Wall Street's holiday cheer ended abruptly on Friday, with all three main benchmarks closing lower in a broad-based sell-off affecting even tech and growth stocks that had driven markets higher through much of the shortened trading week. The decline ended the Dow Jones Industrial Average's five-session winning streak that had followed a 10-session decline, its worst losing stretch since 1974. According to preliminary data, the S&P 500 lost 65.34 points, or 1.08 per cent, to end at 5,972.25 points, while the Nasdaq Composite lost 294.69 points, or 1.47 per cent, to 19,725.67. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 321.73 points, or 0.74 per cent, to 42,992.58. "Today feels like there is quite a bit of profit-taking across the board," said Michael Reynolds, vice president of investment strategy at Glenmede. "We are more than two years into a pretty strong bull market ... so it's really not surprising to see some people taking their profits and rebalancing their portfolios ahead of the new year." The sell-off thwarted the seasonal Santa Claus rally, in which stocks traditionally rise during the last five sessions of December and the first two of January. Since 1969, the S&P 500 has climbed 1.3 per cent on average, according to the Stock Trader's Almanac. Thursday's session hinted at momentum stalling, with both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posting marginal losses to end multi-session winning runs. Rising US Treasury yields had been catching investors' attention, with the benchmark 10-year note hitting a more than seven-month high in the previous session. The yield hovered close to that mark on Friday, at 4.62 per cent. Higher yields are seen as hampering growth stocks, as they raise borrowing costs for business expansion. These stocks, especially the so-called Magnificent Seven technology megacaps which had been key drivers of the market's 2024 rally, were also caught up in Friday's sell-off. For the second successive day, Tesla led decliners among the group. "We have a higher cost of capital whenever rates go up like this, and they have gone up pretty significantly over the last month or so," said Glenmede's Reynolds. "Investors may just be reassessing the bets they are taking when the cost of capital is higher, perhaps looking at some of the valuations on the Mag 7 and wondering whether they can find better value elsewhere." Most of the 11 major S&P sectors fell. The worst performers on Friday were the three indexes which have been 2024's leading lights: consumer discretionary, information technology and communication services. Despite Friday's travails, all three indexes recorded weekly gains. News events helped some stocks to buck the market sell-off. Amedisys gained after the home health service provider and insurer UnitedHealth extended the deadline to close their $US3.3 billion ($A5.3 billion) merger. Lamb Weston climbed after a filing showed activist investor Jana Partners is working with a sixth executive to push for changes at the French fry maker, a move which could result in a majority of the company's board being replaced. Trading volumes in this holiday-shortened week have been below the average of the last six months and are likely to remain subdued until January 6. The next major focus for markets will be the December employment report due on January 10.blackjack vs poker 。

CINCINNATI (AP) — Saturday's wild overtime win over the Denver Broncos was the most important in what has been a mostly disappointing season for the Cincinnati Bengals. Not only did the Bengals (8-8) win their fourth straight for the first time this season and keep their slim playoff hopes alive, but they also finally made enough plays late to win a close game. Seven of their previous eight losses were by one score. And Cincinnati also got a win over one of the league's better teams. Its seven previous victories came against sub-.500 teams. Joe Burrow, in the midst of the best season of his career, threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins with 1:07 left in overtime to win it 30-24. The final drive followed two critical stops by the Cincinnati defense. “We’ve known we had a good football team all along,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “And those (close) games are disappointing that we came up short, but they didn’t change our process. They didn’t change what our guys believed in. We didn’t have to change everything we did. We still believed in what we were doing. And now we’ve won four in a row, and we have to make it five in a row.” The playoffs are still a long shot. To get there, the Bengals will have to go into Pittsburgh and beat the Steelers next weekend in the regular-season finale and also count on other bubble teams losing. What's working The Bengals are playing their best football of the season. Burrow, battered by the Denver pass rush, completed nearly 80% of his passes in piling up 412 yards and three touchdowns. It marked his eighth straight game with at least 250 yards and three touchdown passes, extending his NFL record. ... Receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who had nine catches for 102 yards against the Broncos, could finish the season with the receiving triple crown — most catches, yards and touchdowns. What needs help The offensive line continues to struggle, even with the return of starting left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. Burrow rarely had a clean pocket, was constantly on the run and was sacked seven times and hit 15 times. Stock up The Cincinnati defense, much maligned this season, forced two Denver punts in overtime. The second one led to the Bengals' game-winning drive. Linebacker Germaine Pratt intercepted Bo Nix to end a Denver drive in the fourth quarter. “For them to rise up and get those two stops and allow the offense a shot to go win it (is) big-time stuff,” Taylor said. Higgins caught 11 passes for 131 yards and was the recipient of all three of Burrow's touchdown passes. "Everybody can see what kind of player he is," Burrow said of Higgins, who is playing this season with the franchise tag. “He elevates us to a different level when he’s playing like that.” Stock down Kicker Cade York, who was signed in early December to fill in for the injured Evan McPherson, had a chance to win the game with 2:49 left in overtime, but his 33-yard field-goal attempt bounced off the left upright. Injuries RB Chase Brown sprained his ankle in an awkward slide as the Bengals tried to run out the clock in regulation. ... OT Amarius Mims suffered an injury to his right hand. Key number 499 — total yards by the Bengals against Denver. Next steps The Bengals finish the season at Pittsburgh. The Steelers beat them 44-38 on Dec. 1. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Mitch Stacy, The Associated Press

Namibia: Namibia Calls for More Support to Implement 'Great Green Wall'3 booked for snatching over 1L

To ensure delivery by Christmas, mail letters and packages by Dec. 18: Chicago postmasterINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts defense started this season struggling. It couldn’t stop the run, couldn’t keep teams out of the end zone, couldn’t get off the field. Now the script has flipped. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s group is playing stouter, holding teams — even the high-scoring Detroit Lions — largely in check long enough to give Indy a chance to win, and it’s the Colts offense that has struggled. “They are playing their tails off. You don’t want them on the field a bunch and as an offense you want to be able to play complementary football,” running back Jonathan Taylor said after Sunday’s 24-6 loss. “I would say specifically on offense, it sucks when you can’t help your defense out when they are fighting their tails off all game.” Indy’s defense held up its end of the bargain by limiting the Lions (10-1) to 14 first-half points and allowing just 24, matching Detroit’s lowest output since Week 3. The problem: Even when the Colts (5-7) did get Detroit off the field, they couldn’t sustain drives or score touchdowns. Again. Anthony Richardson provided the bulk of the ground game by rushing 10 times for 61 yards, mostly early. Taylor managed just 35 yards on 11 carries and a season-high 10 penalties constantly forced the Colts to dig out from deep deficits. RELATED COVERAGE Rams WR Demarcus Robinson arrested on suspicion of DUI after loss to Eagles Jackson accounts for 3 TDs, John Harbaugh moves to 3-0 vs. brother as Ravens beat Chargers 30-23 Chargers struggle to score after RB J.K. Dobbins hurts his knee in his reunion game with Ravens Part of that was by design. “We knew Jonathan Taylor was going to be the guy we needed to shut down,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “We did that. The quarterback runs. It got us on a couple but overall, we did what we needed to do, and we kept them out of that game.” Part of it could be because of an injury-battered offensive line that has started three rookies each of the past two weeks and finished the previous game with the same three rookies. The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . Whatever the fix, Indy needs a good solution. There is good news for Indy is that its schedule now gets substantially more manageable. After losing four of five, all to teams in playoff position and three to division leaders, Indy faces only one team with a winning record in its final five games. The most recent time the Colts played a team with a losing mark, Richardson rallied them past the New York Jets 28-27. But Colts coach Shane Steichen knows that’s not the answer. The Colts must get this offense righted now. “We’ve got to get that figured out. We’ve got to get him going on the ground,” Steichen said when asked about Taylor, who has 92 yards on his past 35 carries. “We’ll look at the offensive line. We’ll look at everything.” What’s working Pass rush. Pro Bowl DT DeForest Buckner’s presence certainly has been felt since he returned from a sprained ankle Oct. 27. In those past five games, the Colts have had 14 sacks, including three of Jared Goff on Sunday. What needs work Penalties. The Colts have had one of the cleanest operations in the league most of this season. Sunday was an anomaly, but one that can’t merely be written off. Stock up WR Michael Pittman Jr. The five-year veteran is one of the league’s toughest guys, but playing through a back injury appeared to take its toll on Pittman’s productivity. Since sitting out in Week 10, Pittman has 11 receptions for 142 yards including six for 96 yards, his second-highest total of the season, Sunday. Stock down Tight ends. Each week the Colts want their tight ends to make an impact. And each week, they seem to fail. It happened again Sunday when Drew Ogletree dropped a TD pass that would have given Indy a 10-7 lead. Instead, Indy settled for a field goal and a 7-6 deficit. Through 12 games, Indy’s tight ends have a total of 26 catches, 299 yards and two TDs. That’s just not good enough in a league where versatile, productive tight ends increasingly signal success. Injuries Pittman and WR Josh Downs both returned to the game after leaving briefly with shoulder injuries. WR Ashton Dulin did not return after hurting his foot in the second half. But the bigger questions come on the offensive line. LT Bernhard Raimann (knee) was inactive Sunday, and rookie center Tanor Bortolini entered the concussion protocol Monday. Bortolini was one of three rookie starters the past two weeks, replacing Pro Bowler Ryan Kelly who is on injured reserve. Key number 55.88 — Indy has scored touchdowns on 55.88% of its red zone trips this season. While it puts it near the middle of the NFL, it’s cost the Colts multiple wins. Next steps Richardson needs to rebound from this latest 11 of 28 performance and show he can lead the Colts to victories week after week. He’ll get plenty of chances over the season’s final month, starting with next week’s game at the New England Patriots. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Sit-ins against Parachinar killings continue at 14 locations in Karachi. KARACHI - As protest sit-ins by the religious-political party Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) continued in parts of Karachi over deadly tensions in Parachinar, the Sindh government on Sunday appealed to religious scholars to help end the demonstrations. “Jirga has decided on the Kurram issue now the protest sit-ins in Karachi should end,” Sindh government spokesperson Sadia Javed said in a televised statement issued earlier this evening. Travelling has become a nightmare for a number of citizens as traffic gets clogged at different points and the commuters have to take a diversion, which further aggravates the traffic situation on other arteries as well. The protest demonstrations, which have continued for six consecutive days, are being held at 14 different locations, including major thoroughfares. In addition to other areas, demonstrations are currently taking place at Numaish Chowrangi, Natha Khan Bridge on Sharea Faisal, in front of KDA Flats in Surjani Town, Golimar, Power House Chowrangi, near Safari Park on University Road, Korangi No. 21⁄2, Five Star Chowrangi in North Nazimabad, Abul Hassan Isphani Road, Kamran Chowrangi in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Incholi Society, and near Ayesha Manzil. The traffic police, however, said that alternative routes have been provided to facilitate the commuters. The protests stem from the deteriorating security situation in Parachinar, where clashes have resulted in over 130 fatalities since November, the point of the recent escalation of conflict between two tribal groups. In today’s statement, the Sindh government spokesperson urged the protesting party to “realise the sufferings of Karachi citizens” as they are facing deep troubles due the road closures. She pointed out that life in Karachi has been paralysed due to protests, adding that even ambulances had been facing trouble in reaching certain areas. “If you [protesters] want to continue the sit-ins, move it to a ground or [road] outside the Press Club,” Javed added, assuring the government’s readiness to provide facilities. Nisar Khuhro calls on federal govt to withdraw from controversial canal project Karachi police chief meets MWM leaders In a separate development, Karachi police chief Javed Alam Odho and Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi visited the protest site on the main MA Jinnah Road near Numaish. During their visit, they also met the leaders of the religious-political party to hold talks. The police chief urged the protesting party to confine its sit-in to Drigh Road as the commuters were facing immense trouble. Separately, while addressing a press conference, senior MWM leader Hassan Zafar Naqvi said that the protests were peaceful in nature, adding: “Our sit-ins are free from sectarianism and open to individuals from all backgrounds. People from various walks of life are joining us in solidarity.” Despite the prolonged demonstration, Hassan clarified that the participants were not presenting any specific demands for negotiations. “We are not here to push forward any demands; our protest is a testament to our stance and principles,” he stated. He said that they are willing to end sit-ins in Karachi if the Parachinar protest is called off. “We have staged these sit-ins at the request of Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and will end them upon his directive,” he added. Kamran Tessori announces grand fireworks at Governor House on New Year’s eve Speaking about the challenges faced in Parachinar, Hassan highlighted that the region is grappling with basic issues. Even helicopters lack fuel and gas to operate effectively, he remarked, underscoring the urgent need for attention to these problems. The MWM leader reaffirmed the peaceful nature of the demonstrations and their purpose. “Our protests are non-violent and aim to raise our voices against all forms of oppression,” he said. However, he expressed concern over the negative propaganda being circulated against their sit-ins. “There is a deliberate campaign to malign our peaceful demonstrations,” Hassan added. He warned the Sindh government not to exploit their ongoing protests for political gains. He clarified that it was not a protest organised by any political party. Instead, it is a protest for the oppressed, and people from all walks of life are participating, he added. Sindh govt will not compromise on its water rights: Shazia Marri “If we call for sit-ins across Sindh, the government will not be able to stop them,” the MWM leader added, hinting at the expanding circle of protests. Reiterating the peaceful and inclusive nature of the demonstrations, Hassan claimed that their protests have not disrupted daily life. “We have kept one lane open at every protest site, ensuring that no businesses are affected,” he stated. A day earlier, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab slammed continuous blockades of roads in Karachi “under the guise of protest”, saying it was an inappropriate act. The mayor also rebuked the protestors for damaging newly-constructed roads. “Who allowed them to damage the roads constructed recently in New Karachi,” he said, while speaking to reporters. Murtaza said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government should resolve the issue of Parachinar. However, he added, blocking arteries would not serve the purpose. He lamented that if anything happened anywhere in the country, demonstrations are staged and roads are closed in Karachi. Police arrest man for killing friend Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah appealed to the demonstrators to avoid causing hardship for the public, saying: “Blocking roads in Karachi and Sukkur will not resolve the Parachinar issue.” Parachinar, located in Kurram, is a tribal district near the Afghan border with a population of around 600,000. It has long been a hotspot for conflict. Recent clashes have triggered a humanitarian crisis, with shortages of medicine and oxygen exacerbated by the closure of the highway connecting Parachinar to Peshawar. In a relief effort, the Sindh governor’s office announced that a helicopter carrying medical supplies and other aid had reached Parachinar. These provisions were sent on the Sindh governor’s directive to address the growing crisis. Tags: sindh govt seeks ulema mwm sit

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Brett Howden scored his 15th goal of the season and Ilya Samsonov stopped 31 shots as the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Calgary Flames 3-0 on Sunday night. Howden redirected defenseman Alex Pietrangelo’s shot from the top of the slot late in the second period and is now tied with Ivan Barbashev for the team lead in goals. Howden has scored a goal in four of the last five games. Victor Olofsson and Tanner Pearson also scored for the Golden Knights, who have shut out Calgary twice this season, . Dan Vladar made 34 saves for Calgary. The Golden Knights have now won six straight, the longest active win streak in the NHL, while improving to 25-8-3 on the year. They own a 13-2-1 record against Pacific Division opponents. Calgary (17-12-7) dropped to 4-4-1 against Pacific Division teams. Takeaways Calgary: The Flames played in their fourth back-to-back set following Calgary is 3-1-0 in game one of a back-to-back scenario and dropped to 1-3-0 in game two of back-to-backs. Vegas: The Golden Knights scored twice in the third period and now boast a league-best plus-30 goal differential in the third period. Key Moment Spanning the end of the first period and into the second period, the Golden Knights were successful in staving off a Calgary power play, which included a 5-on-3 for roughly a minute after Howden was given a double-minor for a high stick to Jonathan Huberdeau’s head. Samsonov stopped five shots during the entire sequence. Key stat 200 — Jack Eichel played in his 200th game as a Golden Knight, while Bruce Cassidy coached his 200th game with Vegas. Up next The Flames host Vancouver on Tuesday. Vegas will host Montreal on Tuesday. ___ AP NHL: W.g. Ramirez, The Associated Press

The 49ers' playoff hopes are still teetering even after get-right game against the Bears

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. Declares Cash Dividend of $1.32 per Common Share for 4Q24, an Increase of 2 Cents Over 3Q24, and an Aggregate of $5.19 per Common Share for 2024, an Increase of 23 Cents, or 5 Percent, Over 2023All Three Patients Treated in First Dose Cohort Administered Fludarabine-free Conditioning and Show Rapid, Deep, and Sustained B-cell Depletion with Favorable Safety Profile First Patient to Reach 6-Month Follow-up Remains in DORIS Clinical Remission and Free of All Immunosuppressive Therapies Company Plans to Initiate Dose Expansion at First Dose Level of 360M Cells SAN DIEGO, Dec. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fate Therapeutics, Inc. FATE , a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to bringing a first-in-class pipeline of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cellular immunotherapies to patients with cancer and autoimmune disorders, today presented new clinical and translational data from the Company's FT819 Phase 1 Autoimmunity study for moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting being held in San Diego, CA. The first three study patients, each of whom presented with active lupus nephritis (LN) despite having been treated with multiple standard-of-care therapies, received fludarabine-free conditioning followed by a single dose of FT819 at 360 million cells. There were no dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), no events of any grade of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector-cell associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), or graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), and rapid, deep, and sustained elimination of CD19+ B cells in the periphery was observed during the first month of treatment. FT819 is the Company's off-the-shelf, CD19-targeted, 1XX CAR T-cell product candidate comprised of CD8αβ+ T cells with a memory phenotype and high CXCR4 expression to promote tissue trafficking. "We continue to be very pleased with early clinical observations of fludarabine-free conditioning and FT819 off-the-shelf, CAR T-cell therapy in patients with moderate-to-severe SLE. The remarkable experience of the first patient treated in April is ongoing, as the patient remains on-study in drug-free clinical remission. In addition, the initial clinical and translational data from the two additional patients treated at the first dose level continue to support the potential for disease transformation," said Bob Valamehr, President of Research and Development of Fate Therapeutics. "We are now initiating dose expansion at this first dose level to accelerate development, and are also escalating dose based on the favorable safety profile observed. In addition, I am pleased to announce that the first patient has now been treated with FT819 as an add-on to maintenance therapy without conditioning chemotherapy. We believe our therapeutic approach is highly-differentiated and has the potential to transform disease outcomes without requiring patient apheresis, discontinuation of maintenance therapy, intense conditioning chemotherapy, and extended hospitalization." FT819 Phase 1 Autoimmunity Study The ongoing multi-center, Phase 1 clinical trial for patients with moderate-to-severe SLE is designed to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and anti-B cell activity of FT819 (NCT06308978). The first three patients, all of whom presented with active LN despite having been treated with multiple standard-of-care therapies, received fludarabine-free conditioning consisting of either cyclophosphamide alone or bendamustine alone, followed by a single dose of FT819 at 360 million cells. In all three patients, FT819 was detected in the peripheral blood and rapid, deep, and sustained elimination of CD19+ B cells in the periphery was observed during the first month of treatment. All three patients remain on-study, and there have been no DLTs and no events of any grade of CRS, ICANS, or GvHD. Based on these clinical observations, the Company is initiating dose expansion in up to 10 patients at this first dose level, and is also escalating dose to 720 million cells. The Company's FT819 Phase 1 Autoimmunity study also includes a second treatment arm to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, and anti-B cell activity of a single dose of FT819 as an add-on to maintenance therapy without conditioning chemotherapy in patients with SLE. The first patient has now been treated in this second arm, which is being conducted in parallel with the study's conditioning arm. FT819 Patient 1 Case Study The first patient treated in the Phase 1 Autoimmunity study presented with active LN and severe disease, which was marked by renal BILAG A (British Isles Lupus Assessment Group) disease activity score based on biopsy, SLEDAI-2K (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index) score of 20, FACIT-Fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue) score of 33 (range 0-52, where a score of 52 indicates no fatigue) and PGA (Physician Global Assessment) score of 2.5 (where a score of 3 indicates most severe activity). Following administration of fludarabine-free conditioning and treatment with a single dose of FT819 at 360 million cells, the patient was discharged from the hospital without notable adverse events (AEs) after a protocol-required three-day stay. Rapid elimination of CD19+ B cells in the periphery was observed following treatment, and B-cell recovery by Month 3 was predominantly comprised of naïve, non-class switched B cells with near-complete elimination of switched memory B cells and deep depletion of plasmablasts, indicative of an immune reset. The patient reported that her debilitating fatigue had entirely resolved without further treatment, and treatment with methylprednisolone was discontinued at Month 3. The patient achieved DORIS (definition of remission in SLE) clinical remission, including with resolution of arthritis and active urinary sediment and with a substantial reduction in proteinuria, as of Month 6 follow-up. The patient continues on-study, in DORIS clinical remission, and remains free of all immunosuppressive therapy. iPSC-derived CAR T-cell Product Platform The Company also highlighted the scientific progress of its proprietary iPSC-derived CAR T-cell product platform at the ASH Annual Meeting. In an oral presentation entitled " Off-the-shelf Product Candidate Incorporates Novel Sword & Shield Technology Designed to Promote Functional Persistence without Conditioning Chemotherapy ", the Company compared its novel Sword & Shield technology, which utilizes a 4-1BB-targeted CAR (ADR) alongside the complete knock-out of CD58 (CD58KO) to both target and evade host alloreactive immune cells, to other host immune evasion strategies. In preclinical studies of allogeneic models, the Company showed that its Sword and Shield Technology specifically engaged with alloreactive T cells and supported functional persistence while avoiding the killing of general host T cells and activated anti-tumor T cells. This unique observation was not seen with other approaches that are either too broad and undesirably eliminate most of the host immune system or have limited coverage and cannot adequately protect the allogeneic cell product. In a second presentation entitled " Development of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived T Cells Exhibiting Phenotypic and Functional Attributes of Primary CAR T Cells ", the Company conducted a series of high-resolution analyses to show stimulated iPSC-derived T cells elicit primary T-cell like activation, proliferation, transcriptional and functional program engagement, and iPSC-derived CAR T cells uniquely emulate antigen-mediated response similar to primary-derived autologous CAR T cells. About Fate Therapeutics' iPSC Product Platform Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) possess the unique dual properties of unlimited self-renewal and differentiation potential into all cell types of the body. The Company's proprietary iPSC product platform combines multiplexed-engineering of human iPSCs with single-cell selection to create clonal master iPSC lines. Analogous to master cell lines used to mass produce biopharmaceutical drug products such as monoclonal antibodies, the Company utilizes its clonal master iPSC lines as a starting cell source to manufacture engineered cell products which are well-defined and uniform in composition, can be stored in inventory for off-the-shelf availability, can be combined and administered with other therapies, and can potentially reach a broad patient population. As a result, the Company's platform is uniquely designed to overcome numerous limitations associated with the manufacture of cell therapies using patient- or donor-sourced cells. Fate Therapeutics' iPSC product platform is supported by an intellectual property portfolio of over 500 issued patents and 500 pending patent applications. About Fate Therapeutics, Inc. Fate Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to bringing a first-in-class pipeline of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cellular immunotherapies to patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases. Using its proprietary iPSC product platform, the Company has established a leadership position in creating multiplexed-engineered master iPSC lines and in the manufacture and clinical development of off-the-shelf, iPSC-derived cell products. The Company's pipeline includes iPSC-derived natural killer (NK) cell and T-cell product candidates, which are selectively designed, incorporate novel synthetic controls of cell function, and are intended to deliver multiple therapeutic mechanisms to patients. Fate Therapeutics is headquartered in San Diego, CA. For more information, please visit www.fatetherapeutics.com . Forward-Looking Statements This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including statements regarding the safety and therapeutic potential of the Company's iPSC-derived CAR T-cell product candidates, including FT819, the advancement of and plans related to the Company's product candidates, clinical studies and preclinical research and development programs, the Company's progress, plans and timelines for the clinical investigation of its product candidates, including the expected clinical development plans for FT819, the initiation and continuation of enrollment in the Company's clinical trials, the initiation of additional clinical trials and additional dose cohorts in ongoing clinical trials of the Company's product candidates, the timing and availability of data from the Company's clinical trials, the therapeutic and market potential of the Company's research and development programs and product candidates, the Company's clinical and product development strategy, and the Company's expectations regarding progress, plans, and timelines. These and any other forward-looking statements in this release are based on management's current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk that the Company's research and development programs and product candidates, including those product candidates in clinical investigation, may not demonstrate the requisite safety, efficacy, or other attributes to warrant further development or to achieve regulatory approval, the risk that results observed in prior studies of the Company's product candidates, including preclinical studies and clinical trials, will not be observed in ongoing or future studies involving these product candidates, the risk of a delay or difficulties in the initiation and conduct of, or enrollment of patients in, any clinical trials, the risk that the Company may cease or delay preclinical or clinical development of any of its product candidates for a variety of reasons (including requirements that may be imposed by regulatory authorities on the initiation or conduct of clinical trials, changes in the therapeutic, regulatory, or competitive landscape for which the Company's product candidates are being developed, the amount and type of data to be generated or otherwise to support regulatory approval, difficulties or delays in patient enrollment and continuation in the Company's ongoing and planned clinical trials, difficulties or delays in manufacturing or supplying the Company's product candidates for clinical testing, failure to demonstrate that a product candidate has the requisite safety, efficacy, or other attributes to warrant further development, and any adverse events or other negative results that may be observed during preclinical or clinical development), and the risk that its product candidates may not produce therapeutic benefits or may cause other unanticipated adverse effects. For a discussion of other risks and uncertainties, and other important factors, any of which could cause the Company's actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see the risks and uncertainties detailed in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the Company's most recently filed periodic report, and from time to time in the Company's press releases and other investor communications. Fate Therapeutics is providing the information in this release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact: Christina Tartaglia Precision AQ 212.362.1200 christina.tartaglia@precisionaq.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

BEIRUT (AP) — Israel’s military launched airstrikes across Lebanon on Monday, unleashing explosions throughout the country and killing at least 12 while Israeli leaders appeared to be closing in on a negotiated ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group. Israeli strikes hit commercial and residential buildings in Beirut as well as in the port city of Tyre. Military officials said they targeted areas known as Hezbollah strongholds. They issued evacuation orders for Beirut’s southern suburbs, and strikes landed across the city, including meters from a Lebanese police base and the city’s largest public park. The barrage came as officials indicated they were nearing agreement on a ceasefire, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet prepared to discuss an offer on the table. Airstrikes kill at least 12 Massive explosions lit up Lebanon’s skies with flashes of orange, sending towering plumes of smoke into the air as Israeli airstrikes pounded Beirut’s southern suburbs Monday. The blasts damaged buildings and left shattered glass and debris scattered across nearby streets. No casualties were reported after many residents fled the targeted sites. Some of the strikes landed close to central Beirut and near Christian neighborhoods and other targets where Israel had issued evacuation warnings, including in Tyre and Nabatieh province. Israeli airstrikes also hit the northeast Baalbek-Hermel region without warning. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Monday that at least 12 people were killed in the strikes in the Tyre province, adding to the more than 3,700 people in Lebanon who have been killed since Israel launched its invasion two months ago. Many of those killed since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah have been , and health officials said some of the recovered bodies were so severely damaged that DNA testing would be required to confirm their identities. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Lebanon’s Health Ministry says the war has displaced 1.2 million people. The latest round of airstrikes came weeks after Israeli ground forces invaded southern Lebanon in early October, meeting heavy resistance in a narrow strip of land along the border. The military had previously exchanged attacks across the border with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group that began firing rockets into Israel the day after the war in Gaza began last year. Lebanese politicians have decried the ongoing airstrikes and said they are impeding U.S.-led ceasefire negotiations. The country’s deputy parliament speaker accused Israel of ramping up its bombardment in order to pressure Lebanon to make concessions in indirect ceasefire negotiations with Hezbollah. Elias Bousaab, an ally of the militant group, said Monday that the pressure has increased because “we are close to the hour that is decisive regarding reaching a ceasefire.” Hopes grow for a ceasefire Israeli officials voiced similar optimism Monday about prospects for a ceasefire. Mike Herzog, the country’s ambassador to Washington, earlier in the day told Israeli Army Radio that several points had yet to be finalized. Though any deal would require agreement from the government, Herzog said Israel and Hezbollah were “close to a deal.” “It can happen within days,” he said. Israeli officials have said the sides are close to an agreement that would include withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and a pullback of Hezbollah fighters from the Israeli border. But several sticking points remain. Two Israeli officials told The Associated Press that Netanyahu’s security Cabinet had scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, but they said it remained unclear whether the Cabinet would vote to approve the deal. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing internal deliberations. Danny Danon, Israel’s U.N. ambassador, told reporters Monday that he expected a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah to have stages and to be discussed by leaders Monday or Tuesday. Still, he warned, “it’s not going to happen overnight.” After previous hopes for a ceasefire were dashed, U.S. officials cautioned that negotiations were not yet complete and noted that there could be last-minute hitches that either delay or destroy an agreement. “Nothing is done until everything is done,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Monday. The proposal under discussion to end the fighting calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. The withdrawals would be accompanied by an influx of thousands more Lebanese army troops, who have been in the war, to patrol the border area along with an existing . Western diplomats and Israeli officials said Israel is demanding the right to strike in Lebanon if it believes Hezbollah is violating the terms. The Lebanese government has said that such an arrangement would authorize violations of the country’s sovereignty. A ceasefire could mark a step toward ending the regionwide war that ballooned after Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, . The lack of a ceasefire has emerged as a political liability for Israeli leaders including Netanyahu, particularly while 60,000 Israelis remain away from their homes in the country’s north after more than a year of cross-border violence. Hezbollah rockets have reached as far south into Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers died fighting in the ground offensive in Lebanon. The Israeli military said about 250 projectiles were fired Sunday, with some intercepted. A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the strongest of , is expected to significantly calm regional tensions that have led to fears of a direct, all-out war between Israel and Iran. It’s not clear how the ceasefire will affect the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Hezbollah had long insisted that it would not agree to a ceasefire until the war in Gaza ends, but it dropped that condition. While the proposal is expected to be approved if Netanyahu brings it to a vote in his security Cabinet, one hard-line member, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, said he would oppose it. He said on X that a deal with Lebanon would be a “big mistake” and a “missed historic opportunity to eradicate Hezbollah.” If the ceasefire talks fail, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said, “it will mean more destruction and more and more animosity and more dehumanization and more hatred and more bitterness.” Speaking at a G7 meeting in Fiuggi, Italy, the last summit of its kind before U.S. President Joe Biden leaves office, Safadi said such a failure “will doom the future of the region to more conflict and more killing and more destruction.” ___ Federman reported from Jerusalem and Metz from Rabat, Morocco. Associated Press writers Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Nicole Winfield in Fiuggi, Italy, and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Find more of AP’s war coverage at Sally Abou Aljoud, Joe Federman And Sam Metz, The Associated Press

US prosecutors on Monday asked a U. judge to drop the criminal case accusing President-elect Donald Trump of seeking to overturn his 2020 election defeat, citing his impending return to the presidency following his successful 2024 campaign. Prosecutors working with Special Counsel Jack Smith cited a longstanding US Justice Department policy that sitting presidents should not face criminal prosecution. The move represents a remarkable shift from the special prosecutor who obtained indictments against Trump in two separate cases accusing him of crimes that threatened US election integrity and national security. It shows how Trump’s election victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris was not just a political triumph, but also a legal one. Trump pleaded not guilty in August 2023 to four federal charges accusing the Republican of conspiring to obstruct the collection and certification of votes following his 2020 defeat to Democrat Joe Biden. Trump, who as president will again oversee the Justice Department, was expected to order an end to the federal 2020 election case and an attempt by Smith to revive a second case accusing Trump of illegally retaining classified documents after leaving office in 2021. The Justice Department policy, dating back to the 1970s, holds that a criminal prosecution of a sitting president would violate the US Constitution by undermining the ability of the country’s chief executive to function. US District Judge Tanya Chutkan will still have to approve the request from prosecutors. Trump’s lawyers had previously said they would seek to dismiss the charges based on a US Supreme Court ruling in July that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution over official actions taken while in the White House. Smith attempted to salvage the case following the high court ruling, dropping some allegations but arguing the rest were not covered by presidential immunity and could proceed to trial. Chutkan had been due to decide whether the immunity decision required other portions of the case to be thrown out. A trial date had not been set. The case was brought following a probe led by Smith into Trump’s attempts to hold on to power following his 2020 election defeat, culminating in the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol by a mob of his supporters following a fiery speech by Trump near the White House. Trump denied wrongdoing and argued that the US legal system had been turned against him to damage his presidential campaign. He vowed during the campaign that he would fire Smith if he returned to the presidency.Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. Declares Cash Dividend of $1.32 per Common Share for 4Q24, an Increase of 2 Cents Over 3Q24, and an Aggregate of $5.19 per Common Share for 2024, an Increase of 23 Cents, or 5 Percent, Over 2023

49ers QB Brock Purdy, DE Nick Bosa out, Brandon Allen to start at Green BayNone

Luigi Mangione's chilling Goodreads page filled with creepy quotes about health Follow all the latest news and updates in the manhunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's killer By ALEX HAMMER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 20:26 GMT, 9 December 2024 | Updated: 21:34 GMT, 9 December 2024 e-mail 42 shares 73 View comments The man suspected of killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shared a series of quotes from the 'Unabomber' Ted Kaczynski online among other excerpts referencing health and sickness. Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League grad from Maryland , posted at least a half a dozen quotes from the homegrown terrorist, who plagued the nation for nearly 20 years with his homemade bombs. 'Imagine a society that subjects people to conditions that make them terribly unhappy then gives them the drugs to take away their unhappiness,' read one excerpt from a Kaczynski quote on Mangione's Goodreads page. 'The concept of "mental health" in our society is defined largely by the extent to which an individual behaves in accord with the needs of the system and does so without showing signs of stress,' read another. Mangione was arrested Monday in Altoona, Pennsylvania in connection with last week's fatal shooting in Manhattan. He was caught with a 3D-printed gun, as well as a handwritten manifesto . Kaczynski, who died of cancer last year, famously saw his reign of terror thwarted after his brother recognized his writing style in Industrial Society and Its Future, an anti-technology essay he wrote and had published in The Washington Post. Mangione, a computer science major at at the University of Pennsylvania, appeared to find inspiration from Kaczynski, quoting extensively from Industrial Society and Its Future on his Goodreads page. Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League grad from Maryland, was a known anti-capitalist, according to his social media Post show how the detained person of interest - seen here in a still secured at an Upper West Side hostel before the murder last week - shared a series of quotes from the 'Unabomber' online, along with others referencing health and sickness He also included excerpts from authors and thinkers ranging from Socrates and Marcus Aurelius to Aldous Huxley and Dr. Seuss. 'They say a healthy person has a thousand wishes but a sick person has only one wish - to get well,' read another quote on his Goodreads page attributed to bestselling fitness author Joe De Sena from his book The Spartan Way: Eat Better. Train Better. Think Better. Be Better. Some of other Kaczynski quotes featured on Mangione's page included: 'The conservatives are fools: They whine about the decay of traditional values, yet they enthusiastically support technological progress and economic growth.' Another criticized conservatives for increasing 'the life-expectancy of those of us who live in "advanced” countries,' at the expense of society. '[They] have made life unfulfilling, have subjected human beings to indignities, have led to widespread psychological suffering (in the Third World to physical suffering as well) and have inflicted severe damage on the natural world,' the excerpt reads. 'The continued development of technology will worsen the situation. It will certainly subject human beings to greater indignities and inflict greater damage on the natural world. '[I]t will probably lead to greater social disruption and psychological suffering, and it may lead to increased physical suffering even in "advanced" countries.' Others, like a quote from the Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti, took aim at 'sick society.' 'It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society,' the exceprt read. He posted at least a half a dozen quotes from the homegrown terrorist, as well as other figures ranging from Socrates and Marcus Aurelius to Aldous Huxley and Dr. Seuss Some details from Mangione's manifesto, which was found on him when he was arrested, have been published by CNN. The document, which spanned two pages, read: 'These parasites had it coming. 'I do apologize for any strife and trauma, but it had to be done.' The document is currently being investigated by law enforcement. Mangione was taken into custody after a McDonald's employee in Altoona, around 100 miles east of Pittsburgh, believed they recognized him as the gunman. He reportedly had the 3D-printed ghost gun similar to the one used in the killing, along with a gun silencer, a manifesto, and four fake IDs when he was arrested by cops. Brian Thompson Maryland Share or comment on this article: Luigi Mangione's chilling Goodreads page filled with creepy quotes about health e-mail 42 shares Add commentQatar tribune Agencies Washington In a significant shift in global trade dynamics, the United States has steadily reduced its garment imports from China over the past decade. This decline, spurred by the US-China trade war and concerns over China’s human rights violations, has opened doors for other Asian countries to expand their presence in the American apparel market. According to a recent report by the United States International Trade Commission (USITC), China—once the dominant supplier of garments to the US—saw its market share plummet by 16.4 percent between 2013 and 2023. In contrast, nations like Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, and Cambodia have emerged as major beneficiaries of this shift. China’s dominance in the US apparel market was once unassailable. Its large-scale production capabilities, efficient supply chains, and competitive pricing made it the go-to source for American retailers. However, several factors have eroded China’s market share over the past decade. The US-China trade war that began in 2018 under the Trump administration, imposed tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese goods, including apparel. These tariffs significantly increased the cost of importing garments from China, prompting US companies to explore alternative sourcing options. Reports of forced labour in China’s Xinjiang region, where a significant portion of the country’s cotton is produced, have drawn widespread condemnation. In response, the US enacted the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act in 2021, banning imports of goods made with forced labour from Xinjiang. This legislation further dis-incentivised American companies from sourcing garments from China. As China’s economy has matured, wages have risen, making it less competitive compared to other low-cost garment-producing nations in Asia. While China’s loss has been significant, it has provided opportunities for other Asian countries to increase their exports to the US. These nations have leveraged their strengths to fill the gap left by China. Vietnam has been the biggest beneficiary, solidifying its position as a top supplier to the US apparel market. The country’s proximity to China has allowed it to capitalise on existing supply chain infrastructure while offering lower costs. Additionally, Vietnam has signed free trade agreements with key global partners, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which enhances its competitiveness. Known for its expertise in producing ready-made garments, Bangladesh has expanded its foothold in the US market by offering competitive pricing and large-scale production capabilities. Investments in sustainability and compliance with international labour standards have further boosted its appeal to American buyers. India has emerged as a strong contender, especially in categories like cotton apparel and textiles. Government initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and a focus on enhancing manufacturing capacity have enabled Indian exporters to seize opportunities created by China’s declining market share.Cambodia’s garment sector has also seen growth, and the credit goes to preferential trade agreements and competitive labour costs. Despite challenges like limited infrastructure, the country has managed to attract US buyers seeking alternatives to China. The redistribution of market share among Asian countries has far-reaching implications for the global apparel industry. US companies have increasingly adopted a “China plus one” strategy, diversifying their supply chains to reduce dependence on a single country. This trend not only mitigates risks associated with geopolitical tensions but also ensures greater resilience against disruptions like the Covid-19 pandemic. With more countries vying for a larger slice of the US apparel market, competition among Asian exporters has intensified. This has encouraged nations to invest in improving quality, sustainability, and compliance standards. Sustainability has become a key focus area for US retailers, who are under growing pressure from consumers and regulators to adopt ethical sourcing practices. Countries like Bangladesh and India have responded by investing in green technologies and sustainable manufacturing processes, further enhancing their appeal. As Donald Trump is all set to begin his new tenure in January 2025, after the historic election win, experts are closely watching how his administration might impact US-China trade relations and the broader apparel market. Trump’s first term was marked by a hardline approach to China, including the imposition of tariffs that disrupted global trade flows. As he will be returning to office, similar policies could further accelerate the decline in US garment imports from China, benefiting alternative suppliers in Asia. Trump’s “America First” policy emphasised boosting domestic manufacturing. While it is unlikely that the US will become a major garment producer due to high labour costs, policies encouraging reshoring could impact import patterns. A Trump administration might continue or even intensify scrutiny of China’s human rights practices, leading to stricter regulations on imports from the country. This could further pressure US companies to pivot away from Chinese suppliers. However, there are challenges for emerging exporters in Asia. While countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, and Cambodia have successfully increased their market share, they face several challenges in maintaining and expanding their foothold, which include infrastructure limitations, geopolitical risks, compliance costs, etc. The decline in US garment imports from China marks a pivotal shift in global trade dynamics, driven by geopolitical tensions, human rights concerns, and economic factors. While this has created opportunities for other Asian countries, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, from infrastructure bottlenecks to compliance pressures. For now, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, and Cambodia are reaping the benefits of this transition, showcasing the importance of adaptability and resilience in navigating the complexities of global trade. Copy 10/12/2024 10Jimmy Carter, the former US president who became a crusader for human rights and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in later life, has died aged 100. Mr Carter, who served as the 39th US president between 1977 and 1981, had been receiving hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia since February 2023, according to the Carter Center, a not-for-profit body he set up to advance human rights. His death was confirmed in a statement released by The Carter Center on Sunday, local time. "My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love," said Chip Carter, the former president's son. "My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs." Mr Carter lived longer after leaving the White House than any other ex-president but suffered failing health in later years, including a melanoma that spread to his liver and brain. Until mid-2020, four decades after he left office, he was still teaching at Sunday school twice a month in his tiny hometown. Prior to his centennial celebration, Carter said he was "only trying to make it to vote for Kamala Harris", grandson Jason Carter told Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He achieved that wish on October 16, with the Carter Center confirming he had voted by mail. A one-term president, Carter was arguably more influential, effective and admired as a leader after he left office. When Americans voted a peanut farmer from the deep south into the White House, it was described as the closest they had come to randomly picking a name out of the phone book. However, after the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal, they longed for an honest outsider. Mr Carter — a quietly spoken former Georgia governor with a radiant smile — seemed like the man for the time, introducing himself at the 1976 Democratic convention with the simple line: "My name is Jimmy Carter and I'm running for president." "We want to have faith again. We want to be proud again. We just want the truth again," he said. The surprise Democrat candidate stunned pundits in winning the presidency with his centrist message and brilliant campaign, promising: "I'll never tell a lie. I'll never avoid a controversial issue." Born James Earl Carter Jr, the future president grew up in the tiny town of Plains. As a young man he joined the US Navy and served in the elite nuclear submarine program, but resigned after the sudden death of his father, and returned to Plains to run the family peanut farm. He became a state senator in 1963 and was governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. Having been raised in segregated rural Georgia, Mr Carter's politics were influenced by the civil rights era. "The time of racial discrimination is over," he declared at his inauguration as governor. And, by the time he ascended to the White House, he had established himself as a politician with progressive values. He beat Gerald Ford — successor to the disgraced Richard Nixon — at the 1976 presidential election, two years after the climax of the Watergate affair. There were successes in office: a historic peace deal between Israel and Egypt and an arms control treaty with the Soviet Union. However, his time in office is better remembered for the events that overwhelmed it: inflation, a global energy crisis, war in Afghanistan and the US hostage crisis in Iran. The capture of US embassy staff in Tehran by revolutionaries, and the failed rescue mission that ensued, dominated the final year of the Carter administration and contributed hugely to his defeat by Ronald Reagan in 1980. But his tireless work for humanity after his presidency saw him receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He set up the non-governmental, not-for-profit Carter Center to advance human rights, advocating his enduring belief that conflicts must be solved by mediation and cooperation. "Our commitment to human rights must be absolute," he said. With his wife, Rosalynn, he was a volunteer, helping the needy at home and abroad. Rosalynn died on November 19, 2023 at the age of 96 after living with dementia. "She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it," Mr Carter said in a statement. "As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me." They were married for 78 years, having wed in 1946 when he was 21 and she was 18. Americans owe Carter 'a debt of gratitude' US president-elect Donald Trump paid tribute to the former president in a post to his platform Truth Social. "Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History," Trump wrote. "The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. "Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers." Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese added to the tributes in a post on X. "President Jimmy Carter gave a century of noble service to the country he loved, to the cause of peace and to the lives of people in need all around the world," he wrote. "Beyond being elected to the presidency or being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Jimmy Carter's legacy is best measured in lives changed, saved and uplifted. "Our world is a better a place for Jimmy Carter’s life and work. May he rest in eternal peace." Opposition Leader Peter Dutton acknowledged the late president's efforts to forge a deeper relationship with Australia. "Motivated by a deep morality, he championed the cause of human rights, expanded social services and advocated for nuclear arms reduction," he said in a statement. "As we reflect on the life of President Jimmy Carter, our thoughts are with his children, his family, his Democratic Party colleagues and the American people." ABC/wires ABC