NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Progress is evident in soggy Louisiana, but floodwaters linger and more than 400,000 sweltering electricity customers are still without power, days after Hurricane Isaac dragged through the state.
The number without power is down from more than 900,000. However, John Young, president of heavily populated Jefferson Parish, near New Orleans, has been highly critical of Entergy Corporation's restoration efforts. The company says it's doing the best it can while ensuring the safety of workers.
Parts of coastal Plaquemines Parish, where thousands were evacuated, remain under water. But in the water-logged town of Lafitte, Mayor Tim Kerner is allowing property owners and residents to return and begin cleaning up.
Meanwhile, Gulf of Mexico oil platforms are being repopulated after Isaac forced shutdown of most Gulf oil production.
