Mississippi Edition

The Pearl River is falling, but the effects of the flooding still remain. We check with local officials on how to stay safe in the aftermath.

And, Entergy Mississippi shares steps on restoring power in flood-affected areas.

Then, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, a look at how the Department of Human Services shielded information in years leading up the alleged embezzlement scheme. 

Segment 1:

The Pearl River in Jackson has fallen below major flood levels, but waters from the weekend flooding remain in some areas. Health officials are advising Mississippians to take caution when negotiating flood waters, and the dangers hidden within. Dr. Thomas Dobbs is the state health officer. He tells us the waters can be dangerous and can make you vulnerable to infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries.

Another ancillary effect of the recent flooding is the temporary displacement of wildlife that inhabit areas along the river. Russ Walsh is the Mississippi Wildlife Bureau Chief of Staff. He says white tail deer fleeing the affected areas might present a hazard, but the flooding should not have any long-term effects on the health of local wildlife.

Segment 2:

Roughly one thousand customers in the flood-worn neighborhoods along the Pearl River are without power. Entergy Mississippi strategically cut off power in affected areas as the waters posed a threat. Now, as residents begin to re-enter those neighborhoods, Entergy is working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Entergy's Mara Hartmann tells our Michael Guidry how customers can begins requesting service re-connections.

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

Seven embezzlement indictments tied to the Department of Human Services and a Mississippi non-profit this month drew national attention. The state auditor suspects an excess of four million dollars were stolen during the alleged scheme. But Mississippi Today Poverty Reporter Anna Wolfe says that DHS has been shielding information regarding Temporary Assistance for Need Family or TANF funds since as early as 2017. She shares more with our Michael Guidry.