Miami firm sues to block port sale

A company at the Port of Miami has sued to block the takeover of shipping operations there by a state-owned business in the United Arab Emirates.

It is the first American courtroom effort to capsize a $6.8 billion sale already embroiled in a national debate over security risks at six major U.S. ports affected by the deal.

The Miami company, a subsidiary of Eller & Company Inc., is presently a business partner with London-based Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co., which Dubai Ports World purchased last week. In a lawsuit in Florida circuit court, the Miami subsidiary said that under the sale it will become an “involuntary partner” with Dubai’s government and it may seek more than $10 million in damages.

The Miami subsidiary, Continental Stevedoring & Terminals Inc., said the sale to Dubai was prohibited under its partnership agreement with the British firm and “may endanger the national security of the United States.” It asked a judge to block the takeover and said it does not believe the company, Florida or the U.S. government can ensure Dubai Ports World’s compliance with American security rules.

Rochester, N.Y.

Northeast homes still without power

More than a quarter-million homes and businesses still lacked power across the Northeast on Saturday as temperatures plummeted following a storm with hurricane-force wind gusts that was blamed for four deaths.

Wind was still blowing at about 30 mph through the region Saturday. On Friday, winds of more than 60 mph buffeted the Rochester area.

The storm swept out of the Midwest on Friday, carrying a wave of bitterly cold air. Temperatures in some parts of western New York plunged from 60 degrees to below freezing within a few hours. Hayward, Wis., had a morning low of 26 below zero, and afternoon temperatures in the Upper Midwest were in only the single digits Saturday. Parts of Arkansas had 51/2 inches of snow Saturday.

Los Angeles

Disney theme park designer quitting

One of Walt Disney’s top theme park designers is stepping down after three decades with the company, signaling the end of an era for the Magic Kingdom.

Marty Sklar is one of the last remaining employees who once worked closely with the company’s co-founder, Walt Disney.

Sklar, 72, helped design such park attractions as “The Enchanted Tiki Room,” “It’s a Small World” and “Space Mountain.”