Boeing’s battery blues

Boeing will be permitted to conduct additional test flights to speed efforts toward a resolution of battery faults that grounded the 787 Dreamliner fleet.

The test flights will be subject to restrictions, including that they be conducted over unpopulated areas.

In addition, National Transportation Safety Board chairman Deborah Hersman said, regulators’ assumptions in certifying the lithium ion batteries “must be reconsidered,” raising the possibility the batteries will have to be extensively redesigned.

Labor secretary confirmed

The Kansas Department of Labor said the Kansas Senate confirmed Lana Gordon as the state’s secretary of labor.

Gordon began working in the Labor Department in September after Gov. Sam Brownback fired Karin Brownlee and appointed Gordon as interim secretary.

Gordon previously served in the Kansas House for 12 years. She was a former small-business owner.

Apple changing its tune?

Apple, responding to Greenlight Capital’s David Einhorn, said it is discussing the return of more cash to shareholders and considering a proposal that it issue preferred stock.

Apple had said previously in its annual proxy that it had no plans to issue preferred shares, which pay a fixed dividend.