Amazon.Com Inc - AMZN STOCK NEWS

Amazon (AMZN) announces Prime Day 2021, starting June 21 at 12 a.m. PDT, featuring over 2 million deals across 20 countries, the largest in its 7-year history. Prime members can enjoy significant savings on a wide array of products, from electronics to fashion and home goods. Promotions include discounts on Amazon devices, small businesses, and seasonal items from Whole Foods. Additionally, customers can access exclusive offers leading up to Prime Day. Amazon emphasizes its commitment to providing exceptional shopping and entertainment experiences for its Prime members.

Amazon Studios has unveiled a comprehensive Inclusion Policy and Inclusion Playbook aimed at enhancing diversity, inclusion, and equity in its content and productions. Key goals include ensuring at least 30% representation of women and underrepresented racial/ethnic groups in key creative roles, aiming for 50% by 2024. Additional measures include inclusive casting practices and vendor diversity. These initiatives reflect Amazon's commitment to accountability in amplifying diverse voices in storytelling, supported by industry experts and organizations.

Amazon plans to establish its second robotics fulfillment center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, creating over 1,000 full-time jobs with a starting wage of $15 per hour and comprehensive benefits. The new 820,000 square-foot facility will handle smaller items like books and electronics. Amazon's investments in Louisiana from 2010-2019 totaled $250 million, contributing an additional $220 million to the state’s economy and creating over 750 indirect jobs. The company emphasizes health, safety, and employee career development through programs such as Career Choice.

Amazon (Nasdaq:AMZN) partners with Sound Transit to develop up to 1,200 affordable housing units near light rail stations in the Puget Sound area. The company is investing $100 million in below-market funding for developers, with the first $25 million allocated for pre-development activities. This initiative is part of Amazon's Housing Equity Fund, which has already committed over $285 million to create 2,000 affordable homes. The partnership will help moderate- to low-income families access essential services and promote equitable economic growth.

Amazon (Nasdaq:AMZN) has partnered with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) to create over 1,000 affordable housing units at Metro stations in the D.C. area. The company is committing $125 million from its Housing Equity Fund, part of a larger $2 billion initiative aimed at preserving and creating 20,000 affordable homes. This investment supports moderate- to low-income families by providing proximity to transportation, enhancing community services, and fostering economic stability. The partnership aligns with regional housing goals set by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) announced a $75 million commitment to develop 800 affordable homes in Nashville, Tennessee, as part of its Housing Equity Fund, totaling over $2 billion aimed at creating more than 20,000 affordable units nationwide. This initiative supports moderate- to low-income families and enhances access to public transit, education, and essential services. The investment will prioritize projects near WeGo transit corridors, directly benefiting local communities and fostering long-term stability for residents.

Amazon Business has released its 2021 B2B E-commerce in Evolution Report, revealing critical insights from 250 B2B buyers and sellers across various industries. The report highlights a significant shift towards online procurement, with 85% of buyers accelerating their online purchasing due to the pandemic. Additionally, 96% expect to continue online buying post-pandemic. The report emphasizes the importance of maximizing e-procurement technologies, improving customer experiences, and addressing social and environmental considerations in procurement strategies.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced the opening of a new infrastructure region in Israel (Tel Aviv) in the first half of 2023. This development aims to support developers, startups, and government agencies in running applications locally. The Israeli government has selected AWS as its primary cloud provider under the Nimbus contract, facilitating cloud services for various ministries and public sector organizations. AWS's expansion includes 81 Availability Zones across 25 regions worldwide, enhancing local customers' access to advanced cloud technologies while meeting data residency requirements.

Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) and HanesBrands have filed 13 lawsuits against 17 defendants for selling unauthorized silicone protective earbud case covers that infringe on HanesBrands' Champion trademarks. The lawsuits, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, accuse the defendants of misleading consumers about the product's authenticity. Amazon has closed the defendants' selling accounts and continues to invest heavily in brand protection, with over $700 million spent and a dedicated Counterfeit Crimes Unit established.