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Clayton County Moves To Tax Atlanta Airport Property Clayton County lawmakers are challenging the long-standing property tax exemption that has protected most of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for nearly eight decades. The move could shift nearly $50 million annually to the county and neighboring cities, sparking a potential conflict with the City of Atlanta and airport officials over how to allocate the wealth generated by the world’s busiest airport. The push comes after a 2018 state decision to exempt jet fuel from most local sales taxes, a policy influenced by FAA guidelines that left Clayton County and its school district facing significant financial losses. Most of the airport’s 4,700-acre footprint lies within Clayton County, though portions extend into Fulton County and the cities of College Park and Hapeville. Local officials argue that the tax break has placed a disproportionate financial burden on schools and municipal budgets. Federal law and FAA regulations complicate efforts to redirect airport revenues. These rules generally require that airport funds be used for capital or operating costs directly tied to air transportation, limiting the ability to divert revenue to general county funds. Legal experts warn that any attempt to tax the airport could face scrutiny over compliance with federal guidelines and bond covenants. Supporters of the bill claim Clayton County has borne the costs of the airport without receiving a proportional share of its tax revenue. Rep. Rhonda Burnough, a county legislator, stated that previous negotiations with Atlanta leaders failed to resolve the issue, calling the current proposal “our time” to address the imbalance.#hartsfieldjackson_atlanta_international_airport #clayton_county #fulton_county #college_park #hapeville

Clayton County has targeted the Atlanta airport’s property tax exemption, which has been in place for nearly 80 years. The city of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, though located primarily in Clayton County, has not paid county property taxes on its roughly 4,000-acre property since the 1940s. Now, state lawmakers from Clayton County are pushing to end this exemption, with a proposed bill in the Georgia state House aiming to reduce the airport’s tax break. The bill marks a significant step in a long-standing dispute over how local governments handle property taxes for large entities. While the airport’s land is technically within Clayton County’s jurisdiction, the city of Atlanta has historically managed its operations, leading to a legal gray area. Critics argue that the exemption unfairly shields the airport from contributing to local infrastructure and services, while supporters claim it’s a necessary incentive for maintaining a global transportation hub. The proposed legislation would require the airport to pay property taxes, potentially generating millions in revenue for Clayton County. However, the measure faces opposition from Atlanta officials and business groups, who warn that increased costs could jeopardize the airport’s competitiveness. State Rep. Rhonda Burnough, a Democrat from Clayton County, has been a vocal advocate for the bill, emphasizing the need for equitable tax practices. The debate highlights broader tensions between local governance and economic development. While the airport’s exemption has been a point of contention for decades, the push to end it reflects growing pressure on large corporations and public entities to contribute to the communities they serve.#hartsfieldjackson_atlanta_international_airport #clayton_county #georgia_state_house #rhonda_burnough #atlanta

New bill would end tax exemption for Atlanta airport A legislative battle is unfolding over a proposed bill that would eliminate the tax-exempt status of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Lawmakers from Fulton and Clayton Counties are divided over the measure, which aims to end the airport’s decades-long exemption from property taxes. The debate centers on whether the airport’s tax-free status has unfairly benefited its partners while depriving local governments of revenue. The proposed legislation, sponsored by Rep. Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale) and Rep. Sandra Scott (D-Rex), both representing Clayton County, seeks to end the airport’s tax exemption. While the majority of the airport’s land lies within Clayton County, the city of Atlanta has not paid county property taxes for approximately 80 years. Burnough argues that the change could generate an estimated $50 million annually for Clayton County and nearby cities, funds she claims are long overdue. “It’s about the residents of Clayton County getting what they deserve so that we can have money for sustainability,” Burnough said. “That’s the keyword, sustainability. We have that money. We will be able to sustain our county.” Opposition to the bill comes from members of the Atlanta delegation in the House and Senate. Critics warn that removing the tax exemption could have negative consequences for the state’s economy. Sen. Sonya Halpern (D-Atlanta) emphasized that no other major U.S. airport pays property taxes, and altering the economic structure of such a large facility could lead to unforeseen repercussions. “When you change the economic cost structure of an airport this size, there are downstream consequences,” Halpern said. The bill is expected to face a vote in the House this week.#hartsfieldjackson_atlanta_international_airport #rep_rhonda_burnough #rep_sandra_scott #sen_sonya_halpern #clayton_county

Today's Horoscope – March 7, 2026: Check horoscope for all sun signs Published 06 March 2026, 18:48 IST Aries (March 21 – April 20): Change is palpable, yet uncertainty lingers about how to navigate it. Effective communication is crucial to turning the current situation to your advantage. Be wary of individuals who may attempt to undermine your efforts or diminish your achievements. The color plum is recommended for luck, and the number 4 is considered auspicious. Taurus (April 21 – May 21): Your social circle is experiencing tension, making it difficult to remain impartial. Today presents an opportunity to stay neutral and avoid entanglements at work. The color green is favorable, and the number 7 is believed to bring positive energy. Gemini (May 22 – June 21): You are pushing matters that should be left to unfold naturally. Take time to reflect and consider risks carefully, as Mercury encourages bold decisions. The color maroon is recommended, and the number 6 is thought to enhance fortune. Cancer (June 22 – July 22): Confidence is strong, and matters of the heart are prioritized. This is an ideal day to address past grievances and express your true feelings. Approach financial decisions with caution, and consider consulting a professional for guidance. The color salmon-pink is advised, and the number 2 is considered lucky. Leo (July 23 – August 21): Your professional arrangements open new opportunities, but relationships may involve hidden complexities. Avoid hasty decisions and seek clarity before taking action. The color coffee is recommended, and the number 3 is believed to bring success. Virgo (August 22 – September 23): Impulsive speech could lead to complications. Maintain a low profile and focus on confidence. Legal or official matters may feel frustrating, but patience will resolve them.#cancer #horoscope #aries #taurus #gemini

Gemini Horoscope Today, March 07, 2026: Success is highlighted in education and career Your mind feels bright today, like sunlight bouncing off a river. You’ll feel joy and enthusiasm, and it spreads to others, so people respond faster to your calls and messages. The Moon helps your social side, while Mercury strengthens your quick thinking. A social gathering or family function may come up, and you’ll actually enjoy it. Even if you’re tired from commuting, you’ll find one good conversation that lifts your mood. Don’t arrive empty-handed. A small sweet box or fruit pack is enough. Success in education is highlighted. Students can grasp concepts quickly, especially languages, presentations, and subjects that need explanation. Use the morning for deep study, then revise in the evening. Your brain will hold it better that way. Those in service will do their work with full confidence. In meetings, your points land well because you’ll speak with clarity. Keep your files organised though. Mercury helps you think fast, but it can also make you jump between tasks, so finish one thing before starting another. Businesspeople may go on a long journey to expand business. It could be an outstation visit or a plan for the coming week that gets finalised today. Confirm payments and timelines in writing. Players may achieve honour, and it boosts your reputation in your circle. Finances look steady, and your mood makes you generous. That’s sweet, but don’t become the person paying for everyone’s snacks and cab rides. Set boundaries politely. If a shiny gadget or impulsive online deal calls your name, pause. Ask yourself, will I use this every week? If not, let it pass. Save your money for something that truly supports your routine. Health stays good, and you’ll feel energetic.#health #career #education #gemini #mercury

Horoscope for March 7, 2026 Taurus is encouraged to shift their focus from constant task completion to a more objective approach. While busyness may have defined their routine, it is important to recognize that presence and the quality of contributions are more significant than mere activity. A wise saying reminds that what one gives should reflect who they are, not what others deserve. It is a time to draw boundaries and be mindful of the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Leo may feel the need to restructure their approach and get lost in pure logic. However, their most powerful decisions have often come from trusting their instincts. It is important to remember that while quick thinking has served them well, they should avoid impulsive decisions regarding money and stability. Opportunities are available, but they should choose one that aligns with their values and feels right. Libra has been focused on completing tasks and honoring commitments, which is commendable. However, they may find themselves doing things that don't fit their game plan simply because they cannot say no. This can lead to burnout, which is a form of self-sabotage. It is time to recognize their worth beyond the quantity of tasks completed and to take time to unwind and care for themselves and their loved ones. Pisces is encouraged to channel their invincible energy into building their self-worth, career, or relationships. They have the strength and resources to succeed in any challenge life presents. It is important to focus on what they are currently working on and to trust in their ability to handle whatever comes their way. Aries has experienced a period of heartbreak or loss, which has led to personal growth and independence. While they may feel a lingering sense of something being missing, they should not let this affect their current engagements.#taurus #leo #libra #pisces #aries

Isack Hadjar admits Red Bull consistency issues despite strong reliability in Australia Isack Hadjar, the Red Bull Racing driver, acknowledged the team’s strong reliability during the Australian Grand Prix preparations but highlighted challenges with consistency during the second practice session. The French-Algerian driver recorded the fourth-fastest time in the first practice session, finishing behind his teammate Max Verstappen, who secured the third-fastest time. In the second practice session, Hadjar managed ninth place, while Verstappen improved to sixth. Hadjar explained that while the team’s reliability was solid, the second session posed difficulties due to inconsistent performance and energy deployment strategies. “Reliability has been good, but in terms of consistency, every lap in FP2 has been quite difficult, in terms of deployment and everything,” he said. He emphasized that adapting to the new 2026 regulations, which introduce a near 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power, added complexity. The driver noted that the Albert Park circuit’s unique demands made it challenging to maintain consistent performance. “We are [trying different things], and it's also constantly having to adapt your braking points, because you're never arriving at the same speed. The dynamic of the car changes as well, so it's very tricky,” he added. Hadjar joined Red Bull in 2026 after a standout rookie season with Racing Bulls, the team’s sister outfit. His move to the main team followed a history of struggles in finding a long-term second driver for Verstappen. Previous attempts, such as Liam Lawson’s brief tenure and Yuki Tsunoda’s eventual shift to reserve status, underscored the challenges. Hadjar now faces the pressure of stepping into a role that has proven difficult for past contenders.#max_verstappen #albert_park #red_bull_racing #isack_hadjar #2026_formula_1

Russell Fastest in Final Practice as Mercedes Teammate Crashes Out Mercedes driver George Russell secured the fastest time in the final practice session for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, while teammate Kimi Antonelli crashed heavily during the session at Albert Park. Antonelli lost control at turn two, skidding into a barrier and causing a front wheel to detach. The incident prompted a red flag, halting the session temporarily. Team principal Toto Wolff was seen visibly concerned in the garage. Antonelli reported he was "OK" over the team radio before the session resumed for the final minutes. Russell’s time of one minute, 19.053 seconds edged out Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton by 0.616 seconds, with Charles Leclerc of Ferrari finishing third. The result marked an improvement over McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who set the second-fastest time in Friday’s practice. Piastri’s lap was a full second slower than Russell’s. The session had already faced delays, including a 20-minute stoppage due to a crash in the preceding Formula 3 sprint race and an eight-minute red flag when Carlos Sainz’s Williams stalled at the pit lane entrance. Teams used the final practice window to refine car setups and gather data ahead of the qualifying session, which will introduce Formula One’s new power unit regulations. The updated hybrid engines emphasize electrical energy deployment and regeneration, presenting a challenge for drivers. Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, finished sixth, just behind his Red Bull teammate Izack Hadjar. Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad, the youngest British driver to compete in a Formula One season, placed 11th. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso completed 20 laps for the struggling team, whose drivers face limited run times due to vibration-related nerve damage concerns.#mercedes #george_russell #albert_park #kimikimia_antonelli #toto_wolff

Australian Grand Prix: Piastri Tops Second Practice with Russell Third George Russell started his title defense by finishing third in second practice for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, as McLaren’s Oscar Piastri led the field at Albert Park. Piastri’s time was 0.214 seconds faster than his teammate Kimi Antonelli, with Russell trailing by three tenths. Russell’s position placed him just one thousandth of a second ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who finished fourth. The results highlight the competitive nature of the new F1 era, with Mercedes positioned as favorites after regulatory changes. However, Piastri’s performance suggests McLaren may challenge their dominance. The Australian Grand Prix, held in Melbourne, drew anticipation for a thrilling start to the 2026 season. Charles Leclerc set the pace in the first practice session, finishing fifth in the other Ferrari. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris followed in sixth and seventh, respectively. Norris, however, faced challenges after completing only seven laps due to a gearbox issue, leaving him a full second slower than the pace. Aston Martin’s participation in the race remains uncertain amid concerns over driver safety. Team principal Adrian Newey warned that Alonso and Lance Stroll could suffer nerve damage from vibration issues in their car. Alonso and Stroll finished 20th and 21st, with only Cadillac’s Sergio Pérez, who failed to set a competitive lap, behind them. Mercedes’ Toto Wolff acknowledged the team’s potential but emphasized the unpredictability of the season. “Even if we started the season magnificently, I’ve never been confident enough to say we’ll be faster or on the podium,” he said.#mclaren #albert_park #australian_grand_prix #piastri #russell

Tomorrowland model to boost local Thai economy Organizers of Tomorrowland Thailand, the event’s exclusive Asia edition under a five-year commitment, have launched official ticket sales on February 28, 2026. The festival is projected to generate approximately 5.5 billion baht (US$176.9 million) in economic activity during its first year, with cumulative revenue expected to reach 30 billion baht by 2030. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, emphasized that the event’s timing—scheduled from December 11 to 13—aligns with international travelers seeking to escape winter conditions. Host city Pattaya, Chonburi, was chosen for its extensive hotel infrastructure capable of supporting the large-scale event. Thapanee highlighted that hosting Tomorrowland signifies a high level of destination readiness, noting unprecedented interest from over 110 countries, including numerous emerging source markets. She stressed the operational focus on delivering an exceptional experience for the projected 50,000 daily attendees, with 60 percent expected to be foreign visitors. The event’s model is also expected to create 1,900 local jobs in its first year and facilitate knowledge transfer to Thai DJs and organizers through Tomorrowland’s DJ and Festival academies. Thapanee mentioned that strong ticket sales could lead to the addition of a second weekend, mirroring the two-week format typical in Belgium. The commercial framework integrates travel packages with festival access to ensure the local hospitality sector captures inbound tourism revenue. Ticket prices start at 20,000 baht, including three days and two nights of accommodation and transportation, with luxury options also available.#tourism_authority_of_thailand #thapanee_kiatphaibool #pattaya #tomorrowland_thailand #tomorrowland_spokesperson