* Tropical Storm Alex to strengthen into a hurricane * Analysts raise potential of BP as takeover target * First relief well now 20 feet from blown-out well * Louisiana coastal flood watch; bracing ...

An extra 2 million gallons or so of oil could perhaps make its way into the Gulf over the next two weeks if Tropical Storm Alex happens to swing by the region and disrupt BP’s cleanup efforts. Coast ...

* BP defends CEO after Russia says expects Hayward to go * Tropical storm Alex poses potential threat to clean-up * BP shares gain after sharp losses last week * Louisiana residents worry about ...

BP could be within a few weeks of stopping the flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. The company plans to install new equipment at the well, which could either capture the oil or shut the well down.

A succession of strategic errors and management disruptions has made BP a sitting duck for takeover. The oil and gas giant is particularly vulnerable in that it has a departing chairman, Helge Lund, ...