Little Rock, Ark. – A busy week of state and local news gave Arkansans plenty to discuss, from Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ appearance on a national talk show to a presidential judicial nomination shuffle and notable local appointments.

Governor Sanders clarifies Arkansas minimum wage

During her interview on ABC’s The View, Governor Sanders was asked about the state’s hourly wage floor. She responded, “Um, well, about $15,” before the host corrected her. Arkansas’ statutory minimum wage remains $11 per hour for employers with four or more workers, a rate set by a 2018 voter‑approved increase that took effect in 2021 and has not changed since.

President Trump replaces Lee Rudofsky with Justice Cody Hiland

The White House announced that President Trump has withdrawn his nomination of U.S. District Judge Lee Rudofsky to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. In his place, Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Cody Hiland has been nominated to fill the vacancy. No reason was given for the change, though reports suggest Arkansas Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton were opposed to Rudofsky’s confirmation.

Pulaski County appoints former congressional candidate as planning director

County Judge‑elect Wendell Griffen named Chris Jones, who recently lost a bid for Congress, as Pulaski County’s new Director of Planning and Development. The appointment comes amid ongoing debates over regulation of large‑scale data centers in the county.

Rep. Thomas Massie files impeachment resolution against Defense Secretary

Republican Representative Thomas Massie (R‑KY) introduced a privileged resolution containing eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Massie argued the move is not about performance but alleges the secretary “has broken the law and violated the Constitution.”

Harlem Globetrotter and Arkansas legend Hubert “Geese” Ausbie passes away

Former Harlem Globetrotter and Little Rock resident Hubert “Geese” Ausbie died at age 88. A native of Oklahoma, Ausbie starred at Philander Smith College in the late 1950s before joining the Globetrotters, where he earned the nickname “Clown Prince of Basketball.”

Jefferson County election board orders recount in sheriff’s race

The Jefferson County Election Board voted to conduct a recount of the sheriff’s race after incumbent Lafayette Woods Jr. requested it following a 229‑vote loss to challenger Chris Lowery. The recount will verify the narrow margin.

Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.