There are 76 days until the 2012 election and 159 days until the start of the 2013 legislative session.

Mia Love snags a prime speaking slot at the Republican National Convention [Tribune, ABC 4, KSL, Deseret News, Daily Herald, KUTV].

Rep. Jim Matheson gets the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce [Utah Policy, Tribune].

1st District Democratic Candidate Donna McAleer tries to tie Rep. Rob Bishop to the controversial remarks about rape made by Missouri Senate Candidate Todd Akin [Tribune].

Utah Republicans stand behind the GOP platform that opposes abortion in any circumstance [Tribune].

Senate hopefuls hold a debate minus Sen. Orrin Hatch [Tribune].

The Salt Lake County Council puts a $47 million bond for parks and trails on November’s ballot [Tribune].

Gov. Gary Herbert makes some changes to the structure of his budget office [Tribune].

The Salt Lake City Councl comes up with four alternatives to Mayor Ralph Becker’s proposal to allow neighborhood bars. The issue could come up for a vote next month [Tribune].

Utah schools will get $29 million this year from the state trust land program [Tribune, Deseret News].

This year’s senior class in Utah scored lower on the ACT test than any class in recent memory, but more students took the test than usual [Standard-Examiner].