There are 27 days until the final day of the 2012 Legislative Session, 32 days until the Utah Democratic Party Caucus meetings, 34 days until the Utah Republican Party Caucus meetings, 137 days until the Utah Republican Presidential Caucuses and 271 days until the 2012 election.

A House committee advances a bill that would allow schools to drop sex education [Tribune, Daily Herald].

Utah will get $171 million as part of the $25 billion national mortgage settlement [Daily Herald, Tribune, Fox 13, Deseret News, ABC 4].

Sen. Aaron Osmond unveils a bill that would tie teacher employment and pay to performance [Tribune].

Gov. Gary Herbert says, if lawmakers won't create a GRAMA Ombudsman position to handle state records requests, he's prepared to do so through executive order [Deseret News].

Rep. Patrice Arent wants DABC stores to be open on certain holidays [ABC 4]. 

A bill to prohibit cities from enacting anti-idling ordinances moves forward [Tribune].

A group says Utah could earn much more from oil and gas drilling if they raise taxes on those activities [Tribune]. 

Lawmakers use up about 5 hours of floor time during the session recognizing visiting groups [Utah Policy]. 

Opponents say Utah should reverse its decision to grant water rights for a proposed nuclear power plant near Green River [Tribune]. 

A video featuring a comedian in blackface asking BYU students about black culture is sparking allegations of racial insensitivity [Tribune].