Michael Tilley/ Talk Business & Politics

Objections to opening schools with in-class instruction from Arkansas teachers of the year and the Arkansas Education Association are not moving Gov. Asa Hutchinson from his stance on the Aug. 24 opening of all public schools.

Arkansas Education Association President Carol Fleming on Monday told state lawmakers she believes it is not safe for schools to open to in-class instruction. She said schools should open the 2020-2021 school year with virtual learning only.

Arkansas State tax revenue in July totaled $766.8 million, up 47.2% thanks to an almost 90% growth in individual income tax resulting from a tax deadline shift from April to July, according to Tuesday’s report from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

Solomon Graves has been named by Gov. Asa Hutchinson as incoming Arkansas Secretary of Corrections. Graves had served as chief of staff to outgoing Corrections Secretary Wendy Kelley – the first female to ever lead the state agency – who is retiring at the end of July.

Not so fast on placing your bets. Gulfside Casino Partnership, which on June 18 was awarded a license for a a $254 million casino resort in Pope County, must now work with a competitor and the Arkansas Attorney General’s office to determine the future of the license.

The Arkansas Racing Commission on Monday agreed that scoring bias tainted awarding of the license.

A law enforcement task force that includes leaders of recent protests in Arkansas is being asked by Gov. Asa Hutchinson for a “wide-ranging set of recommendations” on improving law enforcement, but “defunding the police” will not be part of the review.