Briefs: Senate votes no to Mexican trucks

WASHINGTON -- The Senate voted Tuesday to ban Mexican trucks from U.S. roadways, rekindling a more than decade-old trade dispute with Mexico. By a 74-24 vote, the Senate approved a proposal by Sen. Byron Dorgan of North Dakota, a Democrat, prohibiting the Transportation Department from spending money on a North American Free Trade Agreement pilot program giving Mexican trucks access to U.S. highways.

FAA warns airlines to reduce delays

WASHINGTON -- Dogged by record flight delays, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration on Tuesday said airlines need to shrink their schedules or potentially face government action. "The airlines need to take a step back on scheduling practices that are at times out of line with reality," FAA Administrator Marion Blakey said in prepared remarks. Blakey said the agency is particularly concerned about overcrowded skies and airports along the East Coast. Blakey finishes a five-year stint at the agency Thursday.

Boeing CEO reaffirms schedule

CHICAGO -- Boeing Co. CEO Jim McNerney voiced confidence Tuesday the airplane maker will be able to deliver the first 787 on time next May but acknowledged there is now no margin for error to keep to that schedule. His comments at a Morgan Stanley conference in Dana Point, Calif., came six days after Boeing said the first test flight was pushed back to mid-November or mid-December due to complications with final assembly and finalizing flight-control software.

Crain executive retiring next year

CHICAGO -- Gloria Scoby is retiring as senior vice president and group publisher for Crain Communications, the company said Tuesday. Scoby plans to retire in mid-February when she turns 62 but will continue to consult for the company, Crain said. Her duties overseeing marketing and financial publications will be assumed by David Klein and Bill Bisson.