U.S. Top News: Heat wave and drought besiege already deteriorated crops

	Click to View in Browser 07/18/2012 Heat wave and drought besiege already deteriorated crops CHICAGO (Reuters) - It keeps getting worse for the U.S. Midwest, whose corn and soybean crops are deteriorating fast from the harshest drought in more than half a century. Housing starts a bright spot for cooling economy WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Groundbreaking on new homes rose in June to its fastest pace in over three years, lending a helping hand to an economy that has shown worrisome signs of cooling. Suspect charged in Alabama bar shooting that wounded 17 TUSCALOOSA, Alabama (Reuters) - A 44-year-old man surrendered to police and was charged with attempted murder Tuesday after an assault-rifle attack at a Tuscaloosa, Alabama, bar left at least 17 wounded. City of Compton may declare bankruptcy by September: officials (Reuters) - The City of Compton, a city of 93,000 people located on the outskirts of Los Angeles, must decide by September 1 whether to seek bankruptcy, according to its two most senior financial officials. Lawsuit-plagued Washington town mulls tax increase, not dissolution GOLD BAR, Washington (Reuters) - Residents of a century-old Washington state town facing possible municipal bankruptcy because of a flurry of lawsuits will not be asked this fall if they want to dissolve the city to stop the financial drain caused by its mounting legal bills. Punishing drought in Midwest shows no sign of abating (Reuters) - Broiling heat blanketed much of the Midwest again on Tuesday, exacerbating the region's worst drought in more than 50 years and devastating corn, soy and other vital crops. California fugitive caught in Guatemala after 18 years on the run LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A California man who spent 18 years on the run from charges that he molested a 4-year-old girl has been arrested in Guatemala and returned to the United States for prosecution, authorities said on Tuesday. Private equity-owned firm alleges U.S. government discrimination NEW YORK (Reuters) - A shipping company owned by the world's largest private equity firm filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Transportation on Tuesday alleging its application for financing support was being held up on purpose due to its ownership. Alaska governor says state won't set up health-insurance exchange ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Reuters) - Alaska will not set up a program allowing residents to buy health insurance across state lines as envisioned under the Obama administration's new healthcare law, leaving that task to the U.S. government, Governor Sean Parnell announced Tuesday. Rights groups seek to block Arizona immigration status check PHOENIX (Reuters) - Opponents of Arizona's tough crackdown on illegal immigration made a bid on Tuesday to challenge a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that will allow police to enforce the so-called show-me-your-papers provision. Related Video Damascus battles rage on Libyan election results show win for Jibril's NFA. Great Debate A rare glimpse into the North Korean soul Should judges try to be funny? 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