Story 1: In an update from yesterday’s story about bids for Skype, Microsoft has officially stepped up and purchased the company for $8.5 billion. The boost to Microsoft’s online efforts will be significant especially in the area of smart phones while the deal also represents a good exit strategy for Skype.

Story 2: Plans to begin warning citizens of earthquakes through test messages and social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, are underway in Mexico City. The new system is expected to launch by September 19 and remedy issues with its problematic current system, which includes radio warnings and sirens.

Story 3: LinkedIn is valued at $3 billion. LinkedIn plans to offer 7.84 million shares in IPO at $32 and $35 a share — creating significant interest as it becomes one of the first social networking companies to start the process of being publicly traded.