Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain (sorry it's late):

Palin's Speech Widely Praised By County Residents (OCR)
County GOP delegates call the speech a home run, and even some Democrats grudgingly say it was well delivered.

GOP's Youngest Delegate Faces The Bright Lights (OCR)
Orange's Jackie Mahan gets grilled by the media, explains the youth gap between McCain and Obama.

Federal Judge Allows Bible Club To Meet At OC High School (OCR and LAT)
Administrators at Anaheim's Esperanza High had turned down club because it was not curriculum-based.

$35 Movie Ticket May Be Coming (OCR)
Movie-theater operator envisions as many as 5 upscale theaters in O.C.

Chapman Gets 'Big' Mystery Endowment For Science (OCR)
Schmid brothers donate at least $2 million.

Report Contradicts OC Water Quality Study (OCR)
The findings by a consultant to the proposed 241 toll road are at odds with an analysis funded by the Surfrider Foundation, which opposes the 16-mile extension.

State Parks Agency To Appeal Ruling On Nude Sunbathing At San Onofre (LAT)
Officials seek to overturn an Orange County judge's decision that allowed swimming and sunning in the buff at Trail 6. The department denies that a policy change on the issue needs a public hearing.

Sara Palin Coming To OC On Sept. 25 (OCR)
Lincoln Club and Paul Folino co-hosting fundraiser.

Is South County Gang Injunction Working? (OCR)
OCR puts that questions to San Juan Capistrano council candidates.

Luck Be Our Lady (DP)
Newport Beach's Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church cleared a number of hurdles en route to makeover.

The Political Landscape: What Happens If Palin Becomes President? (DP)
Steve Young says McCain's choice in Alaskan governor could reflect unsound judgment.