| By DREW BROACH | Deputy metro editor |
DRAINAGE DEFICIENCY: The Corps of Engineers spent about $14 billion after Hurricane Katrina to keep future storm surge from flooding the New Orleans area, including new drainage pumps built to last 35 years on the 17th Street, London Avenue and Orleans Avenue canals. But just five years after the corps delivered the finished projects to the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East, two of the pumps have been found to have corroded. BRASS PASS: More than a dozen top commanders from the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office received a Carnival perk that very few of the rank-and-file law enforcement officers on the parade routes enjoyed, our news partners at WWL-TV report. They lodged at high-end hotels in the French Quarter or on Canal Street – at public expense. CAN’T LOSE MIKE: Michael Thomas, the magnificent but often-injured wide receiver, has reportedly agreed to a one-year contract to return to the New Orleans Saints. Columnist Rod Walker explains what it means for Thomas, the team and new quarterback Derek Carr. Keep up with the Black and Gold by subscribing to our Saints Insider newsletter. It's free. Thank you for starting your Wednesday with Morning Headlines. Catch up with the latest news on NOLA.com. D.B. | 