Q&A on the News

By Lori Johnston

For the AJC

Q: I’ve watched the Georgia Lottery flashmob welcoming Powerball. It was done at our Atlanta airport. I just love it. They did a great job! Were the dancers from Atlanta? Where did they practice? Did they get paid? Who was the choreographer? Did the airlines know ahead of time or was it a total surprise?

—Marti Muchnicki, Newnan

A: The Georgia Lottery Corp. welcomed Powerball with a flashmob at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Feb. 2. The video also can be viewed at www.youtube.com/GeorgiaLottery. The Powerball and Mega Millions mascots danced their way to baggage claim with about 100 people gradually joining in, according to lottery officials. Stephen “Stevo” Jones was the chief choreographer, accompanied by three assistants. The dancers, from the metro Atlanta area, were cast and paid. They practiced at a dance studio and other local venues. Airport representatives approved the event and managed internal communications with the airlines and other necessary parties, lottery officials said.

Q: What happened to John King, the host on “State of the Union” that airs on CNN on Sundays?

—Dorothy Johnson, Atlanta

A: King left “State of the Union” to prepare to take over the 7 p.m. weeknight time slot left open when Lou Dobbs’ resigned last year. King’s new show is expected to debut next month, although a launch date has not been set, CNN officials said.

Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).