NEW YORK, Dec. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Enphase Energy, Inc. ENPH between April 25, 2023 and October 22, 2024, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important February 11, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline . SO WHAT: If you purchased Enphase common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Enphase Energy class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=25593 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 11, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts, about Enphase's business and operations. Specifically, defendants systematically overstated Enphase's ability to maintain its pricing levels and market share for microinverter products in Europe in the face of competition from low-cost, Chinese alternatives. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Enphase class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=25593 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.All is quiet during the changing of the guard outside Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei before the gathered crowd erupts. or signup to continue reading Taiwanese flags line Democracy Boulevard as cheering locals and tourists alike encircle the strictly choreographed ceremony. Women in short skirts stand side-by-side with those wearing conservative religious garments. China claims self-governed Taiwan as a breakaway province. The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) fled to the island in 1949 during the civil war with the Chinese Communist Party. Cultural artefacts including the prized Jade Cabbage, given as a dowry gift to an emperor's consort in the 19th century, is one of the many treasures that were taken across the Taiwan Strait. Officials from Beijing say they are not bothered by the objects being on display in Taiwan, as it is a part of China. Many Taiwanese people speak about their shared ancestry with the mainland but consider themselves culturally distinct. Only a dozen nations recognise Taiwan as a state. Australia is part of the overwhelming majority that does not. Canberra continued to recognise the Republic of China until diplomatic relations were set up with the People's Republic of China - established by the communist party - in 1972. Taipei's representative offices in Australia do not have diplomatic status and dealings take place unofficially. But trade between the two is worth billions and a number of travel and academic exchanges take place. Taiwan became the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage in 2019 and Taipei is adorned with pride flags and rainbow road crossings. About 170,000 people took part in the pride parade in October, which has been celebrated annually since 2003. China has meanwhile increasingly conducted military drills around Taiwan, with more than 150 aircraft swarming the island in mid-October. A declaration of independence is a clear red line many Taiwanese officials say they will not cross. A survey completed earlier this year showed more than 80 per cent of Taiwanese respondents wanted to maintain the status-quo with China. The number of those wanting independence has been dropping since 2020. Department of International Information Services Director General Catherine Hsu says Taipei is not fearful of an invasion by China. However I-Chung Lai, president of government-funded think tank Prospect Foundation, insists the majority of Taiwanese are ready to take a stand to protect their freedom and democracy. Asked what he would advise in the face of an invasion, he says: "That's a very easy answer, we'll go to war. We'll fight to the death." Dr Lai says despite concerns about an invasion, officials are also considering a blockade or an "anaconda" strategy, where Taiwan would be strangled into submission. "We need to prepare ourselves (so) we can fight tonight and win, that China cannot prevail in a successful military operation," he says. Taiwanese factcheckers say the island is a target for serious disinformation campaigns, often aimed at undermining democracy as a form of government. According to Taiwan FactCheck Center chief executive Eve Chiu shared-language across the strait means lots of fake news floods Taiwanese feeds. Doctored images showing US Vice-President Kamala Harris in a bikini and embracing disgraced American pedophile Jeffrey Epstein on a beach with a caption "this is real," have been picked up via monitoring of the online space. Ms Chiu says another area malicious groups would target include fuelling US scepticism among the general public. A deepfake appeared online, showing a heavily-edited video of a US politician falsely saying Washington was keen to arm Taiwan for a coming war with Beijing. In fact, the original video showed him being questioned by American reporters about the state of the US economy. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Francois Wu has told journalists it is sometimes "lonely" being Taiwanese, as many countries prioritise good economic relations with Beijing. Despite the uncertainty, he was defiant in the face of questions Taiwan might capitulate. "We have to be careful but that does not mean that we have to be intimidated by China," he said. "They said they (have) wanted to occupy Taiwan since 1949 and look at what has happened. We are still here, standing alive." The AAP reporter travelled to Taipei with the assistance of the Taiwanese government. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement

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The IRS Direct File program, which lets taxpayers file their federal income tax return directly with the IRS for free, is doubling its reach to 24 states for the 2025 tax season, up from 12 states in 2024, the program’s pilot year. The Direct File program will also accept more types of tax situations for the 2025 tax season. While taxpayers who used the system in 2024 could claim a handful of tax credits, including the and the , that list is expanding in 2025 to include the , among others. Related Articles An estimated 30 million taxpayers will qualify for the Direct File program in 2025, the IRS says. More than 140,000 taxpayers filed their federal tax returns through the Direct File program in 2024. About 90% of users said their experience was excellent or above average, according to a survey of about 11,000 Direct File users in 2024, conducted by the General Services Administration. “We’re excited about the improvements to Direct File and the millions more taxpayers who will be eligible to use the service this year,” said Danny Werfel, the IRS commissioner, in a statement. “Our goal is to improve the experience of tax filing itself and help taxpayers meet their obligations quickly and easily.” The IRS says that taxpayers can use Direct File when the 2025 tax season kicks off in January, and it will be available until Oct. 15, 2025. But the program’s future is somewhat unclear: In December, 29 Republican lawmakers to President-elect Donald Trump, calling for him to end the Direct File program on his first day in office. Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives also introduced legislation in July to end the Direct File program. For now, here’s what you need to know about how the IRS Direct File program works, and how to qualify for it. The Direct File program is a new initiative, about to enter its second year, that allows taxpayers to file their federal tax returns electronically with the IRS. The no-cost tool guides taxpayers through every part of their federal income tax return. Taxpayers can file using a smartphone, computer or tablet. One of the program’s advantages is that, if you have questions as you’re working on your return, you can get live support directly from the IRS via chat or phone. IRS representatives can answer basic tax questions and help with technical issues in English and Spanish. The Direct File program has income limits, as well as limits on the types of income, deductions and credits you can enter on your tax return. For the 2025 tax season: To be eligible for Direct File, your income can come from the following sources: But if you’re self-employed, or have business or rental income, you can’t use . Same goes for or distributions: If you have either, you can’t use Direct File. You can use the IRS Direct File program only if you claim the — the program isn’t available to people who itemize. But you can claim certain above-the-line deductions: , and . You can’t use Direct File if you want to deduct your IRA contributions. The Direct File program allows for the following tax credits in 2025: However, if you want to claim , credits for energy efficient home upgrades or the , you can’t use the Direct File program. More taxpayers will have access to the IRS Direct File program in 2025. In 2024, the IRS kicked off the program with only 12 states; that number has expanded to 24 states for the 2025 tax season. For some of the states that participate in the IRS Direct File program, your federal return information will be transferred automatically to the state tax website, but in some cases you’ll have to re-enter your information. Visit to get the details for your state. Here is a list of the participating states: If you don’t qualify for the IRS Direct File program, you may have other options to file your tax return for free. In addition to Direct File, the IRS offers the program, in which it partners with online to provide free federal income tax return filing. Some providers also allow you to file a state income tax return. For the 2024 tax season, your had to be less than $79,000 to qualify for the Free File program. That dollar threshold is likely to rise slightly for the 2025 tax season. The IRS also offers the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides certified volunteers to prepare basic tax returns if you earn less than $67,000 a year, are disabled, or speak limited English. You can find a site near you by visiting this .

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The Latest: Police believe gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO has left New York CityThe New York Rangers are reportedly set to sign Igor Shesterkin to the largest goaltending contract in NHL history. The Rangers and Shesterkin have agreed to an eight-year, $92 million deal worth $11.5 million per year, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman . Shesterkin will be the first goaltender to earn more than $10.5 million per year. The reported extension eclipses the eight-year, $84 million deal Carey Price inked with the Montreal Canadiens in 2017. The news caps off a busy Friday for the Rangers, who reportedly traded captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks hours earlier. This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis. For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app , homepage and social feeds—including Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok .

US President-elect Donald Trump President-elect Donald Trump took to Truth Social, alleging that the Democrats had paid celebrities to lend their public support to Vice President Kamala Harris. In a post on Saturday, Trump claimed the Democrats had spent millions to secure endorsements from high-profile figures such as Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, and MSNBC host Al Sharpton. “Are the Democrats allowed to pay $11,000,000, $2,000,000, and $500,000 to get the ENDORSEMENT of Beyoncé, Oprah, and Reverend Al? I don’t think so,” the former president wrote. He went on to criticise the involvement of these figures, stating, “Beyoncé didn’t sing, Oprah didn’t do much of anything (she called it ‘expenses’), and Al is just a third rate Con Man.” Beyoncé and Oprah had both appeared alongside Harris during the campaign trail, with Oprah recently insisting that she “was not paid a dime” for her involvement in a live-streamed event, though the campaign did cover production fees, The Hill reported. Sharpton, the prominent civil rights activist and MSNBC host, interviewed Harris in October. He is also the founder of the National Action Network, a non-profit organisation that received a $500,000 donation from Harris’ campaign shortly before the interview. Sharpton subsequently organised a get-out-the-vote rally for Harris, just three days after the segment aired. An MSNBC spokesperson told the Washington Free Beacon that the network was unaware of the donations to the National Action Network. The network has declined to comment further on the matter, citing its policy of not discussing "personnel matters." Trump, in his Saturday post, questioned the legality of the donation, suggesting that it might be in violation of campaign laws. "So what is going on here??? Totally against the law, and I have heard there are many others!!!" he wrote, continuing his criticism of Harris' campaign spending. Throughout the 2024 election cycle, Trump has frequently taken issue with Harris’ media appearances, including a CBS News interview in which he claimed the network altered her responses before airing.It's time for the Patriots to fire Jerod Mayo and set sights on Mike Vrabel

Gamified Barbecue Experience Now Available The Best Golf Simulator Book your event to include Texas. Legit. Barbecue and a few rounds of golf Whether you're sinking birdies or indulging in brisket , Dickey's has you covered. For just $40 per hour, guests can use their own clubs and balls to play on world-class courses simulated with cutting-edge Full Swing technology. The golf simulator is open during Dickey's normal business hours, with flexible reservations available for early mornings or late evenings by calling ahead. Special Features Include: Players can rent the simulator by the hour, not per person, making it ideal for groups. For reference, one person can complete 18 holes in an hour, while four players will need about four hours for a full round. Laura Rea Dickey , CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., shared her excitement: "Dickey's is always looking for innovative ways to bring communities together, and this golf simulator is a fantastic example. We're combining our tradition of quality barbecue with a modern, interactive experience that's sure to delight our guests.” Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey's Capital Group, added: "This is more than just a game or a meal; it's a way to elevate how people spend their time with friends and family. Dickey's in Chillicothe is showing how franchisees can create dynamic, memorable experiences while staying true to our roots.” Perfect for Special Events Looking for an unforgettable gathering spot? Dickey's golf simulator can host parties and events of all kinds. From birthday celebrations to bachelor parties and office outings, this gamified barbecue experience makes every occasion more fun. Call the Chillicothe location for pricing and details. Ready to swing and savor? Visit Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Chillicothe today to try this one-of-a-kind experience. About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world's largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickey's Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.TM Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey's barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey's never takes shortcuts-because real barbecue can't be rushed. With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey's Barbecue Franchise and Dickey's Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr ., CEO of Dickey's Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Inc. Dickey's has been recognized on Newsweek's 2022 "America's Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation's Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today's 2021 Readers' Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual's "Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology's Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine . For more information, visit www.dickeys.com . For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com. Attachment The Best Golf Simulator CONTACT: Louisa Garrett Dickey's Barbecue Pit [email protected]

price extended its gains for the fourth consecutive day, clearing on its way to the 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) as the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict augments demand for the safe-haven metal. The XAU/USD trades at $2,672 at around weekly highs, gaining over 0.80%. Fears that Russia launched an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) on Ukraine heightened tensions in Eastern Europe. However, according to Reuters citing a Western official, they did not use an ICBM on Thursday. Consequently, the golden metal rose above the 50-day SMA, which is at $2,660, amid firm US Treasury yields and a bid . On the data front, last week's US Initial Jobless Claims hinted that the labor market remains strong, suggesting the (Fed) could achieve a soft landing. Other data was not encouraging, like the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index, which plunged to -5.5 in November, beneath October’s 10.3 reading. Aside from this, Fed speakers crossed the wires. The New York Fed’s John Williams commented that the disinflationary process continues and added that the fed funds rate will be lower by the end of 2025. Chicago’s Fed Chairman Austan Goolsbee echoed some of his comments. He repeated what he has said lately, supporting lower interest rates, but he opened the door to slowing the pace of easing policy. Traders trimmed the chances for a 25 bps rate cut at the December meeting. The CME FedWatch Tool sees a 56% probability of lowering , down from a 58% chance two days ago. Ahead , the economic docket will feature Fed speakers and the University of Michigan (UoM) Consumer Sentiment data in the US. Daily digest market movers: Gold reaches a new weekly high amid escalation of Russia-Ukraine conflict Technical outlook: Gold price clears the 50-day SMA The uptrend in Gold prices is set to continue, with the non-yielding metal set to trade within the $2,660-$2,700 range. A breach of the latter will expose the November 7 high of $2,710, followed by the psychological $2,750 figure. Once those two levels are removed, up next lies the all-time peak at $2,790. Conversely, sellers will have the upper hand if the non-yielding metal drops below the 50-day SMA at $2,658. Once surpassed, up next would be $2,600, followed by the 100-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) at $2,550. Bears could target the November 14 swing low of $2,536, followed by XAU/USD diving to $2,500. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has shifted to a bullish bias, indicating buyers are in charge. Gold FAQs Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government. Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves. Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal. The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up.Shoppers were left scratching their heads in bemusement as Easter eggs appearedd onto supermarket shelves even before the close of the year. Gripped by festive bewilderment, social media was abuzz with people sharing their sightings of early-bird Easter treats in stores such as Morrisons, Tesco, and Asda, well ahead of Easter Sunday's April 20 calendar slot. One bewildered customer, @Jingle1991, posted a picture on Christmas Eve showing Malteser Bunnies lined up in Sainsbury’s, wryly noting: "Jesus hasn’t even been born yet." In Margate, local Gary Evans took to Twitter to showcase Creme Eggs on display in Morrison’s on Boxing Day, describing the premature push as crazy and lamenting the commercial rush, saying, "I just think its crazy that everything is so superficial and meaninglessly commercial... (there’s) something quite frantic about it," in conversation with the PA news agency. Stoke-on-Trent's Joseph Robinson encountered Easter sweets spanning Cadbury Mini Eggs to themed Kit-Kat and Kinder surprises at his local Morrisons on Friday, saying: "It’s funny, as they’ve not even managed to shift the Christmas chocolates off the shelves yet and they’re already stocking for Easter." Mike Chalmers, a devout Christian from Chippenham, Wiltshire, expressed a measured view upon seeing a display titled: "Celebrate this Easter with Cadbury." He remarked, "Christmas and Easter are the two centrepoints of the Christian good news story so it’s no bad thing to see the connections," and added, "It’s about more than shapes of chocolate though! " Meanwhile, marketing consultant Andrew Wallis, who was taken aback by the sight of Easter eggs in the Co-op at Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, considered it indicative of "forward-thinking" by major corporations. Sharing his thoughts with PA, the 54 year old from the Isle of Man, who advises the fitness industry on marketing, said, "It made me reflect on how big brands are always thinking ahead and planning early," He advised retailers, "My message to retailers would be: while planning ahead is important, it’s also essential to be mindful of consumer sentiment. "

The New York Rangers are reportedly set to sign Igor Shesterkin to the largest goaltending contract in NHL history. The Rangers and Shesterkin have agreed to an eight-year, $92 million deal worth $11.5 million per year, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman . Shesterkin will be the first goaltender to earn more than $10.5 million per year. The reported extension eclipses the eight-year, $84 million deal Carey Price inked with the Montreal Canadiens in 2017. The news caps off a busy Friday for the Rangers, who reportedly traded captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks hours earlier. This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis. For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app , homepage and social feeds—including Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok .BRACE Commission; Diri, Fubara Meet, Discuss Security, Regional Challenges

Skier Lindsey Vonn looks on after a training run at Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Copper Mountain, Colo., Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) Skier Lindsey Vonn takes a training run at Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Copper Mountain, Colo., Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) Skier Lindsey Vonn takes a training run at Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Copper Mountain, Colo., Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) Skier Lindsey Vonn reacts after a training run at Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Copper Mountain, Colo., Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) Skier Lindsey Vonn takes a drink after a training run at Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Copper Mountain, Colo., Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) Lindsey Vonn, right, pets her dog Lucy with fellow skiers after a training session at Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Copper Mountain, Colo., Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) Skier Lindsey Vonn looks on after a training run at Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Copper Mountain, Colo., Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) By PAT GRAHAM COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. (AP) — Word on the mountain has it that Lindsey Vonn is still fast through a downhill course, even at 40 years old. Maybe even challenge-for-downhill-wins fast. On a frigid Friday morning, Vonn darted through the shadows along the speed course at Copper Mountain and through the mist created by the snow makers. There was no clock at the bottom of the hill to measure just how speedy she was as she makes a comeback to skiing nearly six years removed from her last race. But she certainly looked the part of fast by dropping into a tuck position to become more aerodynamic, and even banging through a few gates on several high-speed runs. Vonn plans to enter a series of lower-tier FIS downhill and super-G races this weekend at Copper Mountain in an effort to gain the necessary results to lower her ranking so she can possibly enter World Cup races this season under a new wild-card rule. It could be the first step toward seeing her on the World Cup circuit again, maybe even on the podium. “I honestly think she will win,” retired ski racer Ted Ligety said in an interview with The Associated Press. “From what I’ve heard, she’s been kicking (butt) and been really fast in training. Some of the women on the World Cup are going to be rudely awakened to have to compete against a Lindsey Vonn again.” Vonn declined to talk after her practice session Friday. She chatted with several racers on the hill and again inside the lodge, where her dog, Lucy, became the center of attention. In a post Friday afternoon on Instagram, Vonn wrote : “Happy to be able to take another step this weekend! Technically tomorrow will be my first race but I’m using it as a training opportunity to keep on building. ... It’s been 6 years since I last raced so I still have a lot of equipment to test, finding my groove and really getting into racing form. I am having a lot of fun and want to keep on doing so!” When she left the sport, Vonn’s 82 World Cup race victories stood as the record for a woman and within reach of the all-time Alpine record of 86 held by Swedish great Ingemar Stenmark. The women’s mark held by Vonn was surpassed in January 2023 by Mikaela Shiffrin, who now has 99 wins — more than any Alpine ski racer in the history of the sport. Shiffrin is currently sidelined after a crash in a giant slalom event in Killington, Vermont, last weekend. The next World Cup races for the women’s circuit will be held in a week in nearby Beaver Creek, Colorado. There’s no timeframe for Vonn’s return to racing. Vonn’s last competition was in February 2019, when she finished third in a downhill during the world championships in Sweden. In a lot of ways, the three-time Olympic medalist stepped away still near the top of her game. But the broken arms and legs, concussions and torn knee ligaments took too big a toll and sent her into retirement. Last April, she had surgery for a partial knee replacement. She felt good enough to give it another go. Ligety, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, applauds her for her comeback bid. “It’s beyond my risk appetite, but it will be really fun to watch,” said Ligety, who’s covering the World Cup races in Beaver Creek this weekend for NBC. “She left at the top of her game, obviously, because of her knee injury. She probably felt like she got short-changed in her quest to take down Stenmark in wins, being only four away and her body failed her. “I can see how that would weigh on you. And then when you all of a sudden feel perfectly healthy again and you’re not that old, I can see giving it some ideas. I understand where she’s coming from and I think she has a good chance (to win races).” The aura of Vonn hovered around the bottom of the slope Friday. She had several pairs of Head skis all ready to try out. After each run — at least three — Vonn would huddle with her team, take a quick swig of water and head back up the lift. “She’s still super-fast,” fellow American teammate Keely Cashman said. “She’s been helpful talking to us about whatever we need. We’re excited to have her around.” What stands out about Vonn to Sophie Goldschmidt, the CEO of U.S. Ski and Snowboard, is the racer’s “strength of mind and attitude,” she said. “To be able to come back time and time again is very impressive. “We’re delighted that she’s rejoined the team,” Goldschmidt added. “Her achievements speak for themselves. She’s clearly one of the most decorated athletes in the U.S. and had an amazing ski racing career. So for her to feel fit and strong enough to want to give it another go, I think is quite remarkable. I’m excited to see what she might be able to achieve.” ___ AP skiing: https://apnews.com/hub/alpine-skiingBULLHEAD CITY — The Mohave Accelerated Learning Center girls basketball team dropped their second game of the season on Monday, falling to Boulder City High School 59-58 in overtime. The Lady Patriots jumped out to a 10-8 lead but trailed by one point at halftime. Both teams scored 12 points in the third quarter before MALC managed to send the game into overtime behind a big three-pointer from Lucy Wixkham and a clutch free throw from Haley Leslie before they went on to fall in the extra session. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

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ROSEN, A RANKED AND LEADING LAW FIRM, Encourages Enphase Energy, Inc. Investors to Secure ...