Opening soon: A new Best Western Plus is opening in Walker, just off Interstate 12 behind LaQuinta Inn & Suites. A ribbon cutting is planned for noon on Friday. The 100% new smoke free hotel includes amenities such as an outdoor pool, exercise room, wireless Internet, a cocktail lounge and a complimentary breakfast.
Up in smoke: The National Association of State Fire Marshals is urging Amazon.com to stop selling smoke alarms that are not tested to nationally recognized standards and do not comply with state and municipal building codes. The national organization identified several smoke alarm brands sold on Amazon that do not contain labels from independent third-party labs. Labels should indicate that the alarms meet the UL 217 Standard for Smoke Alarms, according to a news release. Louisiana State Fire Marshal Butch Browning, who is president of NASFM, says the agency is urging the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission to investigate the matter. Read the full release.
Growing a network: Microsoft today says it is buying LinkedIn, a professional online network with 430 million members, for about $26.2 billion, a deal that could bring subtle but significant changes for the professional network. The Associated Press reports that LinkedIn will remain an independent unit of Microsoft. The professional network will keep its name, and current CEO Jeff Weiner will stay on and report directly to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. For Microsoft, the deal presents an opportunity to cement itself as the tech company for the world’s professionals—helping them find jobs, learn new skills and do their work. Read the full story.
