Ross Barkley’s 85th-minute winner gave them victory after they had twice squandered the lead in Germany. John McGinn and Jhon Duran goals at the start of each half were cancelled out by Lois Openda and Christoph Baumgartner. But Barkley had the final say less than two minutes after coming off the bench as his deflected effort earned the points which sent his side third in the new Champions League league phase. The top eight automatically qualify for the next stage and with games against Monaco and Celtic to come, Unai Emery’s men are a good bet to avoid the need for a play-off round in their first foray in this competition. Leipzig are out, having lost all six of their games. Villa enjoyed a dream start and were ahead with less than three minutes on the clock. Matty Cash, playing in a more advanced position on the right, crossed for Ollie Watkins, who nodded down into the path of McGinn and the skipper made no mistake from close range. That gave the visitors confidence and they had enough chances in the first 15 minutes to have the game wrapped up. Lucas Digne’s cross from the left was begging to be converted but Watkins could not make contact from close range and then Morgan Rogers shot straight at Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. Then Youri Tielemans found himself with time and space on the edge of the area from Watkins’ tee-up but the Belgium international disappointingly dragged wide. All that good work was undone in the 27th minute, though, as Emiliano Martinez was left red-faced. The Argentinian was too casual waiting to collect Nicolas Seiwald’s long ball and Openda nipped in to get the ball first and tap into an empty net. pic.twitter.com/LGoAMrLkQy — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 10, 2024 Duran was introduced at the break and needed just a couple of minutes to fire a warning when he drilled wide after a loose ball fell to him 14 yards out. But the Colombian got his goal in the 52nd minute, though it was another moment for the goalkeeper to forget. Duran was invited to drive forward and unleashed a 25-yard shot, which was hardly an Exocet, but still was too much for Gulacsi, who barely even jumped. It was his 10th goal of the season and sixth from the bench as he continues his super-sub role. 😍 pic.twitter.com/ZHeVFiYUW9 — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 10, 2024 The striker was not complaining and he thought he had doubled his tally shortly after when he converted Cash’s centre but the provider was ruled offside by VAR. Five minutes later, Villa found themselves pegged back again with a finish of real quality. Openda was sent clear by another long ball and his cross was perfect for Baumgartner to cushion a far-post volley back across goal and into the corner. Digne brought a save out of Gulacsi and then Openda shot straight at Martinez as both sides pushed for a winner. It was Villa who got it as Barkley saw his deflected effort wrong-foot Gulacsi and hit the back of the net.80jili net 。

A WOMAN has revealed just how bad the mould problem is in her home and it's left the internet stunned. Mum of two Courtney took to social media to show the extensive cleaning routine she has to do every day to battle mould and condensation. In the clip, she said: "My whole house is covered in condensation damp and mould, I'm gonna show you the things that I put in place to prevent it and I need some advice on some stuff I can do as well." She revealed she has an extractor fan in the kitchen and bathroom, but despite this she still uses mould spray every single day. As well as that she also uses small dehumidifiers on every single windowsill. But despite that, she still couldn't tackle the mould in her home . READ MORE ON HOMES Courtney added: "I have cupboards in the kitchen that turn all of my pans mouldy. "This is just an example of two of the pans that have gone mouldy in that cupboard." She picked up one of the oven trays that she had never even used and it was covered in green fluffy mould. "This here is my daughter's windowsill," she continued "I clean this every day." Most read in Fabulous "And there's just a puddle of water on the windowsill every single day, all around this window in the hallway gets really fluffy mould." In the bathroom, she revealed that one of the walls was crumbling away because of how damp it was. Courtney added: "I don't know why this keeps happening, I really feel like I've exhausted every option, and I just need help now I'm getting so sick of it at this point." The clip soon went viral on her TikTok account @ courtxed with over 75k views and 1,400 likes. People were quick to take to the comments and offer their advice. Many recommended the HG Mould Spray over the one she used in the video and it can be bought for £5.25 from Asda. Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months. Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is. "Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place. "That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing. "This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on. "If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there's not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit. "This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould. "If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it. "The key to tackle mould is to act fast. "Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them. "To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home. "The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering. "If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning. "The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it! "To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK's No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover , that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary." One person wrote: "HG mould spray is amazing it’s on Amazon ." Another commented: "Mould is so scary." "That mould spray didn’t work very well! I used HG or white vinegar," penned a third. Meanwhile a fourth said: "We have the same problem, we are currently using a dehumidifier but also bought a window vac. Go over the windows every morning." "You need a dehumidifier. Expensive but worth it,” claimed a fifth. READ MORE SUN STORIES Someone else added: “Get a dehumidifier girl. Those little things do nothing and with the amount you're buying you'll save eventually." Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line .

By JILL COLVIN NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump wants to turn the lights out on daylight saving time. In a post on his social media site Friday, Trump said his party would try to end the practice when he returns to office. “The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation,” he wrote. Setting clocks forward one hour in the spring and back an hour in the fall is intended to maximize daylight during summer months, but has long been subject to scrutiny. Daylight saving time was first adopted as a wartime measure in 1942. Lawmakers have occasionally proposed getting rid of the time change altogether. The most prominent recent attempt, a now-stalled bipartisan bill named the Sunshine Protection Act , had proposed making daylight saving time permanent. The measure was sponsored by Florida Sen. Marco Rubio , whom Trump has tapped to helm the State Department. Related Articles National Politics | Trump’s lawyers rebuff DA’s idea for upholding his hush money conviction, calling it ‘absurd’ National Politics | Ruling by a conservative Supreme Court could help blue states resist Trump policies National Politics | A nonprofit leader, a social worker: Here are the stories of the people on Biden’s clemency list National Politics | Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she ‘sustained an injury’ on official trip to Luxembourg National Politics | Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump’s suite at football game “Changing the clock twice a year is outdated and unnecessary,” Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida said as the Senate voted in favor of the measure. Health experts have said that lawmakers have it backward and that standard time should be made permanent. Some health groups , including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have said that it’s time to do away with time switches and that sticking with standard time aligns better with the sun — and human biology. Most countries do not observe daylight saving time. For those that do, the date that clocks are changed varies, creating a complicated tapestry of changing time differences. Arizona and Hawaii don’t change their clocks at all.BOSTON , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors (the "Board") of The China Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") has declared a distribution in the amount of $0.1497 per share. The distribution is comprised entirely of ordinary income. The dividend will be payable on January 10, 2025 , to stockholders of record on December 30, 2024 , with an ex-dividend date of December 30, 2024 . The Fund has a Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the "Plan") in which each stockholder automatically participates, unless the stockholder instructs Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the "Plan Agent"), in writing, to have all distributions, net of any applicable U.S. withholding tax, paid in cash. If the Fund's shares are trading at a premium to the net asset value ("NAV") per share of the Fund on the distribution payment date, the Plan provides that stockholders will be issued Fund shares valued at NAV. If the Fund's shares are trading at a discount to the NAV per share, stockholders will be issued shares of the Fund valued at market price. Stockholders will not be charged a fee in connection with the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. A stockholder may terminate his or her participation in the Plan by notifying the Plan Agent in writing at the address below. Stockholders who have questions regarding the distribution may contact EQ Fund Solutions, LLC at 1-888-CHN-CALL (246-2255). The Fund is a closed-end management investment company with the objective of seeking long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities (i) of companies for which the principal securities trading market is in the People's Republic of China (" China "), or (ii) of companies for which the principal securities trading market is outside of China , or constituting direct equity investments in companies organized outside of China , that in both cases derive at least 50% of their revenues from goods and services sold or produced, or have at least 50% of their assets, in China . While the Fund is permitted to invest in direct equity investments of companies organized in China , it presently holds no such investments. The Fund's shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "CHN." The Fund's investment manager is Matthews International Capital Management, LLC. For more information regarding the Fund and the Fund's holdings, please call 1-888-CHN-CALL (246-2255) or visit the Fund's website at www.chinafundinc.com . For more information about the Plan or to terminate your participation in the Plan, please contact Computershare Trust Company, N.A. at c/o The China Fund, Inc. at P.O. Box 43078, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3078, by telephone at 1-800-426-5523 or via the Internet at www.computershare.com/investor . View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-china-fund-inc-declares-distributions-302331625.html SOURCE The China Fund, Inc.

Games to snuggle up with this holiday seasonQLD News Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News. A resident of one of Brisbane’s most elite suburbs has caused a stink on social media after becoming outraged by passers-by dumping their filled dog bags in her outside rubbish bin. The Ascot resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said on Wednesday that when they pulled their bin in from the kerb, after collection, noticed that there were five separate bags of dog poo in it. “Locals passing by and (are) discarding their poo in my bin,” the resident said. “This is unfair for locals to dump this in my bin.” The resident said that they were headed for a 16-week holiday that afternoon and leaving the poo bags for that long would be “gross”. “The problem is we are now heading to the airport for a 4pm flight ...(we) will not be putting our bins out,” they said. “It’s unfair for me to pop it in a neighbours bin. Please take your dogs poo home to your own bin. “This is not right, to leave others to deal with it ... It’s your dog’s poop, you deal with discarding it.” The social media rant received an abundance of responses, laced with sarcasm, from fellow Ascot residents. The resident said people dumping poo bags in their bin was "gross". Photo: iStock An Ascot resident said that if you went looking for trouble you were bound to find it. “Hang on, you went scrambling down into the bottom of a smelly old wheelie bin to fish out five plastic bags and opened each to see what was in them?” they said. Another said, “It’s dog s**t. In a bag. I’m sure much worse goes in there.” “Yes it is inconvenient, but better then stepping in poop on your doorstep,” said another resident. The resident said they had since organised for her neighbour to take their bin to the kerb next week to dispose of the poo bags. “I’m really disappointed at the responses, discard of your own pet faeces,” they said. Originally published as Brisbane resident causes a stink over dog poo dumping More related stories QLD News Qld’s new Housing Minister jacks up rent on savvy investment property Qld’s new Housing Minister Sam O’Connor slapped a huge rent rise on his Gold Coast unit after a long-term tenant moved out. THIS IS GEORGE STREET BEAT Read more QLD News Qld surgeons perform medical miracle on newborn-sized 18-month-old At 18 months old, this Queensland toddler still wears newborn-sized clothes and her elfin size created a massive dilemma for surgeons determined to give her the ability to walk. Read moreGames to snuggle up with this holiday season

Company news: Crouse Health board appoints Catherine Gridley provided photo Brenda Duncan | bduncan@syracuse.com Catherine Gridley has been appointed to the Crouse Health board of directors. An international executive with more than 20 years of global leadership experience in defense and commercial industries, Gridley currently serves as executive vice president and president of the aerospace and defense sector of TTM Technologies , which has a significant presence in Syracuse. Recent People in Motion stories Company news: Upstate Medical University hires Dr. Callistus Ditah Company news: DiMarco, Abiusi & Pascarella hires Leena Trinh Company news: Jeff Reisner and Christina Santone hired by Key Private Bank Company news: Gabriela C. Groman hired by Hancock Estabrook law firm Company news: Dan Phillips retires, Joe McManus promoted by Pathfinder BankBOSTON , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors (the "Board") of The China Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") has declared a distribution in the amount of $0.1497 per share. The distribution is comprised entirely of ordinary income. The dividend will be payable on January 10, 2025 , to stockholders of record on December 30, 2024 , with an ex-dividend date of December 30, 2024 . The Fund has a Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the "Plan") in which each stockholder automatically participates, unless the stockholder instructs Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the "Plan Agent"), in writing, to have all distributions, net of any applicable U.S. withholding tax, paid in cash. If the Fund's shares are trading at a premium to the net asset value ("NAV") per share of the Fund on the distribution payment date, the Plan provides that stockholders will be issued Fund shares valued at NAV. If the Fund's shares are trading at a discount to the NAV per share, stockholders will be issued shares of the Fund valued at market price. Stockholders will not be charged a fee in connection with the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. A stockholder may terminate his or her participation in the Plan by notifying the Plan Agent in writing at the address below. Stockholders who have questions regarding the distribution may contact EQ Fund Solutions, LLC at 1-888-CHN-CALL (246-2255). The Fund is a closed-end management investment company with the objective of seeking long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities (i) of companies for which the principal securities trading market is in the People's Republic of China (" China "), or (ii) of companies for which the principal securities trading market is outside of China , or constituting direct equity investments in companies organized outside of China , that in both cases derive at least 50% of their revenues from goods and services sold or produced, or have at least 50% of their assets, in China . While the Fund is permitted to invest in direct equity investments of companies organized in China , it presently holds no such investments. The Fund's shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "CHN." The Fund's investment manager is Matthews International Capital Management, LLC. For more information regarding the Fund and the Fund's holdings, please call 1-888-CHN-CALL (246-2255) or visit the Fund's website at www.chinafundinc.com . For more information about the Plan or to terminate your participation in the Plan, please contact Computershare Trust Company, N.A. at c/o The China Fund, Inc. at P.O. Box 43078, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3078, by telephone at 1-800-426-5523 or via the Internet at www.computershare.com/investor . SOURCE The China Fund, Inc.From wealth and success to murder suspect, the life of Luigi Mangione took a hard turn

CorVel Announces Three-For-One Forward Stock Split and Authorized Share Increase

NoneHeisman Trophy ceremony has a different vibe this year

By EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court should overturn Mississippi’s Jim Crow-era practice of removing voting rights from people convicted of certain felonies, including nonviolent crimes such as forgery and timber theft, attorneys say in new court papers. Most of the people affected are disenfranchised for life because the state provides few options for restoring ballot access. “Mississippi’s harsh and unforgiving felony disenfranchisement scheme is a national outlier,” attorneys representing some who lost voting rights said in an appeal filed Wednesday. They wrote that states “have consistently moved away from lifetime felony disenfranchisement over the past few decades.” This case is the second in recent years — and the third since the late 19th century — that asks the Supreme Court to overturn Mississippi’s disenfranchisement for some felonies. The cases use different legal arguments, and the court rejected the most recent attempt in 2023. The new appeal asks justices to reverse a July ruling from the conservative 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which said Mississippi legislators, not the courts, must decide whether to change the laws. Stripping away voting rights for some crimes is unconstitutional because it is cruel and unusual punishment, the appeal argues. A majority of justices rejected arguments over cruel and unusual punishment in June when they cleared the way for cities to enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outside in public places. Attorneys who sued Mississippi over voting rights say the authors of the state’s 1890 constitution based disenfranchisement on a list of crimes they thought Black people were more likely to commit. A majority of the appeals judges wrote that the Supreme Court in 1974 reaffirmed constitutional law allowing states to disenfranchise felons. About 38% of Mississippi residents are Black. Nearly 50,000 people were disenfranchised under the state’s felony voting ban between 1994 and 2017. More than 29,000 of them have completed their sentences, and about 58% of that group are Black, according to an expert who analyzed data for plaintiffs challenging the voting ban. Related Articles National Politics | Trump convinced Republicans to overlook his misconduct. But can he do the same for his nominees? National Politics | Beyond evangelicals, Trump and his allies courted smaller faith groups, from the Amish to Chabad National Politics | Trump gave Interior nominee one directive for a half-billion acres of US land: ‘Drill.’ National Politics | Trump’s team is delaying transition agreements. What does it mean for security checks and governing? National Politics | Judge delays Trump hush money sentencing in order to decide where case should go now To regain voting rights in Mississippi, a person convicted of a disenfranchising crime must receive a governor’s pardon or win permission from two-thirds of the state House and Senate. In recent years, legislators have restored voting rights for only a few people. The other recent case that went to the Supreme Court argued that authors of Mississippi’s constitution showed racist intent when they chose which felonies would cause people to lose the right to vote. In that ruling, justices declined to reconsider a 2022 appeals court decision that said Mississippi remedied the discriminatory intent of the original provisions in the state constitution by later altering the list of disenfranchising crimes. In 1950, Mississippi dropped burglary from the list. Murder and rape were added in 1968. The Mississippi attorney general issued an opinion in 2009 that expanded the list to 22 crimes, including timber larceny, carjacking, felony-level shoplifting and felony-level writing bad checks. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote in a 2023 dissent that Mississippi’s list of disenfranchising crimes was “adopted for an illicit discriminatory purpose.”

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Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of a healthcare executive in New York City, apparently was living a charmed life: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation's top private universities. Friends at an exclusive co-living space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Hawaii where the 26-year-old Mangione once lived widely considered him a “great guy,” and pictures on his social media accounts show a fit, smiling, handsome young man on beaches and at parties.Elon Musk has sparked controversy by urging his followers to boycott donations to Wikipedia, dubbing it “Wokepedia” until it “restore(s) balance to their editing authority.” The tech mogul’s comments came in response to a post highlighting Wikipedia’s 2023-4 annual report, which showed nearly 30% of its budget allocated to “equity” and “safety & inclusion.” Wikipedia, the fourth most visited website globally with 6.7 billion monthly visits, has long faced accusations of bias from various political perspectives. Its open editing policy has led to contentious battles over content, particularly for controversial figures. Musk’s call for action was prompted by a post from the conservative account “Libs of TikTok,” which claimed Wikipedia spent over $50 million on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. The platform’s budget breakdown shows $31.2 million for equity and $20.5 million for safety and inclusion out of a total $177 million budget. Related Story: Critics argue that Wikipedia exhibits a left-leaning bias. David Rozado, an associate professor at Otago Polytechnic, found that “Wikipedia was more likely to portray right-leaning figures negatively than their left-leaning counterparts.” However, Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales has denied accusations of being “woke,” stating, “We do have a very long tradition of, you know, having respect for freedom of expression.” The impact of Musk’s comments on Wikipedia’s fundraising efforts remains uncertain. As a nonprofit organization, the website relies on donations to maintain its operations. Read more at

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Armada Hoffler (NYSE: AHH) announced that its Board of Directors declared the cash dividend of $0.205 per common share. The fourth quarter dividend will be paid in cash on January 2, 2025, to stockholders of record on December 26, 2024. The Board of Directors also declared a cash dividend of $0.421875 per share on its 6.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock payable on January 15, 2025, to stockholders of record on December 31, 2024. About Armada Hoffler Armada Hoffler is a vertically integrated, self-managed real estate investment trust ("REIT") with over four decades of experience developing, building, acquiring, and managing high-quality, institutional-grade office, retail, and multifamily properties located primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States. In addition to developing and building properties for its own account, the Company also provides development and general contracting construction services to third-party clients. Founded in 1979 by Daniel A. Hoffler, the Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For more information, visit ArmadaHoffler.com . Contact: Chelsea Forrest Armada Hoffler VP of Corp. Comms. and Investor Relations Email: CForrest@ArmadaHoffler.com Phone: (757) 366-4000JMU's Lindsay named Sun Belt Player of the Week

Armada Hoffler Announces Quarterly Dividend

Blake Snell reportedly has joined his former team's biggest rival. After opting out of his Giants contract and entering MLB free agency this offseason, Snell has agreed to a five-year, $182 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers pending a physical, ESPN's Jeff Passan and Jorge Castillo reported Tuesday, citing sources. Snell seemingly confirmed the news with a post on his Instagram account. It's no surprise Los Angeles landed the two-time Cy Young Award winner. The Dodgers have shattered free-agency expectations in recent offseasons, inflating their payroll and even deferring millions of dollars to future years so they can sign stars including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman -- the list goes on. It paid off for San Francisco's NL West rivals in 2024, as Los Angeles won its eighth World Series title last month when it defeated the New York Yankees in five games. And the Dodgers appear to be taking the deferred money route with Snell, as they did when they signed Ohtani last winter. Snell's lone Giants campaign started off rocky after the ace endured an offseason without spring training while searching for a home in free agency. But after a rough first half to the 2024 MLB season, Snell quickly rounded into Cy Young form, even pitching a no-hitter for San Francisco on Aug. 2 against the Cincinnati Reds. His hot second half led Snell to opt out of the remaining year on his Giants contract, making him the best available pitcher on the open market. This time, negotiations with MLB teams didn't last as long. Because the Dodgers, as usual, swooped in. Download and follow the Giants Talk PodcastCHICAGO — With a wave of her bangled brown fingertips to the melody of flutes and chimes, artist, theologian and academic Tricia Hersey enchanted a crowd into a dreamlike state of rest at Semicolon Books on North Michigan Avenue. “The systems can’t have you,” Hersey said into the microphone, reading mantras while leading the crowd in a group daydreaming exercise on a recent Tuesday night. The South Side native tackles many of society’s ills — racism, patriarchy, aggressive capitalism and ableism — through an undervalued yet impactful action: rest. Hersey, the founder of a movement called the Nap Ministry, dubs herself the Nap Bishop and spreads her message to over half a million followers on her Instagram account, @thenapministry . Her first book, “Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto,” became a New York Times bestseller in 2022, but Hersey has been talking about rest online and through her art for nearly a decade. Hersey, who has degrees in public health and divinity, originated the “rest as resistance” and “rest as reparations” frameworks after experimenting with rest as an exhausted graduate student in seminary. Once she started napping, she felt happier and her grades improved. But she also felt more connected to her ancestors; her work was informed by the cultural trauma of slavery that she was studying as an archivist. Hersey described the transformation as “life-changing.” The Nap Ministry began as performance art in 2017, with a small installation where 40 people joined Hersey in a collective nap. Since then, her message has morphed into multiple mediums and forms. Hersey, who now lives in Atlanta, has hosted over 100 collective naps, given lectures and facilitated meditations across the country. She’s even led a rest ritual in the bedroom of Jane Addams , and encourages her followers to dial in at her “Rest Hotline.” At Semicolon, some of those followers and newcomers came out to see Hersey in discussion with journalist Natalie Moore on Hersey’s latest book, “We Will Rest! The Art of Escape,” released this month, and to learn what it means to take a moment to rest in community. Moore recalled a time when she was trying to get ahead of chores on a weeknight. “I was like, ‘If I do this, then I’ll have less to do tomorrow.’ But then I was really tired,” Moore said. “I thought, ‘What would my Nap Bishop say? She would say go lay down.’ Tricia is in my head a lot.” At the event, Al Kelly, 33, of Rogers Park, said some of those seated in the crowd of mostly Black women woke up in tears — possibly because, for the first time, someone permitted them to rest. “It was so emotional and allowed me to think creatively about things that I want to work on and achieve,” Kelly said. Shortly after the program, Juliette Viassy, 33, a program manager who lives in the South Loop and is new to Hersey’s work, said this was her first time meditating after never being able to do it on her own. Therapist Lyndsei Howze, 33, of Printers Row, who was also seated at the book talk, said she recommends Hersey’s work “to everybody who will listen” — from her clients to her own friends. “A lot of mental health conditions come from lack of rest,” she said. “They come from exhaustion.” Before discovering Hersey’s work this spring, Howze said she and her friends sporadically napped together in one friend’s apartment after an exhausting workweek. “It felt so good just to rest in community,” she said. On Hersey’s book tour, she is leading exercises like this across the country. “I think we need to collectively do this,” Hersey explained. “We need to learn again how to daydream because we’ve been told not to do it. I don’t think most people even have a daydreaming practice.” Daydreaming, Hersey said, allows people to imagine a new world. Hersey tells her followers that yes, you can rest, even when your agenda is packed, even between caregiving, commuting, jobs, bills, emails and other daily demands. And you don’t have to do it alone. There is a community of escape artists, she said of the people who opt out of grind and hustle culture, waiting to embrace you. The book is part pocket prayer book, part instruction manual, with art and handmade typography by San Francisco-based artist George McCalman inspired by 19th-century abolitionist pamphlets, urging readers to reclaim their divine right to rest. Hersey directs her readers like an operative with instructions for a classified mission. “Let grind culture know you are not playing around,” she wrote in her book. “This is not a game or time to shrink. Your thriving depends on the art of escape.” The reluctance to rest can be rooted in capitalist culture presenting rest as a reward for productivity instead of a physical and mental necessity. Hersey deconstructs this idea of grind culture, which she says is rooted in the combined effects of white supremacy, patriarchy and capitalism that “look at the body as not human.” American culture encourages grind culture, Hersey said, but slowing down and building a ritual of rest can offset its toxicity. The author eschews the ballooning billion-dollar self-care industry that encourages people to “save enough money and time off from work to fly away to an expensive retreat,” she wrote. Instead, she says rest can happen anywhere you have a place to be comfortable: in nature, on a yoga mat, in the car between shifts, on a cozy couch after work. Resting isn’t just napping either. She praises long showers, sipping warm tea, playing music, praying or numerous other relaxing activities that slow down the body. “We’re in a crisis mode of deep sleep deprivation, deep lack of self-worth, (and) mental health,” said Hersey. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from 2022 , in Illinois about 37% of adults aren’t getting the rest they need at night. If ignored, the effects of sleep deprivation can have bigger implications later, Hersey said. In October, she lectured at a sleep conference at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, where her humanities work was featured alongside research from the world’s top neuroscientists. Jennifer Mundt, a Northwestern clinician and professor of sleep medicine, psychiatry and behavioral sciences, praises Hersey for bringing the issue of sleep and rest to the public. In a Tribune op-ed last year, Mundt argued that our culture focuses too heavily on sleep as something that must be earned rather than a vital aspect of health and that linking sleep to productivity is harmful and stigmatizing. “Linking sleep and productivity is harmful because it overshadows the bevy of other reasons to prioritize sleep as an essential component of health,” Mundt wrote. “It also stigmatizes groups that are affected by sleep disparities and certain chronic sleep disorders.” In a 30-year longitudinal study released in the spring by the New York University School of Social Work, people who worked long hours and late shifts reported the lowest sleep quality and lowest physical and mental functions, and the highest likelihood of reporting poor health and depression at age 50. The study also showed that Black men and women with limited education “were more likely than others to shoulder the harmful links between nonstandard work schedules and sleep and health, worsening their probability of maintaining and nurturing their health as they approach middle adulthood.” The CDC links sleeping fewer than seven hours a day to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and more. Although the Nap Ministry movement is new for her followers, Hersey’s written about her family’s practice of prioritizing rest, which informs her work. Her dad was a community organizer, a yardmaster for the Union Pacific Railroad Co. and an assistant pastor. Before long hours of work, he would dedicate hours each day to self-care. Hersey also grew up observing her grandma meditate for 30 minutes daily. Through rest, Hersey said she honors her ancestors who were enslaved and confronts generational trauma. When “Rest Is Resistance” was released in 2022, Americans were navigating a pandemic and conversations on glaring racial disparities. “We Will Rest!” comes on the heels of a historic presidential election where Black women fundraised for Vice President Kamala Harris and registered voters in a dizzying three-month campaign. Following Harris’ defeat, many of those women are finding self-care and preservation even more important. “There are a lot of Black women announcing how exhausted they are,” Moore said. “This could be their entry point to get to know (Hersey’s) work, which is bigger than whatever political wind is blowing right now.” Hersey said Chicagoans can meet kindred spirits in her environment of rest. Haji Healing Salon, a wellness center, and the social justice-focused Free Street Theater are sites where Hersey honed her craft and found community. In the fall, the theater put on “Rest/Reposo,” a performance featuring a community naptime outdoors in McKinley Park and in its Back of the Yards space. Haji is also an apothecary and hosts community healing activities, sound meditations and yoga classes. “It is in Bronzeville; it’s a beautiful space owned by my friend Aya,” Hersey said, explaining how her community has helped her build the Nap Ministry. “When I first started the Nap Ministry, before I was even understanding what it was, she was like, come do your work here.” “We Will Rest!” is a collection of poems, drawings and short passages. In contrast to her first book, Hersey said she leaned more into her artistic background; the art process alone took 18 months to complete. After a tough year for many, she considers it medicine for a “sick and exhausted” world. “It’s its own sacred document,” Hersey said. “It’s something that, if you have it in your library and you have it with you, you may feel more human.” lazu@chicagotribune.com

CNOOC Limited Subsidiary Signed SPA With INEOS EnergyThe Baltimore Department of Transportation will activate new automatic speed cameras in a Belair Road school zone Monday, according to a news release. Starting Monday, the release says, the new cameras will detect motorists violating the speed limits between the 3700 and 4800 blocks of Belair Road, a stretch of road near both The Green School of Baltimore and The Belair-Edison School. The cameras automatically detect drivers going at least 12 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, according to DOT. School zone speed cameras will operate between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays. Violations result in a $40 ticket. The department says the block ranges listed may be approximate, and enforcement could be temporary, permanent, or rotating. Belair Road is a notoriously dangerous road for pedestrians. As of last month, fatalities on the road accounted for of Baltimore’s 2024 road deaths.Lina Hurtig’s late strike seals quarters for Arsenal as Juventus knocked out

NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ready Capital Corporation RC (the "Company") announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share of common stock and Operating Partnership unit for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. This dividend is payable on January 31, 2025, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2024. Additionally, the Company announced that its Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends on its 6.25% Series C Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Series C Preferred Stock"), and its 6.50% Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the "Series E Preferred Stock"). The Company declared a dividend of $0.390625 per share of Series C Preferred Stock payable on January 15, 2025, to Series C Preferred stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2024. The Company declared a dividend of $0.40625 per share of Series E Preferred Stock payable on January 31, 2025, to Series E Preferred stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2024. About Ready Capital Corporation Ready Capital Corporation RC is a multi-strategy real estate finance company that originates, acquires, finances and services lower-to-middle-market investor and owner occupied commercial real estate loans. The Company specializes in loans backed by commercial real estate, including agency multifamily, investor, construction, and bridge as well as U.S. Small Business Administration loans under its Section 7(a) program. Headquartered in New York, New York, the Company employs approximately 350 professionals nationwide. Contact Investor Relations 212-257-4666 InvestorRelations@readycapital.com Media Relations PR@readycapital.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Trump’s lawyers rebuff DA’s idea for upholding his hush money conviction, calling it ‘absurd’NEW YORK, Dec. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At the end of the settlement date of December 13, 2024, short interest in 3,063 Nasdaq Global Market SM securities totaled 11,912,589,852 shares compared with 11,857,580,215 shares in 3,065 Global Market issues reported for the prior settlement date of November 29, 2024. The mid-December short interest represents 2.65 days compared with 2.36 days for the prior reporting period. Short interest in 1,672 securities on The Nasdaq Capital Market SM totaled 2,179,343,976 shares at the end of the settlement date of December 13, 2024, compared with 2,052,759,872 shares in 1,665 securities for the previous reporting period. This represents a 1.00 day average daily volume; the previous reporting period’s figure was 1.00. In summary, short interest in all 4,735 Nasdaq® securities totaled 14,091,933,828 shares at the December 13, 2024 settlement date, compared with 4,730 issues and 13,910,340,087 shares at the end of the previous reporting period. This is 2.09 days average daily volume, compared with an average of 1.78 days for the prior reporting period. The open short interest positions reported for each Nasdaq security reflect the total number of shares sold short by all broker/dealers regardless of their exchange affiliations. A short sale is generally understood to mean the sale of a security that the seller does not own or any sale that is consummated by the delivery of a security borrowed by or for the account of the seller. For more information on Nasdaq Short interest positions, including publication dates, visit http://www.nasdaq.com/quotes/short-interest.aspx or http://www.nasdaqtrader.com/asp/short_interest.asp . About Nasdaq: Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions, and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn , on X @Nasdaq , or at www.nasdaq.com . Media Contact: Camille Stafford camille.stafford@nasdaq.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d618ea22-c88f-4168-a5f3-1b6b4f8e8eac NDAQOOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The Duke of York has confirmed that he "ceased all contact" with a businessman, known only as H6, who is accused of being a Chinese spy. This happened as soon as concerns were raised about him, according to a statement from his office. Andrew had met the individual through "official channels" and there was "nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed". H6, who was described as a "close confidante" of The Duke , lost an appeal over a decision to bar him from entering the UK on national security grounds. This followed a case brought to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) after then-home secretary Suella Braverman said in March 2023 that he should be excluded from the UK. In a briefing for the home secretary in July 2023, officials claimed that H6 had been able to generate relationships between prominent UK figures and senior Chinese officials "that could be leveraged for political interference purposes". They also suggested that H6 had downplayed his relationship with the Chinese state, which combined with his relationship with Andrew, 64, represented a threat to national security. A statement from Andrew's office read: "The Duke of York followed advice from His Majesty's Government and ceased all contact with the individual after concerns were raised. The Duke met the individual through official channels with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed. He is unable to comment further on matters relating to national security." In a hearing back in July, the specialist tribunal heard that the businessman was informed by Andrew's adviser that he could represent the duke when liaising with potential investors in China. It was also mentioned that H6 had been invited to Andrew's birthday party in 2020. A letter from the adviser, Dominic Hampshire, referencing the birthday party was found on H6's devices when he was stopped at a port in November 2021. On Thursday, Mr Justice Bourne, Judge Stephen Smith and Sir Stewart Eldon dismissed the challenge. Tom Tugendhat, the Conservative MP for Tonbridge who served in the Cabinet as minister of state for security under the previous government, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Friday: “The United Front Work Department which is a branch of the Communist Party is seeking influence across the UK in everything across social, academic, financial, industrial, and various other ways.” When asked whether Prince Andrew ’s advisers should have been aware of H6, Mr Tugendhat said: “It’s not immediately obvious, it could be someone who’s British who’s working in China and who’s come under the influence, so it’s not quite as black and white as it may first appear – but it’s certainly extremely embarrassing. “It demonstrates I’m afraid that the Chinese state is extremely clear that what its ambition is is to secure influence over foreign countries. “They always talk about no interference in other people’s business when people talk about human rights in China, but they do nothing but interfere in the UK and in many countries across the world.”

Princess Charlotte looks on in awe at surprise performance after Kate Middleton said Prince Louis, six, was 'bursting' to spill the beans The Princess of Wales's Together At Christmas aired on ITV on Christmas Eve READ MORE: Prince Louis' words to Kate at her Christmas carol concert By ELEANOR DYE and ALANAH KHOSLA and REBECCA ENGLISH, ROYAL EDITOR Published: 22:39 GMT, 24 December 2024 | Updated: 23:09 GMT, 24 December 2024 e-mail 28 shares View comments It appears Prince Louis may have managed to keep his 'big secret' after all - as Princess Charlotte was surprised with a ballet performance at Kate's carol concert. The service, which was filmed at London 's Westminster Abbey earlier this month, is Kate's fourth annual Christmas Eve concert and was attended by members of the royal family including Prince William and their children George, Charlotte and Louis. When the service was filmed on December 6, Kate said that she had enlisted Prince Louis, six, to keep the performance by soloists from the Royal Ballet as a surprise for her daughter Princess Charlotte, nine. Kate told Paloma Faith that Louis had been 'bursting' to spill the beans - leading royal fans to doubt that he would actually be able to. But during the spectacular performance on Tuesday night, Charlotte appeared awed and surprised as she watched the ballet - meaning Louis may have held true to his word after all. Speaking to Paloma Faith, Kate said she asked Louis 'Can you keep a secret otherwise it won't be a surprise for Charlotte, who loves her ballet dancing'. She said that Louis agreed. 'He has kept the secret for, what, nearly two weeks now.' 'Very challenging,' said Faith. Princess Charlotte appeared visibly awed as she watched a ballet performance at Kate's carol concert - meaning Prince Louis kept his 'big secret' after all Kate told Paloma Faith that Louis had been 'bursting' to spill the beans - leading royal fans to doubt that he would actually be able to 'For a six-year-old,' replied Kate. 'And then this morning he said: "Mummy, please can I tell her - I'm bursting." I did drop off and he really wanted to tell her. I think - hopefully - he's kept it.' Prince Louis has long stolen the nation's hearts with his adorable actions, and he also delivered a sweet handwritten note during the service. 'Thank you for granny and grandpa because they have played games with me,' the special message read. Meanwhile Princess Charlotte certainly stole the show at the carol service. The young royal, nine, won hearts across the nation through her sweet enjoyment of the service, giggling at various moments alongside her brothers Prince George, 11, and Louis. Richard E. Grant was one of the readers at the service, retelling his tale of A Christmas Carol with some very entertaining voices and expressions. The Wales siblings appeared to be having a thoroughly enjoyable time, with all three laughing and exchanging glances with one another. Charlotte, nine, couldn't keep the smile off her face as she watched the ballet with her family Louis had managed to keep it to himself despite sitting next to Charlotte for the duration of the service Princess Charlotte certainly stole the show at her mother Kate's annual carol service, which aired on Christmas Eve The princess was also seen giggling during the carol O Come All Ye Faithful - but soon composed herself and began singing along heartily. She was also very much the sensible sibling as the family lit candles at the start of the service, with a calm and controlled Charlotte making sure young Prince Louis had his candle lit and was behaving sensibly. During Away In A Manager Charlotte didn't even need to look at her carol sheet, confidently belting the words alongside her smiling mother Kate. And during a ballet performance - for which she was in the front row - Charlotte looked on in awe, fixated on the spectacle. The Princess of Wales returned to screens to host her annual Together At Christmas carol concert after her toughest year yet. The service, which was filmed at Westminster Abbey earlier this month, is Kate's fourth annual Christmas Eve concert and was attended by members of the royal family including Prince William and their children George, Charlotte and Louis. Kate bravely hosted crowds with a beaming smile on her face after an incredibly difficult year in which she has completed preventative chemotherapy treatment for cancer . At the start of her annual carol concert, Kate called for people to 'slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all' and turn to 'love, not fear'. The broadcast of Kate's service featured a special festive message from the royal, 42, in which she spoke about the importance of love and empathy. It marked one of the few times the mother-of-three has made a public appearance this year, after undergoing her cancer treatment - and is part of her gradual return to royal duties. Her heartfelt message was also given in a letter to every guest at the concert on December 6, and 15 regional community services. Kate said: 'Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year, it is a time for presents, tinsel and mince pies, but it's also a time to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all. 'It is when we stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily life, that we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and forgiveness, so much of what the Christmas spirit is all about. The young royal, nine, took charge with lighting the candles, making sure her brothers were being sensible She was also very much the sensible sibling as the family lit candles at the start of the service, with a calm and controlled Charlotte making sure young Prince Louis had his candle lit and was behaving sensibly The young princess was as regal as ever as she sat in the front row alongside her brother Louis and mother Kate Charlotte was listening very intently throughout the service and enthusiastically joined in the singing Prince William and Catherine Princess of Wales together with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at the end of the service The Princess of Wales has returned to screens to host her annual Together At Christmas carol concert after her toughest year yet The Waleses had the front row at the carol service, with the three children sitting in between Kate and William The Princess of Wales called for people to 'slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all' and turn to 'love, not fear' in the opening for her annual carol concert 'The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others. It also reflects our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving empathy, as well as just how much we need each other in spite of our differences. Above all else, it encourages us to turn to love, not fear.' The theme of this year's 'Together at Christmas' concert is love and empathy, which is perhaps suitable considering the difficult year the Princess has had. Kate continued: 'The love that we show ourselves and the love we show others. Love that listens with empathy, love that is kind and understanding, love that is forgiving, and love that brings joy and hope. 'It is love which is the greatest gift we can receive, not just at Christmas but every day of our lives.' Her message was told in the form of a voice over played at the start of the 'Together at Christmas' carol concert at Westminster Abbey. Kate has been described as being ‘hands on’ over every aspect of the service, including holding regular planning meetings at Windsor ahead of filming. On the day the service was filmed, the Princess arrived on her own at 4pm to view the abbey and oversee last minute arrangements. However, the supportive royals have also helped Kate bring her ideas together, with everyone from King Charles , who donated Christmas trees, and Prince Louis, who penned a sweet note, helping to make the service a seasonal success. Kate was joined by her supportive family - Prince William and her children George, Charlotte and Louis A sweet moment from the start of the service showed Princess Charlotte lighting her younger brother Prince Louis's candle Kate was joined by her supportive children who have been by her side throughout her cancer battle Kate (pictured left) hosted her fourth 'Together at Christmas ' concert at Westminster Abbey at the start of December, with members of the royal family such as Prince William and the Wales children Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in attendance The Princess of Wales looked elegant in an Alexander McQueen red coat, featuring a statement black bow, which she teamed with black Ralph Lauren boots for the festive occasion. The event, which was attended by 1,600 people 'reflects upon...how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives'. The service will shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities'. 'It's been a focal point for her, as it is each year,' a source added. Combining traditional and modern elements to encompass people of all faiths and none, the service will see the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir perform some of the nation’s most beloved carols, alongside musical performances by guests including Olivia Dean, Gregory Porter, Paloma Faith and JP Cooper, as well as a specially composed piece by pianist Rosey Chan. Guests will also watch a specially curated performance by two Soloists from The Royal Ballet and students from The Royal Ballet School. During the service, poignant readings linked to the theme of love and empathy will be delivered by speakers including The Prince of Wales, Olympian Adam Peaty OBE, Sophie Okonedo CBE, Michelle Dockery and Richard E. Grant. The Princess of Wales, 42, hosted her fourth 'Together at Christmas' service at the historic church in the heart of London at the start of December Alongside this, candles will be lit by notable people linked to the theme including Lindsey Burrow, Sir Chris Hoy MBE, and teammate Paralympians Lizzi Jordan and Danni Khan. Nodding to the importance of nature as a source of healing and comfort, the Abbey will be adorned with sustainable, festive decorations and foliage, providing a beautiful Christmas backdrop for the Service. This year a ‘Kindness Tree’ will be situated outside the Abbey for guests to dedicate a decoration to someone who has supported them throughout their life, highlighting the importance of empathy, love and kindness to us all. 'In addition, guests waiting to enter the Abbey, will be treated to 2 music by young performers, including a 25-piece steel pan band and jazz ensemble from Restore the Music, a nationwide charity funding music education for young people Sat behind the Wales family, who were in the front row, was Princess Anne 's daughter Zara Tindall, who looked stunning in a velvet suit, while the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were behind William. Next to them was George Gilman, who is married to the Gloucesters' daughter, Lady Rose Windsor. Prince Louis and the Princess of Wales during the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey Lady Rose wasn't present, but Gilman was joined by their daughter Lyla, 14, amid the backdrop of the beautifully decorated Abbey. After Kate's opening speech, the broadcast of her annual festive gathering is narrated by Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald and 'featurse three special community films which bring to life the stories of people and organisations who have inspired, counselled and comforted others in their times of need'. Kensington Palace said: 'In each of the films, the groups are seen receiving letters from the princess inviting them to attend – and in the case of the Sankofa Songsters sing at – the service at Westminster Abbey.' The films showcase the Worcestershire Gingerbread Group, Go Beyond and intergenerational choir the Sankofa Songsters. The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, arrive for the Together At Christmas carol service The first - focusing on the Worcestershire Gingerbread Group - will highlight a single mother based in Worcestershire, who set up the ground to tackle loneliness. The film showcasing Go Beyond will feature six young carers aged between eight and 13, who 'go above and beyond every day to show empathy and support to their families'. And the last will detail an intergenerational choir based in Belong Chester. This not-for-profit care village brings together care home residents and their young friends from The Nursery in Belong, operated by national charity Ready Generations. Kensington Palace says the choir has 'enhanced the lives of everyone, strengthening relationships between all ages by spreading kindness and love, with members aged from two to 100.' It comes after it was revealed the Princess reached out to grieving Lady Gabriella Windsor for help in planning her carol concert. Kate made her appeal over the summer to Lady Gabriella, 43, whose husband Thomas Kingston killed himself in February. The daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent took a major role in planning the Westminster Abbey service on December 6. Lady Gabriella’s husband financier Thomas Kingston, 45, died on February 25 from a head injury and a gun was found near his body at his parents’ home in the Cotswolds. Lady Helen Taylor and Lady Gabriella Windsor arrive for the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in London The Princess of Wales meets Gregory Porter, Olivia Dean and Paloma Faith during the carol service Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and the Princess of Wales during the Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey The carol service was staged on December 6 and featured performances by Paloma Faith, jazz singer Gregory Porter, singer-songwriter JP Cooper who performed with the Soul Sanctuary Choir and new singing talent Olivia Dean. Kate and William were joined by their children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, aged six, who all held candles during the service, as did the other guests who included members of the monarchy. Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, who is terminally ill with prostate cancer, lit a candle as did Lindsey Burrow, the wife of former rugby league star Rob Burrow who died in June following a much-publicised battle with motor neurone disease. Readings were given by actors Richard E Grant, Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery, Sophie Okonedo, nominated for an Oscar for her role in the film Hotel Rwanda, and Olympic swimming gold medallist Adam Peaty. The service, produced by The Royal Foundation, aims to 'celebrate the many people supporting those in need – individuals who have inspired, counselled, comforted, and above all else shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive'. ITV said: 'This theme takes inspiration from the Christmas story which encourages us to consider the experiences of others and the important human need of giving and receiving empathy.' The concert was the first time the Wales family had been seen together in public since their appearance at Trooping the Colour , the King's birthday parade, in June. Kate Middleton , 42, hosted her fourth 'Together at Christmas ' service at the historic church in the heart of London at the start of December. Pictured: Gregory Porter As he performs the Christmas anthem - written by Noël Regney and Gloria Shayne in 1962 as a plea to end the Cuban Missile Crisis - the camera pans to show an audience engrossed in his rendition The concert was one of the few times the mother-of-three has made a public appearance this year, after undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy in the first half of 2024 She was also accompanied by the wider Middleton family , from supportive mother Carole to sister Pippa, 41, and brother James, 37. The princess, who has been 'hands on' over every aspect of the service and held regular planning meetings at Windsor, arrived on her own at 4pm to view the abbey and oversee last minute arrangements before walking around to greet other guests. When singer Paloma Faith expressed sympathy for the princess, who this year underwent chemotherapy, Kate, 42, replied: 'I didn't know this time last year it was going to be the year I've just had '. She went on: ‘The unplanned... but I think lots of people this year have had such challenging times and many who are here today...' The princess, who married Prince William in 2011 and attended the late Queen's funeral in 2022 at Westminster Abbey, said that the building held 'so many memories' for her. Royal Carols: Together At Christmas is available to watch now on ITV1 and ITVX. Prince George Kate Middleton ITV Royals Share or comment on this article: Princess Charlotte looks on in awe at surprise performance after Kate Middleton said Prince Louis, six, was 'bursting' to spill the beans e-mail 28 shares Add comment