ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Shares of Lightwave Logic Inc. skyrocketed more than 18 percent in morning trading Friday, climbing to around $16.19 as investors piled into the small-cap photonics company amid renewed enthusiasm for technologies that could ease the massive power and bandwidth demands of artificial intelligence data centers.

The surge pushed the stock’s market capitalization above $2 billion and came on heavy volume, reflecting broader excitement in AI-related infrastructure plays. Lightwave Logic, which develops proprietary electro-optic polymers designed to enable faster, lower-power optical data transmission, has been riding a wave of optimism tied to its progress integrating its technology into silicon photonics platforms used by major semiconductor foundries.

The company announced earlier this week that it had engaged Michael Best & Friedrich LLP as its strategic intellectual property advisor. The move is intended to strengthen its patent portfolio, support invention harvesting and prepare for expanded licensing agreements with foundries and design partners. Executives said the partnership will help create a more licensing-friendly framework as the company pushes its Perkinamine electro-optic polymer platform toward commercial adoption in high-speed modulators.

Lightwave Logic’s technology aims to solve a critical bottleneck in AI infrastructure. Traditional silicon photonics modulators struggle with power consumption and speed as data rates climb toward 200 and 400 gigabits per lane and beyond. The company’s polymers promise to deliver 110 gigahertz-plus performance at dramatically lower drive voltages, potentially slashing energy use in optical transceivers and co-packaged optics — components essential for connecting thousands of AI chips inside hyperscale data centers.

Analysts and industry watchers note the optical transceiver market is projected to reach $100 billion by 2030, driven almost entirely by AI demand. Lightwave Logic positions itself at the materials layer of that supply chain, supplying the specialty polymer that could replace or augment today’s indium phosphide or lithium niobate modulators.

Recent milestones have fueled investor confidence. In March, the company signed a development agreement with Tower Semiconductor to integrate its modulators into Tower’s PH18 silicon photonics platform. The program includes multiple engineering tape-outs scheduled for 2026 to validate 200G and 400G designs. Lightwave Logic has also made its high-speed modulator platform available in the GDSFactory process design kit for GlobalFoundries’ silicon photonics offering and maintains relationships with SilTerra and at least one additional unnamed foundry.

The company reported advancing four Fortune Global 500 customers into Stage 3 of its design-win cycle — the prototype-to-final-product phase. Management has said wafer tape-outs are underway and customer chips could return for testing as early as the second quarter of 2026. A recent technical program with a second major customer focuses on co-developing electro-optic polymer solutions tailored for next-generation data-center applications.

Financial results remain modest but show progress toward commercialization. For full-year 2025, Lightwave Logic posted revenue of roughly $237,000 — up 144 percent from the prior year — primarily from licensing and non-recurring engineering fees. Net loss narrowed to $20.3 million, or 16 cents per share. A December 2025 public offering bolstered the balance sheet to approximately $69 million in cash, giving the company runway into late 2027 without additional dilution, according to executives.

Chief Executive Officer Dr. Michael Lebby has repeatedly emphasized the transition from pure research to foundry-enabled manufacturing. The company’s Denver facility is ramping backend processes to support prototyping and eventual production scale-up targeted for 2027. Reliability data presented in recent investor materials showed the Perkinamine polymers passing stringent Telcordia 85/85 humidity and temperature tests when encapsulated in silicon photonics devices — a key hurdle for data-center qualification.

Still, the stock’s volatility underscores the speculative nature of the investment. Lightwave Logic has traded as low as 82 cents and as high as $15.29 in the past 52 weeks. Year-to-date gains exceeded 390 percent entering Friday, but the company remains pre-revenue in any meaningful sense and has a long history of development-stage delays common in advanced materials.

Wall Street coverage is limited. One analyst maintains a sell rating with no formal price target, citing execution risks and the lengthy design cycles in the semiconductor industry. CNBC’s Jim Cramer recently called the name “a perfect candidate for selling half your stock tomorrow morning,” noting the stock had already priced in much of the future story despite tiny current revenue and ongoing losses.

Supporters counter that the technology’s performance edge — sub-1-volt drive, ultra-low power and high bandwidth — aligns perfectly with the industry’s shift toward co-packaged optics and 1.6T and 3.2T transceivers. Successful commercialization could position Lightwave Logic as a critical materials supplier much like how certain specialty chemicals underpin today’s chip manufacturing.

Investors are also watching the upcoming annual shareholder meeting and any updates from 2026 tape-out results. Positive customer validation or first licensing revenue could catalyze further upside, while delays or disappointing reliability data in real-world silicon photonics environments could trigger sharp pullbacks.

Lightwave Logic was founded more than three decades ago and has spent years refining its polymer chemistry. The payoff, if it materializes, would come as AI training clusters require exponentially more optical interconnects. Hyperscalers including those behind the world’s largest AI models are pushing for optics inside the package to overcome copper’s limitations at extreme speeds.

Whether the stock represents a long-term buy depends heavily on execution over the next 12 to 24 months. Bulls see a multi-billion-dollar addressable market and first-mover advantage in a disruptive material. Bears highlight the binary risks of any early-stage technology company: regulatory hurdles, manufacturing scale-up challenges, potential competition from established photonics players and the ever-present possibility of further equity raises.

For now, the market is voting with its dollars. Friday’s 18 percent pop reflects fresh conviction that Lightwave Logic’s polymers could help solve one of AI’s thorniest engineering problems — moving massive amounts of data at the speed of light while keeping power consumption in check.

Company officials declined to comment beyond their public releases, directing inquiries to the investor relations website. Lightwave Logic shares closed Thursday at $13.72 before Friday’s open. The stock has no dividend and trades on Nasdaq under the ticker LWLG.

As the AI buildout accelerates, Lightwave Logic’s story is entering a make-or-break phase. Success in 2026 tape-outs and foundry qualifications could validate years of research and turn the pre-commercial bet into a core holding for growth-oriented technology investors. Failure to deliver on those milestones, however, would likely test even the most patient shareholders.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The 152nd Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday at Churchill Downs, with post time scheduled for 6:57 p.m. ET in the signature race of the Triple Crown season. A field of 20 three-year-olds will vie for the garland of roses in the $5 million Run for the Roses, promising one of the most anticipated — and heavily wagered — days in American sports.

Renegade, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., drew the rail and opened as the 4-1 morning-line favorite after an impressive Arkansas Derby victory. Other top contenders include Commandment and Further Ado at around 6-1, Chief Wallabee near 8-1, and So Happy and The Puma in single digits. Odds will fluctuate until race time as betting action intensifies.

The race shapes up as wide-open, with strong opinions on both sides of the favorite. Experts highlight a mix of speed, stamina and tactical versatility across the field, drawn from key prep races including the Florida Derby, Louisiana Derby, Blue Grass and others. Cool, dry conditions are forecast, favoring a fast track that could produce blistering times in the 1¼-mile classic.

Renegade brings elite credentials but faces the dreaded inside post, which historically challenges horses in large fields. Pletcher, a multiple Derby winner, has the colt sharp, yet some handicappers worry about rail position and early traffic. Commandment, from the Brad Cox barn, impressed in Florida and could stalk or close effectively with Luis Saez aboard. Further Ado, breaking from post 17 or 18, offers outside speed or mid-pack versatility depending on the early pace scenario.

Value plays abound. Emerging Market, trained by Chad Brown, has limited but high-quality starts and could offer a price around 15-1. Danon Bourbon represents strong Japanese influence and international interest at double-digit odds. Chief Wallabee, another Cox trainee, and The Puma, an improving Gustavo Delgado charge, also draw attention as potential upset candidates.

Jody Demling, who nailed a lucrative superfecta in a prior Derby, is among those fading the top choice. He points to The Puma’s consistency and a longshot “freak” with upside in exotics. Other experts, including those from BloodHorse and Horse Racing Nation, lean toward Commandment or Further Ado on top, with Emerging Market frequently appearing in top-three lists for its tactical flexibility.

The full projected field, subject to final scratches, features a blend of established stars and live longshots:

• Post 1: Renegade (4-1 to 5-1), Pletcher/Ortiz Jr. — Speedy Arkansas Derby winner but rail concerns loom.
• Post 6: Commandment (6-1 to 7-1), Cox/Saez — Florida form gives him a strong shot to stalk and pounce.
• Post ~17-18: Further Ado (6-1), strong closer with stamina for the distance.
• Post 9 or so: The Puma (5-1 to 10-1) — Late bloomer undefeated or near in recent starts.
• Chief Wallabee (8-1), So Happy (6-1), Danon Bourbon (~14-1), Emerging Market (~13-1) and others round out a competitive group.

Scratches have already adjusted the lineup, with horses like Fulleffort and Silent Tactic out, bringing in alternates such as Great White or Ocelli. The 20-horse gate ensures chaos, where post position, pace and jockey decisions often decide the outcome.

Handicapping angles focus on the Road to the Kentucky Derby points system, which qualified the top earners. Prep races highlighted closers and versatile types over pure speed. Brad Cox holds a powerful hand with multiple live contenders, while international bloodlines add depth. Weather and track bias will play roles — a dry forecast favors speed but middle and late runners have succeeded in recent editions.

Betting interest is expected to shatter records. Win bets on favorites, exactas, trifectas and superfectas will dominate, with exotic wagers offering massive payouts in a 20-horse scrum. TwinSpires and other platforms report heavy early action on Renegade, Commandment and value horses like Danon Bourbon.

Beyond the wagering, the Derby embodies tradition. Mint juleps, extravagant hats and celebrity sightings will fill the Churchill Downs infield and grandstand. The event kicks off a whirlwind May leading to the Preakness and Belmont, with potential for the first Triple Crown in years if a horse sweeps the series.

Experts’ consensus top picks vary but cluster around a few:

• Win contenders: Commandment or Further Ado for many, citing tactical advantages and proven stakes form.
• Place/show: The Puma, Chief Wallabee or Emerging Market for value.
• Longshots: Danon Bourbon, Incredibolt or Pavlovian could crash the exotics at big prices.

One prominent handicapper likes boxing Commandment, The Puma and a closer with Emerging Market underneath. Another emphasizes Florida preps and international upside with Danon Bourbon at 20-1 range. Fading the favorite entirely is a bold but discussed strategy given the rail and large field dynamics.

The Derby’s unpredictability is legendary — longshots like Rich Strike (80-1) and Country House (via disqualification) remind bettors that pedigree, training and race-day luck trump morning-line odds. This year’s class appears deep, with no runaway standout, setting up for a memorable stretch duel.

Churchill Downs officials emphasize safety and fan experience, with enhanced security and sustainability initiatives. NBC and Peacock will broadcast nationwide, bringing the pageantry to millions.

As horses ship in and final workouts conclude, anticipation builds. Renegade’s rail draw adds intrigue — can he overcome history? Will a closer steal the show in the final furlongs? Or does an overlooked mid-pack runner deliver the upset?

Whatever the result, the 2026 Kentucky Derby promises drama, high stakes and the enduring magic of the Sport of Kings. Bettors and fans alike will remember where they were when the gates spring open and the call of “And they’re off!” echoes through Louisville.

For those planning wagers, key strategies include focusing on horses with proven 1¼-mile stamina, favorable post positions away from the rail for traffic avoidance, and trainers with Derby success. Value exists beyond the top three morning-line choices, particularly in exotics where layering 8-1 to 20-1 horses can yield strong returns.

The Road to the Roses delivered a compelling group this year. From dominant prep wins to gritty recoveries, each contender has a story. On Saturday, only one will wear the roses — but the debate and memories will last far longer.

Post-race analysis will dissect every move, but pre-race, the consensus expert lean favors tactical versatility over pure favoritism. Commandment, Further Ado and live prices like Emerging Market or Chief Wallabee top many professional tickets.

The Kentucky Derby remains horse racing’s crown jewel, blending athletic excellence, strategy and sheer spectacle. This year’s edition, with its balanced field and star trainers, is poised to deliver.

HOUSTON — Kevin Durant will miss Game 6 of the Houston Rockets’ first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night because of a bone bruise in his left ankle, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania. The absence marks the fourth consecutive game the 37-year-old star has sat out, dealing a significant blow to Houston’s hopes of forcing a Game 7.

Durant suffered the injury in Game 2 on April 21 and has been sidelined since, missing the majority of the series despite playing in Game 1 after recovering from an earlier knee issue. The bone bruise requires a minimum two-week recovery period, and with Durant just over one week into the injury timeline, he remains unavailable as the Rockets attempt to stave off elimination while trailing 3-2.

The Rockets have shown resilience without their veteran leader, winning Games 4 and 5 to extend the series. Young talents like Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason have stepped up, forming one of the youngest starting lineups to secure playoff victories. Coach Ime Udoka’s group has controlled stretches of recent contests, giving fans reason for optimism despite the star’s absence.

Durant’s availability has been a major storyline throughout the postseason. He missed Game 1 with a tendon bruise before returning briefly, only to aggravate the ankle. The injury’s nature — a bone bruise — is notoriously stubborn, often lingering and affecting explosiveness and lateral movement critical to Durant’s game. At 37, with a lengthy career including four scoring titles, two Finals MVPs and an NBA championship, durability concerns have grown, though his scoring touch remains elite when healthy.

For the Lakers, Durant’s continued absence presents an opportunity to close out the series in Houston. LeBron James and company have navigated the series with mixed results, dropping the last two games at home but maintaining the series lead. Los Angeles will look to exploit Houston’s youth and inexperience in high-stakes moments, relying on veteran poise and defensive intensity to secure the win and advance.

Houston entered the playoffs as a dangerous lower seed, bolstered by Durant’s addition in the offseason. The move paired his scoring with a core of athletic, switchable defenders and versatile bigs. Regular-season success validated the roster construction, but playoff injuries have tested the depth. Without Durant, the Rockets rank among the youngest playoff teams relying on contributors still developing their games under pressure.

Medical experts note that bone bruises in the ankle involve micro-damage to the bone beneath cartilage, causing pain, swelling and reduced mobility. Recovery timelines vary but often extend beyond initial estimates, especially for high-usage wings like Durant who rely on change-of-direction speed. Rockets medical staff will monitor progress closely, but rushing back risks long-term complications or re-injury that could derail next season.

Series context adds drama. The Rockets became just the 16th team in NBA history to force a Game 6 after trailing 3-0, winning consecutive games without their leading scorer. Sengun has dominated the paint, Thompson provides defensive versatility and energy, and the supporting cast has executed Udoka’s schemes effectively. Still, Durant’s 25-plus points per game scoring and gravity as a shooter create mismatches that younger players struggle to replicate fully.

Lakers stars have commented on the challenge of facing Houston’s depth. James, in his 23rd season, understands the value of veteran presence in the postseason. Anthony Davis anchors the defense, while supporting pieces like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura provide balance. Los Angeles aims to end the series Friday to avoid a potential Game 7 back home, where Houston’s home-court energy could complicate matters.

Durant’s playoff history is storied. From Oklahoma City to Golden State, Brooklyn and Phoenix, he has delivered iconic performances. His move to Houston represented a chance at another deep run with a young, hungry squad. This injury, however, underscores the physical toll of a long career and the demands of playoff basketball. Fans and analysts debate whether the Rockets’ future is brighter with or without the veteran, but his presence undeniably elevates their ceiling.

Broader NBA implications ripple from the series. A Rockets victory extends the first-round slate and tests Lakers’ stamina ahead of a tougher second-round matchup. An elimination accelerates Los Angeles’ preparations while allowing Houston to evaluate its young core’s growth. Durant’s status also affects offseason narratives around load management, veteran acquisitions and injury prevention league-wide.

Rockets fans have mixed emotions. Many express frustration over the timing of the injury but praise the team’s fight. Social media buzzes with support for the young players and calls for Durant’s careful management. Team officials remain optimistic about his long-term health, emphasizing a measured return rather than risking further damage in a best-of-seven that could end soon.

Game 6 strategy without Durant likely involves heavier minutes for Sengun in the post, Thompson’s athleticism on the wings, and increased ball-handling from guards. Defensive schemes will focus on containing James and Davis while forcing turnovers. The Lakers, conversely, will push pace, attack mismatches and leverage experience in crunch time.

Injury reports will be monitored until tip-off, but all indications point to Durant sidelined. Pre-game warmups and official announcements will confirm, yet sources close to the situation see little chance of a last-minute change given the two-week minimum timeline.

The NBA playoffs thrive on such storylines — star absences creating opportunities for unlikely heroes. Whether Houston’s youth can pull off another improbable win or the Lakers close the door remains to be seen. Durant’s absence shifts the narrative but does not eliminate the Rockets’ competitive spirit.

As the series reaches a critical juncture, focus turns to execution on the floor. Houston plays for pride and extension; Los Angeles seeks advancement. Durant’s recovery timeline could stretch into a potential Game 7 or beyond, leaving the Rockets to rely on collective effort in his stead.

The basketball world watches closely. Kevin Durant’s legacy endures, but for Game 6, the spotlight belongs to those stepping into the void. Rockets fans hope their young core delivers magic once more, while Lakers supporters anticipate a series-clinching victory on the road.

Long known for its sprawling freeways and car-centric lifestyle, Los Angeles is reaching a breaking point as fuel costs turn the simple act of driving into a “miserable, miserable, miserable” experience.

As regional gas prices soar past $8 a gallon, residents in the once-thriving Golden State are checking their eyes and their bank accounts, with some admitting they “thought it was a meme” or “thought it was AI.” But the financial pain is all too real for those living in the nation’s most expensive car culture, where filling a tank now requires a triple-digit investment.

“It’s very painful to drive in L.A. right now, and especially if you’re barely making minimum wage, it’s not even worth driving,” Amador, from Santa Clarita, told Fox News Digital during a man-on-the-street segment. “Thought it was a meme, thought it was AI, but looking at it up close, it’s kind of crazy to think you’re paying almost $9.”

“It’s ridiculous,” Aida, a mother originally from Nebraska, also told Fox News Digital. “Can I swear on the news? I said, ‘God d—! That was too much.’ It’s too much for those prices.”

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“This is so crazy,” Bessy, who was born in El Salvador, added. “I never thought gas [was] gonna go that [high]. Like it’s just crazy.”

Fox News Digital visited multiple Los Angeles-area gas stations to talk to drivers about how high prices at the pump are impacting their everyday lives. (Fox News Digital / FOXBusiness)

Stopping at multiple gas stations across Los Angeles County, drivers expressed disbelief at gasoline prices approaching $9 per gallon. According to AAA, as of the last week of April, California’s average price per gallon was $6.01, while the national average was $4.30.

The highest price Fox News Digital saw was at a Chevron in Downtown Los Angeles, where a regular gallon was $8.29 and the highest grade of diesel ran $8.89 per gallon.

Drivers said that filling up their tank now exceeds $100, while others make the decision to pump what they fiscally can. Nick, an LA resident originally hailing from Phoenix, said he paid $110 at the pump.

“I don’t even look… I can’t look at it. I put it in, and then I put the little thing up, and I turn around, and I put my card in, and I just pray to God. It’s over $100,” Aida said.

“It’s surprising, right? That the prices are so high and that everything increases except salaries,” one woman, Davieba, said. “To be sincere with you, I can’t even fill it up because of the prices. So I keep filling it up with only what I need.”

“Before I’d fill it up with, because I have a small car, I filled it with $40. Now it’s like $63 to $65, almost double,” Manuel, an Olvera Street market owner, said.

The economic impact of high gas prices is hitting their budgets, too. As gas taxes and refinery constraints keep California’s prices the highest in the nation, drivers are watching their bank accounts drain in real time and having to make spending concessions as inflation remains elevated.

When asked where that $100 would go if it wasn’t spent at the pump, Bessy said, “going out, having fun;” Davieba said, “definitely food;” Manuel would put the money back into his market; Amador would “take a vacation;” and Nick would’ve splurged at Coachella.

In a city famous for its car culture, the fiscal weight of fuel is also doing what decades of urban planning couldn’t do: forcing people onto public transit out of pure “necessity.”

“This time, I take the decision to not [drive] because of that. So I’m taking the train instead of paying for gas and parking,” Bessy explained.

“[I’m] taking as much public transportation as I can right now. If it’s something that I have to drive, I’ll drive,” Amador said. “But other than that, if I can get there by a bus or a train, I’d take that instead.”

“I want everything to be close, but unfortunately, jobs are far,” Davieba said, “so that necessity makes you go out, and you have to go out to find the money to live.”

The high cost of fuel and the mental toll of the road have added a layer of volatility to an already aggressive driving environment. For these drivers who have seen how the rest of the country lives, the contrast is stark and demoralizing.

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“Miserable, miserable, miserable,” Aida said when asked to describe what it’s like to be a driver in Los Angeles. “I just came back from Nebraska. People in Nebraska, I did the worst three-point turn that a human has ever done, ever. And the man I cut off looked at me and was like, ‘Bye, have a good day!’ Here, you can just be minding your business and someone’s like, ‘I’m gonna T-bone you!’ You know what I mean? So it’s awful. It’s very stressful. It’s painful and very scary. I love LA. It’s just, there’s a lot going on here.”

“Traffic is about the same, still brutal,” Nick said. “[It’s] probably one of the worst places to be a driver in the U.S.”

This is Part 2 of Fox News Digital’s series, “Golden State strain: Inside California’s economic nightmare.” In the next installment, Los Angeles city leaders and state officials answer for the mystery surcharges and tax burdens hitting the pump, and whether any real relief is on the horizon for millions of Californians.

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America loves President Trump and the Republican Party on all the key issues, according to one major poll, the Harvard-Harris CAPS poll, presided over by a former adviser to President Clinton, Mark Penn, who is most certainly a moderate Democrat, not a crazy one. This is a well respected poll. Of the 2,745 registered voters who were surveyed, the split was 977 Republicans, 984 Democrats, and 785 Independents. So it’s 50-50.

What’s interesting about this poll is that it picks up and agrees with many other polls about the key issues. Affordability, the economy, immigration, healthcare, Iran, et cetera. Where it differs from many other polls and lefty press reporting, though, is that while some people may blame Republicans, they blame Democrats more on all the key issues.

Let’s start with Iran, 74 percent of the voters believe the U.S. is currently winning in Iran. Virtually every press organization is telling us Iran is winning, believe it or not. Then the poll goes on, 74 percent believe Iran should be prevented from obtaining nukes. Some 66 percent want Mr. Trump to insist on all major conditions in any negotiation. And 57 percent approve of the blockade. There’s a warning here for Democrats, because as Speaker Newt Gingrich has mentioned, Democrats have become the pro-Iran party. Not a good place to be. And as I’ve said many times, Iran will be a sleeper issue come the midterms.

Now on the economy — people are very worried about prices and affordability. Got it. When you ask them who do you trust more to manage the economy, though, the responses are: Mr. Trump and Republicans 53 percent, Democrats 47 percent. That’s a 6-point deficit.

Normally a typical news desk, I don’t care whether it’s the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, or the Washington Post. All the legacy lefties. The typical news desk will assume because affordability is the issue, Mr. Trump is to blame. Nope. People have even less confidence in Democrats.

Here’s another point, open borders. On this issue, 58 percent think Democrats are in favor of open borders. Here’s another one. Voter ID. Some 65 percent of those polled think Democrats are against voter ID requirements. And they like it very much that Republicans are in favor of voter ID in order to vote. Here’s another one. The race for Congress, you’d think the Democrats are ahead by 10 points given the press coverage day in and day out. Wrong. The Harvard Harris poll shows 50-50, which historically could mean the GOP is well ahead because over the years polling has taken half a dozen points off of the final Republican tally.

As I always say, polls are not votes. Only votes are votes. I’ll also say that press coverage is not fair. It’s heavily biased against Mr. Trump and the GOP. And I will add to that, most public press-sponsored polling is heavily biased against Mr. Trump and the GOP. The Harvard Harris poll is the exception and there are other exceptions, but I believe the country is very much behind Mr. Trump. And there’s going to be a big surprise come this November.

The IRS’ taxpayer advocate issued a notice that tens of millions of American taxpayers may be entitled to refunds or reduced penalties and interest due to the postponement of filing deadlines during the COVID-19 emergency declaration.

The National Taxpayer Advocate said in a post on Thursday that refunds or abatements may be available to tens of millions of taxpayers for penalties and interest that were assessed by the IRS during the 3.5-year COVID disaster declaration period.

It explained that the issue has arisen due to recent court decisions, including a ruling in what’s known as the Kwong case that the tax code’s handling of federal disaster declarations meant that filing and payment deadlines were postponed throughout the period from Jan. 20, 2020, through May 11, 2023.

The taxpayer advocate noted that the Justice Department may appeal the decision, but the relief compelled by the ruling isn’t automatic and affected taxpayers must file their refund claims by July 10, 2026.

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Tens of millions of taxpayers may be owed refunds or lower abatement due to the court ruling, but they face a summer filing deadline to receive them. (iStock)

“Because of the infrequency of a disaster lasting this long, most taxpayers, even most tax professionals, did not foresee that filing deadlines and payments deadlines would be postponed for this long and that return filings and payments would not be considered late and therefore not subject to penalties and interest. But that is the logical extension of what the court ruled,” the National Taxpayer Advocate wrote.

They went on to warn that barring further action by the IRS or Congress to make sure that all taxpayers impacted by the ruling get what they’re owed, such taxpayers face a fast-approaching deadline to file their claims.

AVERAGE TAX REFUND UP NEARLY 11% FROM A YEAR AGO, IRS DATA SHOWS

Taxpayers will need to submit claims by a paper form ahead of the deadline, barring changes to the IRS’ process. (Jordan Vonderhaar/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“Unless the IRS or Congress acts to ensure all affected taxpayers will receive refunds if the Kwong decision is upheld, taxpayers seeking refunds for penalties and interest they paid relating to that period will, in most cases, need to file claims by July 10, 2026,” the advocate explained.

“At the risk of repetition, my overriding goal is to get the word out to as many taxpayers as possible and to avoid disparate results between the ‘well advised’ and the unaware,’” they said.

The taxpayer advocate said that affected taxpayers may be entitled to a refund or abatement of amounts assessed during the COVID period for:

• Penalties assessed for failure to file timely returns, failure to pay taxes, or failure to make estimated tax payments;
• Interest that began accruing earlier than it should have, or not at all; and
• Overpayment interest for the 2020-2023 disaster period.

TAX REFUNDS ARE BIGGER THAN EVER THIS YEAR, BUT RESIDENTS OF 5 STATES ARE CASHING IN THE MOST

The COVID emergency declaration delayed filing and payment deadlines, according to a recent court ruling. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

The notice cautioned that the IRS requires claims under Form 843 to be filed through paper submissions, and because such filings may not provide an immediate confirmation of receipt, it advised that taxpayers should send claims by certified mail to have evidence of their timely submission in case the forms are lost.

The taxpayer advocate recommended that the IRS should abide by the Taxpayer Bill of Rights and take four steps, including publicizing the issue for taxpayers, providing a six-month filing extension for refund claims, consider providing systemic relief so taxpayers don’t have to file, and to create an electronic submission portal.

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It also urged tax professionals to inform clients about the issue, members of Congress to highlight the issue in communications with constituents, and for the media to report about it for the public’s knowledge.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Formula One returns to American soil this weekend for the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, the fourth round of the 2026 season and the first sprint weekend of the year. Fans around the world are eager to tune in as drivers battle at the Miami International Autodrome from May 1-3, with the main race scheduled for Sunday at 4 p.m. ET.

This year’s Miami event features a compressed sprint format that delivers high-stakes action across three days. Free Practice 1 kicks off Friday at noon ET, followed by Sprint Shootout later that afternoon. Saturday brings the Sprint race and qualifying for the Grand Prix, culminating in Sunday’s 57-lap main event under Florida sunshine. The unique layout, blending high-speed straights with tight corners around Hard Rock Stadium, promises exciting overtakes and strategic battles.

In the United States, Apple TV serves as the exclusive home for Formula One broadcasts under a multi-year deal. Viewers with an Apple TV+ subscription can stream every session live, including practice, qualifying, sprints and the race, often with F1 TV integration providing enhanced access. F1 TV Pro offers additional features such as onboard cameras for all 22 drivers, team radio audio, and commercial-free coverage in multiple languages. The service streams seamlessly on Apple TV devices, Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and more.

For those without Apple TV, F1 TV Premium provides a direct subscription option with comprehensive live coverage and on-demand replays. International viewers have varied options: Sky Sports in the UK broadcasts all sessions on Sky Sports F1 and Main Event, while other regions rely on local rights holders or F1 TV. Yahoo Sports and other sports hubs may offer highlights or supplemental streams for select sessions.

The 2026 season has already delivered drama, with tight championship standings heading into Miami. Max Verstappen and Red Bull seek to maintain early momentum, while challengers from McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes and emerging teams like Cadillac and Audi push for podiums. Sprint weekends compress the schedule, heightening pressure on drivers and strategists as tire management, qualifying pace and racecraft take center stage.

Miami’s appeal extends beyond the track. The event transforms the area into a glamour hub with celebrity sightings, concerts and fan zones. The circuit’s mix of temporary and permanent sections creates a unique challenge — long straights for top speeds near 210 mph and technical sections rewarding precision. Past races here have featured memorable moments, from overtakes under the stadium lights to safety car deployments that reshuffled the order.

Weather forecasts for the weekend call for warm conditions with a chance of isolated showers, typical for South Florida in early May. Teams will monitor track evolution closely, as rubber buildup changes grip levels throughout the weekend. Pirelli brings its softest tire compounds, favoring aggressive strategies in the sprint and Grand Prix.

Broadcast details emphasize accessibility. Apple TV subscribers can watch on smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets or computers via the app. F1 TV Pro subscribers gain multi-screen viewing, data overlays and historical archives. For international fans, check local listings — many European broadcasters air live on traditional TV alongside streaming. Free highlights packages are often available post-session on official F1 channels and partner sites.

The sprint format alters preparation. Teams have limited practice time — just one 90-minute session Friday before Sprint Shootout. This rewards adaptability and simulation work done in factories beforehand. Drivers like Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, with strong Miami histories, could capitalize, while rookies and midfield battlers fight for crucial points.

Fan engagement has surged with F1’s streaming shift. Interactive features on F1 TV allow viewers to switch camera angles, listen to engineering chatter and follow live timing data. Apple TV integrates smoothly with existing subscriptions, making it easier for casual fans to join without additional hardware. Pre-race shows, post-race analysis and driver interviews provide context for those new to the sport.

Ticket sales for the Miami Grand Prix indicate strong demand, with grandstands and hospitality packages selling briskly. For those unable to attend, home viewing offers near-trackside immersion through high-definition broadcasts and expert commentary from former drivers and journalists. Networks emphasize storytelling, highlighting rivalries, technical innovations and human elements behind the machines.

Historically, Miami has produced unpredictable results due to its layout and variable conditions. Strategic calls on pit stops and tire choices often prove decisive in both sprint and feature races. As the championship tightens, every point counts, adding pressure in this early-season sprint.

Preparation tips for viewers include downloading apps in advance, ensuring stable internet for streaming, and checking local time conversions for global audiences. Many will wake early or stay up late depending on location — European fans face evening broadcasts, while Asia-Pacific viewers tune in during morning hours.

The Miami Grand Prix also spotlights Formula One’s growth in the U.S. market. Increased visibility through streaming platforms, Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” influence and celebrity involvement have broadened appeal. This weekend’s event continues that trend, blending elite motorsport with South Florida’s vibrant culture.

Teams arrive with updated packages after early-season testing and races. Aerodynamic tweaks, engine reliability and driver fitness will be under scrutiny. Injuries or mechanical gremlins could shuffle the grid, while weather variables add another layer of strategy.

For cord-cutters, Apple TV and F1 TV eliminate traditional cable barriers. Bundles or trials may be available, with customer service ready to assist setup. Highlights and condensed replays ensure no one misses key moments even with busy schedules.

As engines fire up in Miami, the racing world converges on South Florida. Whether cheering from home, a sports bar or trackside, fans can immerse in one of the calendar’s most anticipated weekends. The combination of sprint excitement and full Grand Prix drama guarantees thrilling viewing wherever you tune in.