Feb 9, 2018

Amazon set to launch its own shipping service

A truck leaves an Amazon distribution center in Kolbaskowo, Poland. Photo: Adam Berry / Getty Images

Amazon plans to launch its own shipping service for businesses, sending their products directly to consumers, reports The Wall Street Journal. The "Shipping with Amazon" service will begin in Los Angeles soon — for now, targeted only at Amazon's own third-party merchants — but it's expected to roll out to other cities and customers eventually.

Why it matters: The move positions Amazon to take on shipping giants UPS and FedEx, especially as the tech giant plans to undercut both their prices. It's reflective of Amazon's broader ambitions beyond e-commerce, highlighted by its burgeoning Hollywood presence, acquisition of Whole Foods, and cloud-computing services. FedEx (FDX) shares are currently at $231.21 (-3.37%.) Amazon (AMZN) shares are currently at $1,315.06 (-2.62%.)

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Alexi McCammond

Biden says he's starting VP search this month

Joe Biden. Photo: Scott Olson / Staff

Joe Biden said he's spoken to Sen. Bernie Sanders and former President Barack Obama about selecting a running mate — and that he wants to build "a bench of younger, really qualified people" who can lead the nation over the course of the next four presidential cycles.

Driving the news: Biden spoke about the state of the 2020 race during a virtual fundraiser on Friday night that was opened to pooled coverage.

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Gigi Sukin, Alayna Treene

Trump ousting intelligence community inspector general

Michael Atkinson, inspector general of the intelligence community. Photo: Bill Clark / Getty Images

President Trump notified key lawmakers on Friday that he’s firing Michael Atkinson, the intelligence community's inspector general, who first alerted Congress last September of an "urgent" complaint from an official involving Trump's correspondence with the Ukrainian president.

Why it matters: The move, to take effect in 30 days, comes amid a broader initiative to purge the administration of officials seen as disloyal to the president.

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Axios

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Axios Visuals

Global: Total confirmed cases as of 10 p.m. ET: 1,097,909 — Total deaths: 59,131 — Total recoveries: 226,106 — Map.
U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 10 p.m. ET: 277,828 — Total deaths: 7,406 — Total recoveries: 9,772 — Map.
Public health latest: The CDC is recommending Americans wear face coverings in public to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. The federal government will cover the costs of COVID-19 treatment for the uninsured, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said.
2020 latest: "I think a lot of people cheat with mail-in voting," President Trump said of the 2020 election, as more states hold primary elections by mail. Montana Gov. Steve Bullock said Friday that every county in the state opted to expand mail-in voting for the state's June 2 primary.
Business updates: America's small business bailout is off to a bad start. The DOT is urging airlines to refund passengers due to canceled or rescheduled flights, but won't take action against airlines that provide vouchers or credits.
Oil latest: The amount of gas American drivers are consuming dropped to levels not seen in more than 25 years, government data shows. Trump is calling on the Energy Department to find more places to store oil.
Tech updates: Twitter will allow ads containing references to the coronavirus under certain use cases.
U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt: Senators call for independent investigation into firing of Navy captain.
What should I do? Answers about the virus from Axios experts — What to know about social distancing — Q&A: Minimizing your coronavirus risk.
Other resources: CDC on how to avoid the virus, what to do if you get it.

Subscribe to Mike Allen's Axios AM to follow our coronavirus coverage each morning from your inbox.

Keep ReadingUpdated 7 hours ago - Politics & Policy