Healthcare giant Johnson and Johnson plans to break into two companies, a move that splits up the multi-billion dollar consumer products division that sells Band-Aids, Tylenol and Johnson’s Baby Powders from the pharmaceutical business. The move follows suit of other multinational companies trying to simplify their structure as the healthcare industry changes. Toshiba Corp and General Electric announced similar plans this week.

GE closes a defining chapter in US corporate history - Financial Times

Biden administration announces deal to provide JandJ Covid-19 vaccine to people in conflict zones and humanitarian settings - CNN

The U.S. signed an international agreement on cybersecurity with 80 countries and hundreds of companies like Microsoft and Google. The agreement aims to foster an open internet and strive for better internet security through common laws and goals. The White House said the support reflects the Biden administration’s “priority to renew and strengthen America's engagement with the international community on cyber issues.”

Ransomware takes center stage in U.S. official's Middle East trip - Reuters

Bill proposes large financial institutions to report ransomware attacks, cap payments - SC Magazine

@VP: Yesterday, I announced several initiatives related to space and cybersecurity that we will undertake alongside France and other countries. This is about taking on the challenges of the 21st Century. Learn more:

The U.S. has had upwards of 10 million open jobs since June as the labor shortage persists. Last week, there were a projected 11.2 million U.S. job openings, well above their pre-pandemic peak of about 7.5 million. With many of the open jobs in warehousing, shipping and consumer-facing retail, companies are ordering a record number of robots to battle the labor shortage. North American companies ordered 29,000 robots in the first nine months of 2021, a 37% increase in orders than for the same period of 2020.

Job listings offering less than $15 an hour are starting to disappear in today's tight labor market - MarketWatch

Why Companies Are Struggling To Find Good Talent During The Great Resignation - Forbes

A new recruitment tool for employers — paying workers every day - CBS News

@libbycathey: As the holiday season approaches and employers complain of a worker shortage, President Joe Biden's COVID-19 mandates are now at the forefront of a nationwide debate on whether the government is going too far. Via @AnneKFlaherty @LukeLBarr @AmandaMaileABC

Hospitals across states from Arizona to the Great Plains and Minnesota are seeing an autumn wave of COVID-19 infections that is putting serious pressure on hospitals as intensive-care unit beds fill. Experts anticipate that with more Americans vaccinated, this year's Holiday surge is not likely to linger as long or do as much damage because there’s a higher level of protection.

Behind California's new tune on COVID boosters: fear of waning immunity and a winter surge - San Francisco Chronicle

@DrLeanaWen: After weeks of declines, #covid19 cases have plateaued. The problem is, this is far too high an infection rate: Over 70,000 new daily cases. There are still areas of overwhelmed hospitals. Deaths still top 1,000 a day. And winter is coming.

Supply chain issues have hit the North Pole. Santa bookers are overwhelmed as events and organizations hope to bring Saint Nick back to their holiday functions this year after taking last year off, but virus concerns remain high among a group of workers that skews toward older, heavier-set men. HireSanta.com reported 15% fewer Santas this year, yet the demand is 120% higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Labor Shortages Reach the North Pole - The Wall Street Journal

Tree shortage on the horizon as holiday season approaches, farmers urge customers to act quickly - 47 ABC

Holidays and supply chain shortages: These items may be difficult to find this year - WDTN 2 News

"Employers Strengthen Paid Leave Benefits...