Atlanta, GA
Usher resonates with students from Atlanta
As the world watched Usher Raymond light up the stage during Sunday’s Super Bowl halftime show in Las Vegas, his dedication to his hometown of Atlanta was evident.
For out-of-state students at Florida A&M University like Nyla Fulton and Sydney Lampkin, both originally from Atlanta, the performance was not just entertainment— it was a tribute to the city they call home.
Fulton, a fourth-year pre-occupational therapy student at FAMU, expressed her sentiments saying, “Watching the Super Bowl performance and seeing all the Atlanta elements integrated in the show made me feel very nostalgic.
“Having someone as big as Usher being an Atlanta native shine so much light on the city, displaying the culture, bringing out other musical legends born and raised in Atlanta, was a great show of representation,” Fulton added.
She pointed out some prominent aspects that served as a reminder of Atlanta’s rich cultural heritage, from the ATL Stomp to the presence of Atlanta-born artists like Lil Jon.
“My favorite part of the show was when Lil Jon was brought out onto stage, and they performed their song ‘Yeah!,’” she said. “With me being away from home and proud to be from Atlanta, this Super Bowl performance was an ode to Atlanta, and it made me very happy to see my city being represented on such a big stage.”
Lampkin, a third-year pharmacy candidate, echoed Fulton’s sentiments, saying, “From watching the Super Bowl halftime show, I was met with nostalgia that had my eyes glued to the TV screen.”
Lampkin reflected on the performance, noting, “The elements of Atlanta that I caught during the performance, such as Jermaine Dupri’s presence and the depiction of Atlanta’s nightlife through roller skaters and dancers. It felt like a love letter to our city,” she said.
Both admitted that watching the Super Bowl halftime show stirred a longing for home.
“Overall, from watching this performance, it made me realize I miss home a little,” Lampkin said. “It made me want to bring out my roller skates and dance along.”
Usher’s dedication to Atlanta on one of the world’s biggest stages resonated deeply with out-of-state students at FAMU who live hours away.
The performance served as a reminder of the city’s contributions to music, and the sense of pride that comes from calling Atlanta home.
Atlanta, GA
Columbus Crew acquire Jamal Thiaré from Atlanta United | MLSSoccer.com
TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade
- CLB receive: Jamal Thiaré
- ATL receive: Up to $300k GAM
The Columbus Crew have acquired forward Jamal Thiaré from Atlanta United, the clubs announced Monday.
In exchange for the 32-year-old Senegal native, Atlante receive $200,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money (GAM) and up to $100k in conditional 2027 GAM.
Thiaré produced 14g/5a in 71 appearances (all competitions) for Atlanta. He joined the club in August 2023 after featuring for French side Le Havre.
“Jamal is an experienced striker who brings a different profile to our squad,” said Crew general manager Issa Tall.
“He is another asset that will elevate our team as we push towards the start of the season, and we look forward to welcoming Jamal to Columbus.”
Thiaré joins a Columbus striker group led by Wessam Abou Ali, who arrived last July from Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly. Meanwhile, Atlanta’s No. 9 group is led by Emmanuel Latte Lath.
Columbus open their first season under head coach Henrik Rydström on Feb. 21 at the Portland Timbers (10:30 pm ET | Apple TV).
READ MORE: MLS Transfer Tracker
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta school closings: APS back to normal, Gwinnett County Schools hold digital learning day Monday
School schedules across metro Atlanta are beginning to stabilize following winter weather impacts, but not all districts are returning to in-person learning just yet.
Atlanta Public Schools reopen on Monday
Atlanta Public Schools and district offices will be open and operating on a normal schedule on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, according to district officials.
While classes are resuming as usual, the district is urging families to prepare for very cold conditions during the early morning hours throughout the week. Students are encouraged to dress warmly and be prepared for freezing temperatures during commutes and outdoor activities.
Gwinnett County schools move to digital learning
Gwinnett County Public Schools will hold a Digital Learning Day on Monday due to ongoing unsafe road conditions in parts of the county.
District officials said that while some roads are clear, others still have snow and ice, prompting leaders to close all school buildings out of an abundance of caution.
There will be:
- No in-person classes
- No extracurricular activities or athletics
- No meal services
Students will participate in remote learning as they are able, and schools will work directly with families to provide appropriate support. District staff are encouraged to check their GCPS email for guidance on expectations and next steps.
Officials say they are continuing to monitor weather conditions and will share updates regarding Tuesday’s schedule as soon as possible.
We will update this story as additional metro Atlanta school districts announce schedule changes or returns to normal operations.
Atlanta, GA
11 author and book events to check out this February
Hear a reading by Atlanta author Tayari Jones, read about a magic library and more.
“Ballot,” “Keeper of Lost Children” and “The Charmed Library”
By Gina Webb – For the AJC
6 hours ago
Women’s roles in the Black Power Movement, a new novel from Atlanta’s own Tayari Jones, a magic library where book characters come to life, and an essential book on the growing challenges to voters are all on Atlanta’s literary agenda for February.
Gayatri Sethi, “Diaspora-ish: Notes on Identities, Unbelonging, & Solidarities.” In her lifelong search for solidarity, educator Sethi draws upon her own complex journey to explore widely accepted ideas about identity and belonging.
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