News in brief

The most powerful woman in American business, CEO Carly Fiorina of Hewlett-Packard, has stepped down, reportedly forced out by the board.

New Delhi's Multi Commodity Exchange has started trading in India's first-ever crude oil futures contract.  Meanwhile, the Chicago Board of Trade is getting ready to offer the first futures contract for ethanol.

Chicago aldermen are calling for an investigation after repeated scandals involving award city contracts have rocked city hall.

Sikorsky Aircraft Co. says that it will not protest the Navy's award of a $1.8 billion helicopter contract to a competitor.

Unions at the University of Maine say that the system's chancellor has "poisoned labor relations" by his comments to a newspaper.

Workers at Imperial Sugar have ratified a new three year contract; details aren't released but both sides say they're pleased.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic has reached agreement with conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen on a new contract through 2008, with additional option years thereafter; terms are not disclosed.

A U.S. company receives a $15 million contract from the Israeli government to help bring U.S.-style welfare reform to Israel.