Industry - Top Stories latest news

The lawyers aren't clearing their calendars just yet, but the oil industry is bracing for some courtroom battles to maintain its stake in Alaska's oil-rich fields now that the Interior Department has listed polar bears as a threatened species.

OPEC slightly lowered this year's forecast for world oil demand growth, noting oil consumption in industrialized countries has been very weak, while high oil prices and a slowing economy would likely weigh on U.S. demand for gasoline this summer.

Norway's net cash flow from the petroleum sector is estimated at NOK 356 billion in 2008. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and energy, Norway has produced roughly a third of its expected recoverable petroleum resources.

In preparation for Hurricane Season 2008, which begins June 1, the MMS discussed actions to reduce risk of severe damage to oil and gas infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico in the event of hurricanes this season.

Crude oil prices are set to steadily rise over the next four years and will take the earnings of major oil companies along for the ride, UBS told investors Thursday.

The Austin City Council approved a resolution to negotiate a planned unit development (PUD) agreement for two mixed-use developments in the State Highway 130 corridor called Whisper Valley and Indian Hills.

Center City is thriving on most fronts but still struggles to grow high-paying office jobs.

A co-founder of the Deters, Benzinger & LaVelle law firm, Charlie Deters, is retiring and withdrawing from the firm, according to a Wednesday announcement.

Adobe systems Inc. said Thursday it is purchasing the Overlook Center office complex in Waltham to house its more than 200 Massachusetts employees.

Taubman Centers Inc. has agreed to partner with the Forbes Co. and Benderson development co. on the development of a mall near Lakewood Ranch in Sarasota. (TCO)