Officials are keeping a close eye on a broad area of low pressure in the south-central Gulf of Mexico that could affect parts of Texas and western Louisiana tonight into tomorrow. Jonathan Brazzell, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says it’s very possible this system could develop into something stronger before it hits land…:
CUT 3 (08) “meeting the criteria”
He says there is an 80 percent chance this system will develop into a tropical depression or storm before it hits land.

Today in New Orleans Criminal Court, former Saints star Darren Sharper pleaded guilty to rape charges. This is part of the global plea deal where he faces similar charges in three other states and he’ll serve nine years in federal prison. Today Sharper admitted he raped three women in New Orleans in 2013. Once he’s completed his jail time he’ll reportedly be released to California parole officials and lifetime probation in Arizona.

Dozens of vehicles, ATVs and motor homes are still stranded at the Colfax Mudfest Recreational Park after a temporary levee gave way over the weekend, resulting in a considerable amount of water from the Red River entering the park area. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain says thankfully a deputy there on security detail noticed the levee cracking
CUT 9 (09) “that it broke”
Over 110 people had to be rescued when the homemade levee gave way. There were no injuries reported.

The Baton Rouge Police Department says they’ve made an arrest in the case of a man who was calling people and pretending to be Collis Temple while collecting money. They say 59-year-old Calvin Bethley was booked into jail on counts of felony theft charges and identity theft of the former LSU basketball player. Investigators believe the suspect collected about $3,000 but there could be more victims who didn’t come forward.