Today's top stories from behind the Orange Curtain:

OC Pastors Test The IRS Rule Against Politicking (LAT and OCR)
Dozens nationwide use their pulpits to endorse presidential candidates.

The Buzz: Language Wizard Guards His Words, Former Governor Does Not (OCR),
Palin, Luntz.

5 Visions Unveiled For Newport Beach City Hall (OCR and DP)
Vastly different concepts presented by competing architects.

91 Express Lanes To Reduce Some Traffic (OCR)
Cuts reflect reduced traffic volume amid weakened economy.

OC Homebuilding Down 94% (OCR)
New figures from Construction Industry Research Board show permits for new home construction dropped 94% in Orange County last month.

OC Foreclosure Starts Plummet Amid New Law (OCR)
A state law that took effect in early September has lead to a dramatic fall in foreclosure starts in Orange County and statewide.

Price Of UCI Stem Cell Center Soars by $6 Million (OCR)
UC Irvine says it has put together financing for one of the largest stem cell research centers on the West Coast, but the building's estimated price has risen about $6 million since spring.

Editorial: Prison Is For Drug Dealers, Not Customers (DP)
The Newport Beach City Council made a mistake opposing a state ballot measure that steers more nonviolent drug offenders toward treatment centers instead of prison.

OC Varsity: Servite Still No. 1 In County Football In My Book (OCR)
A perceptive Dan Albano reveals how he voted in this week's media poll.

Book Review: 'Orange County: A Personal History' By Gustavo Arellano (LAT)
A journalist writes about his family's exodus from south of the border to one of the most affluent areas in the U.S.