wednesday reported operating income of 2.59 billion yen ($23.6 million) for the three months ended in December, a plunge of 99% compared to the same period a year earlier.

▽Record bribery fine fuels Airbus loss of €1.4bn | The Guardian

Airbus has slumped to a €1.4bn (£1.17bn) annual loss after receiving record fines for bribery, but raised its dividend as aircraft deliveries hit an all-time high.
The European aerospace group’s 2019 loss contrasts with a net profit of €3.1bn the previous year.
The Toulouse-based company had to set aside €3.6bn last month to cover settlements with authorities in the US, France and Britain after admitting it had paid huge bribes on an “endemic” basis to secure contracts in 20 countries. The penalties amount to the largest-ever corporate fine issued for bribery.

▽Two largest teachers unions call for schools to revise or end active shooter drills

The nation's two largest teachers' unions want schools to revise or eliminate active shooter drills, asserting Tuesday that they can harm students' mental health and that there are better ways to prepare for the possibility of a school shooting.
The American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association joined with the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund in calling for an end to unannounced drills or drills that simulate gun violence.

▽Freddie Mercury’s kimono to go on display at V&A | The Independent

A kimono worn by the late Freddie Mercury is to be shown at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
The garment, which was worn by the Queen frontman in his home, is going to be put on display for the first time, having previously been kept in a private collection.
The museum said Mercury’s kimono will “provide audiences with a glimpse into the personal life of the singer”.

▽Valentine’s Day art in Bristol confirmed by Banksy as his work | The Guardian

A street artwork showing a young girl firing a slingshot of flowers at a building in Bristol is by Banksy, the elusive artist has confirmed... Banksy confirmed the piece by posting two images of it on his official Instagram account and website in the early hours of Valentine’s Day.