NATIONAL

Obama Makes Surprise Appearance at Biden's White House Dinner for Kenya

Ivory D. Payne

Jun 1, 2024 — 1 min read

Former President Barack Obama

WASHINGTON — Former President Barack Obama made an unexpected return to the White House on Thursday, May 23.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden hosted a state dinner in honor of Kenyan President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto. The guest list, which included prominent figures such as former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, actor LeVar Burton, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, did not initially include Obama.

“There is a bright light at the White House tonight,” Biden said during his toast to President Ruto. “Jill and I are honored to have you here.”

Biden noted the significant presence of the African diaspora at the event, mentioning Obama's brief visit. “Obama just left,” Biden joked, adding that the former president was "very gracious" and had met with Ruto prior to the dinner.

White House officials confirmed that Obama attended a reception in the Blue Room before making a brief appearance in the dinner area.

In his toast, Biden emphasized the strong respect the U.S. holds for Kenya, reminiscing about the time when former President Jimmy Carter hosted Kenyan leaders for the first time.

The evening concluded with Biden's heartfelt words: "Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand - to Kenya, to our guests.”

Baton Rouge Launches $46 Million Plank Road Revitalization Project

BATON ROUGE, La. — City leaders, led by Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, officially broke ground on the highly anticipated "Restoring Plank Road" initiative on Wednesday, Sept. 18, marking the beginning of a transformative infrastructure project aimed at revitalizing one of Baton Rouge’s most historic and critical corridors. The

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available for Residents and Businesses in Eight Louisiana Parishes Affected by Hurricane Francine

BATON ROUGE, La. – Residents and businesses in eight Louisiana parishes impacted by Hurricane Francine can now apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to help recover lost income due to the storm. The Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) is accepting applications from those whose employment or self-employment was disrupted as a direct

Fed Slashes Interest Rates for the First Time in Four Years, Eyeing Economic Boost

The cut also comes with the Fed's projection of further reductions this year, forecasting a half-point drop in its November and December meetings. Powell and his team anticipate additional rate cuts through 2025, as the economy adjusts to this new monetary policy stance.

Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Announces Iconic 2025 Induction Class

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame has unveiled its prestigious 2025 induction class, highlighting eight legendary figures whose achievements span a variety of sports. These inductees, each a dominant force in their respective fields, will be honored for their contributions to the state's rich athletic history. * Andrew Whitworth,

Read more

Baton Rouge Launches $46 Million Plank Road Revitalization Project

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available for Residents and Businesses in Eight Louisiana Parishes Affected by Hurricane Francine

Fed Slashes Interest Rates for the First Time in Four Years, Eyeing Economic Boost

Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Announces Iconic 2025 Induction Class