U.S. Top News: Drought, food prices fan fears of new crisis

	Click to View in Browser 08/10/2012 Drought, food prices fan fears of new crisis ROME/CHICAGO (Reuters) - Global alarm over a potential repeat of the 2008 food crisis escalated after data showed food prices had jumped 6 percent last month and importers were snapping up a shriveled U.S. grain crop, helping drive corn prices to a new record. New homes burn faster, but states resist sprinklers NEW YORK (Reuters) - In Scottsdale, Arizona, any new home must come equipped with fire sprinklers, a decades-old rule lauded by fire safety advocates nationwide. But 12 miles away in Phoenix, city officials are not even allowed to discuss adopting a requirement like Scottsdale's, because of a state law passed last year. Accused Colorado gunman sought help for mental illness: lawyer CENTENNIAL, Colo. (Reuters) - Accused Colorado gunman James Holmes, charged with murder over a shooting rampage last month at a movie theater in a Denver suburb, has a "mental illness" and tried to get help before the shooting, his defense attorney said in court on Thursday. California starts review of new AES Huntington Beach power plant (Reuters) - California energy regulators started reviewing U.S. power company AES Corp's proposed 939-megawatt (MW) addition to the Huntington Beach power plant in Orange County. Ohio man who brought handgun to "Batman" movie granted bond CLEVELAND (Reuters) - An Ohio man facing weapons charges after he brought a loaded handgun and knives into a late-night showing of "The Dark Knight Rises" last weekend was ordered on Thursday to stay away from the theater by a judge who also set his bail at $250,000. American pilots union president resigns, successor named (Reuters) - The president of the union that represents pilots at American Airlines has resigned after members soundly rejected a tentative contract from the bankrupt carrier. Companies pile on perks to keep drivers truckin' LODI, Ohio (Reuters) - Truck stops are getting a makeover as companies add amenities to combat a growing shortage of a precious commodity: drivers. Analysis: Discounts back after summer restaurant slump (Reuters) - Restaurant discounts and special offers have returned after a recent sales cool-down at some of the nation's hottest chains, a trend that threatens to squeeze industry profits at a time when food costs are set to rise. Scorching summer eases natgas glut, record stocks still seen: poll NEW YORK (Reuters) - A combination of blistering heat across the United States and strong utility demand has reduced the chance that natural gas inventories will hit their limits ahead of winter and in turn force a deep drop in prices. New homes burn faster, but states resist sprinklers NEW YORK (Reuters) - In Scottsdale, Arizona, any new home must come equipped with fire sprinklers, a decades-old rule lauded by fire safety advocates nationwide. But 12 miles away in Phoenix, city officials are not even allowed to discuss adopting a requirement like Scottsdale's, because of a state law passed last year. Related Video Wisconsin Sikh temple reopens U.S. Morning Call: Exclusive-Big banks got tall order Great Debate The U.S. needs to walk the walk on African security Egypt should realize Israel is not the enemy A daily digest of breaking business news, coverage of the US economy, major corporate news and the financial markets. Register Today   The latest Reuters articles on M&A, IPOs, private equity, hedge funds and regulatory updates delivered to your inbox each day. Register Today   » MORE NEWSLETTERS - 3 Times Square New York, NY 10036 USA © Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters Ensure delivery of Reuters Newsmails, add mail@nl.reuters.com to your address book. Details Subscribe to other Reuters newsletters. Unsubscribe from this newsletter. Follow us on Twitter Friend us on Facebook Forward to a friend