| BY CHAD CALDER | Staff writer |
Barely alive: Facing elimination from playoff contention, the Saints kept their hopes alive Sunday. But, true to form this season, they did so in a way that doesn't inspire much confidence. After jumping out quickly to a two-touchdown lead against the rival Falcons, New Orleans ultimately won 21-17 in a game that came down to the last play. Columnist Rod Walker notes that the team's future starts shone Sunday, and columnist Jeff Duncan says the Saints aren't pretty, but they don't quit. Power to the people? Utilities have spent billions repairing the power grid after the hurricanes of the past two years with the expectation that those costs will be passed along to ratepayers. But the Louisiana Public Service Commission may have other plans. Sam Karlin has the story. Short fuses and settled scores: Three years after the city recorded its lowest murder rate in a half-century, New Orleanians are being killed is the highest rate since the 1990s. John Simerman has a look at the theories of behind the skyrocketing murder rate and the stories of some of those affected. Thanks for starting your week with Morning Headlines. Catch the latest news all day on NOLA.com. Chad | 