Small businesses suffer in shutdown, Netflix may name new CFO, and more top news

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Small businesses and communities near national parks say the government shutdown is hurting the hotel and restaurant industries, with many parks having to close as they struggle with uncollected garbage and sewage build-ups, per The Wall Street Journal. Meanwhile, President Trump plans to meet with Congressional leaders from both parties today over the shutdown, which began 11 days ago, reports Politico. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Netflix is set to announce the appointment of Activision Blizzard’s Spencer Neumann as its chief financial officer, reports Reuters. Earlier this week, Activision Blizzard said it was firing Neumann for unspecified reasons. Neumann will take over from David Wells, who in August announced his planned resignation, after 14 years with Netflix. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Pharmaceutical companies have raised the prices of medicines by an average of 6.3% at the start of the new year. A new analysis shows more than three dozen companies increased their prices, with Allergan adding 9.5% to 27 of its products and 4.9% to another two dozen. The increases — including those on the cheaper generic alternatives — continue to exceed inflation, according to The Wall Street Journal. Several companies postponed their price rises in July, after President Trump criticized Pfizer. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn could be held in jail until January 11 after a Tokyo court extended his detention for a fourth time this week. Ghosn has been detained in Tokyo for more than six weeks as authorities investigate claims that he under-reported his salary by about $45 million and transferred personal investment losses to Nissan. Former company director Greg Kelly was released on $634,000 bail on Dec. 25. Both maintain their innocence. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Premium reward credit cards are falling out of favor with banks. Popular with consumers, the points-rich cards are a “financial albatross” for financial institutions, according to The Wall Street Journal. Banks had reasoned that by offering lucrative rewards, they would encourage consumers to spend more and accumulate interest and fees, yet points-savvy consumers have “figured out how to game the system” — spending enough to earn sign-up bonuses and paying on time to avoid fees, per the Journal. ? Here’s what people are saying.

Idea of the Day: Instead of starting the new year with resolutions, choose a word to guide you, suggests philanthropist Melinda Gates.

“I choose a word of the year—a word that encapsulates my aspirations for the twelve months ahead.”

What's your take on today’s stories? Share your thoughts in the comments. 

— Carmel Melouney and Jessica Hartogs