Cardinal Mahony relieved of duty. In an unprecedented move for the US Catholic Church, Cardinal Roger Mahony has been relieved of his remaining duties. The announcement came at the same time that the church released more personnel files that show Mahony shielding priests who sexually abused children. New York Times
California gets an upgrade. The Wall Street rating agency Standard and Poors has upgraded the state’s credit rating from A- to A, reflecting the improving economy. A better rating can mean lower borrowing costs for the state. Wall Street Journal
Bail review for Noguez. A bail-review hearing is scheduled for today for L.A. County Assessor John Noguez. Last fall, an L.A. judge refused to reduce Noguez’s $1.1 million dollar bail. CBS
Drive safely. The AAA is out with a new report, showing that DUI accidents in California jump 75 percent on Super Bowl Sunday, compared to other Sundays at this time of year. Be safe! LA Weekly
National Medals. Two Southern California scientists are being honored by President Obama today. Mathematician Solomon Golomb of USC will receive a National Medal of Science. Caltech bio-engineer Frances Arnold will receive a National Medal of Technology and Innovation. The White House