Business expansion in Georgia related to the Port of Savannah accounted for nearly $5 billion in investment and 12,000 jobs across the state in fiscal 2019.
The port in the 12 months ended June 30 moved a record 4.5 million of the 20-foot equivalent container units, up 7.3% from the previous year, as business from international trade continued to grow.
“The market has clearly chosen the Port of Savannah as the Southeastern hub for containerized trade,” said GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch. “To fulfill the growing responsibility placed on our deepwater terminals, we have developed a plan to double our capacity.”
SeaWorld CEO quits after less than a year
The CEO of SeaWorld Entertainment stepped down Monday, just months into his tenure leading the theme park company.
Gustavo “Gus” Antorcha resigned from his job as the top executive at SeaWorld as well as his position on the company’s board of directors.
“While I may have a difference of approach, I continue to believe in SeaWorld’s strategy, mission, team and prospects,” Antorcha said in a statement provided by the Orlando, Florida-based company.
Before taking over the helm of SeaWorld in February, Antorcha was a top executive at Carnival Cruise Lines. He succeeded Joel Manby, who unexpectedly departed in 2018 after beginning SeaWorld’s pivot away from live animal shows following years of protests and declining attendance.
SeaWorld announced the end of its breeding program in March 2016, after years of pressure from animal rights advocates and shifting public opinion about orcas being held in captivity. The protests intensified after the release of the 2013 documentary “Blackfish,” which focused on the life of Tilikum, a killer whale responsible for killing trainer Dawn Brancheau when he dragged her into a pool in front of shocked visitors in 2010.
House Oversight Committee probes Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao for conflicts
The House Oversight Committee says it is investigating whether Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao acted improperly to benefit herself or her family’s shipping company.
Two Democratic leaders sent a letter Monday asking Chao to turn over documents related to the New York-based company, Foremost Group. Chao’s father and sisters own the company, which transports material to and from China.
The New York Times reported that Chao may have used her Cabinet position to benefit the company and increase its influence and status with the Chinese government.
Chao has denied wrongdoing.
Democratic Reps. Elijah Cummings of Maryland and Raja Krishnamoorthi (krish-nah-MOOR’-thee) of Illinois said they are examining Chao’s statements and actions and whether she complied with ethics rules. Cummings chairs the Oversight panel, while Krishnamoorthi heads an economic and consumer policy subcommittee.
Three Mile Island Nuclear melted reactor core may stay in Idaho
The partially melted reactor core from the worst nuclear accident in U.S. history could remain in Idaho for another 20 years if regulators finalize a license extension sought by the U.S. Energy Department, officials said Monday.
The core from Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania partially melted in 1979, an event that changed the way Americans view nuclear technology.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has determined there would be no significant impact from extending the license to store the core at the 890-square-mile site that includes Idaho National Laboratory.
“No significant radiological or non-radiological impacts are expected from continued normal operations,” the commission said about its finding.
The agency would also have to complete a safety evaluation report before renewing the license. Commission spokesman David McIntyre said that will likely happen in the next several days.