Q: Why was President Barack Obama not seated with the first lady at the beginning of the Kennedy Center Honors show on Dec. 29? He didn’t join them until halfway through the show.
—Diane Baggett, Winston
A: Obama gave a speech on terrorism from the Oval Office on Dec. 6 before he was driven to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which is 1 mile from the White House, for the show.
The Kennedy Center Honors show was held that night, but wasn’t televised until Dec. 29.
Obama arrived at the show during an intermission, 22 minutes after finishing his speech, USA Today reported.
He changed from a suit to a tuxedo during that time.
The Kennedy Center honored singer/songwriter Carole King, director George Lucas, actress/singer Rita Moreno, conductor Seiji Ozawa and actress Cicely Tyson.
Q: Recent news reports stated that the Ex-Im Bank has resumed operations after a five-month suspension as Congress decided its future. During that suspension, were employees laid off and offices closed, or did all remain on the payroll?
—Donald M. Pattillo, Marietta
A: There were no layoffs at the Export-Import Bank of the United States after its charter lapsed last June.
The bank has more than 400 employees, a bank spokeswoman told Q&A on the News in an email.
Congress renewed the bank’s charter when it was included in a $305 billion transportation bill that passed in December.
The bank facilitates the “export of U.S. goods and services” to help U.S. businesses “compete for global sales,” its website states.
Andy Johnston with Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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