The 6 stories PR pros need to know on Thursday, 12.17.2015

Shkreli arrested for securities fraud
Martin Shkreli, the pharmaceutical executive who drew the public’s ire earlier this year when he lifted the price of one medication from $13.50 to $750 a pill, has been arrested for securities fraud, according to Bloomberg News. The charges stem from his tenure as CEO of biotech firm Retrophin.

US-Cuba commercial flights to resume
In what could boost business relationships between the two countries, the US and Cuba have agreed to resume commercial flights for the first time in decades. The pact would mean US consumers could soon book a flight directly to Havana.

Disney hopes to pack the house for Star Wars this weekend
In an effort to shatter all kinds of box office records, Star Wars is debuting in some of the largest and most expensive venues across this country this week, including a few unusual theaters. One PR firm has released an app that blocks spoilers form tweets before the film’s debut.

Putin holds marathon year-end press conference
Russian President Vladimir Putin held his annual year-end press conference this morning, an event that has stretched for hours in the past. This year, he talked about Turkey and Syria and said his country won its bid for the World Cup fair and square.

Defense chief also used personal email on the job
Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter used his personal email account in his first few months on the job, even after former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was criticized for doing so, according to the Associated Press. A DoD spokesman said Carter does not use the account for classified information.

Obama to highlight climate change with Bear Grylls tonight
President Barack Obama’s appearance with Bear Grylls in Alaska, where the two chatted about the effects of climate change and tasted exotic delicacies, will air tonight on NBC. They also reportedly talked about fatherhood and living in the White House when the show taped in September.