agreed to share them. >> that was nbc's peter alexander reporting. >>> back here in the u.s., residents near the mississippi are battling historic flooding hoping the waters will spare their homes and businesses. as the water levels continue to rise, officials are now faced with the decision of whether to intentionally flood some areas in order to save others. the army corps of engineers could decide to breach a levee north of baton rouge, louisiana, as early as this weekend sparing that city and new orleans while sacrificing thousands of other less populated areareas. >>> now here's a look at other stories making news early today in america. a brazen robbery was caught by security cameras when a thief jumped behind a jewelry counter to execute a smash and grab. the suspect wrestled with one of the employees before getting away with several rings. police have made no arrests. >>> one fugitive didn't have the