Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

OC Parole Hearing Leads To Nasty Political Fight (LAT)
GOP members are at odds over bid for freedom by a man convicted in a thrill killing nearly 30 years ago.

Pastors Plan To Defy IRS Ban On Political Speech (LAT)
Ministers will intentionally violate ban on campaigning by nonprofits in hopes of generating a test case.

OC Expert On Federal Prisons Spoke From Experience (LAT)
Howard O. Kieffer, founder of Federal Defense Associates in Santa Ana, was incarcerated from 1989 to 1993. Now he is accused of submitting a false document to practice law in North Dakota.

The Political Landscape: Fiscal Plan Relieves Few (DP)
Local politicians raise a collective eyebrow at bailout strategy that asks for $700 billion.

Battle Over Fullerton Battered Women's Shelter Rages On (OCR)
The pleas for help from the Fullerton-based Womens Transitional Living Center have apparently fallen on active ears, with the county's employee union and State Senator Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana, stepping up to host a fundraiser on Monday for the group.

City Jails "Hesitant" To House Catholic Priest, Attorney Says (OCR)
The Rev. Luis Eduardo Ramirez, who was sentenced to 180 days in jail last month for bringing a 17-year-old to a motel room and giving him alcohol, is having problems finding a city jail to take him, his attorney said.

Santa Ana Unified May Need $40 Million Loan (OCR)
Even after state budget signed, district considering county loan to make ends meet.

Santiago Creek Fire Intentionally Set (OCR)
Brush fire threatened homes, caused $5,000 in damage before being snuffed.

Newport Council Incumbents Face Their Challengers (DP)
City transparency and rehab homes discussed during an hourlong forum with the five candidates for Newport Beach dais.