DYER’S WINNING REACTION: TEARS AND PRAYER » NEWSOM: NO LARGE GATHERINGS DUE TO CORONAVIRUS » TRAVEL BANS, MARKET CHAOS: WEEKLY DIGEST REACTION TO VIRUS SPREAD » MARCH 13, 2020 GV Wire/Jahz Tello WINNING REACTION:TEARS — -ElectJerryDyer come mayorofthiscity.” God forallowingmetobe- on mykneesandthank first thingIdiddowasfall today, Iwasintears.The “When Ifoundoutthenews less, Business Related Story:Dyer Offers onSpecifics Safety, Home- should bespread throughout the city. ters inthedowntown area. They felt suchservices to Dyer’s planto enlarge thosenavigation cen- paign, three city councilmembers publicly objected them to beproductive,” Dyer said. During thecam we will have amuch better opportunity allowing centralize services to thoseindividuals,Ibelieve than transition into bridge housing.“When we would beat asinglelocation. The homeless would rent navigation centers — where multipleservices during hiscampaign,Dyer wants to enlarge cur . Adhering to what hediscussed Mayor-elect Dyer saidhistop priority remains Homelessness Remains Top Priority no Mayor. Janz Concedes. Related Story: Dyer Prevails inLatest Count for Fres - er on Twitter. 39.9%, conceded therace inacallto Dyer andlat- runoff. Second-place finisher Andrew Janz, with majority threshold neededto avoid aNovember maining to reduce Dyer’s 51.8%share below the earlier intheday, there were not enough votes re- tears. The first thingIdiddo was fall on my knees race. “When Ifound outthenews today, I was in Wednesday that heclinchedtheFresno mayoral saidhe was humbleduponlearning March 11,2020|David Taub READ MORE » LOCAL MAYOR-ELECT DYER’S resultsreleased was est round of election City Hall. After the lat- a news conference at Dyer told themediaat mayor of thiscity,” lowing meto become and thankGod for al- - - is lookingto gravitate toward yes,” Dyer said... build ateam that hasacan-doattitude, a team that decisions would bemadeat alater date. “I want to cluding City Manager Wilma Quan, Dyer saidthose would retain the current City Hall administration, in- between themayor andthecouncil.” Asked if he deserve. They donot deserve adividedrelationship the citizens of Fresno the thingsquite frankly city andbeable to do council isto “unite this goal to reach outto against Dyer. Dyer’s campaigned Arias who bers, includingMiguel all city council mem will alsoreach outto practices. Dyer saidit willbepaid for privately. He sultant aheadof time to determine best business needs. That includesbringinginanoutsidecon- he will spendthetime reviewing eachdepartment’s Dyer, who won’t take office until next January, said Eight Month Transition Integrity, Not aCharade Related Story: Brand’s Police Chief Choice Reflects His decision-making process,” Dyer said. position unlesstheincoming mayor ispart of that the country, let aloneinternally, who would take that “I don’t thinkthere isany police chief candidate in faces amandatory retirement inthespring of 2021. succeeded Dyer aschief lastOctober. However, Hall me to bepartof that process,” Dyer said. Andy Hall month or so.I will bepartof that process. He’s asked he’s going to initiate that process here inthenext Brand to selectanew police chief. “Ifully anticipate Dyer saidheisindiscussions with current Mayor Lee Dyer Will Have Say inNew Police Chief AND PRAYER - be paidforprivately. practices. Dyersaiditwill determine bestbusiness sultant aheadoftimeto bringing inanoutsidecon- needs. Thatincludes ing eachdepartment’s will spendthetimereview- until nextJanuary,saidhe Dyer, whowon’ttakeoffice GV WireWeekly Digest3 CLOVIS READIES PLAN TO CHARGE BUILDERS MORE FOR NEW WATER SUPPLY March 10, 2020 | David Taub Home and commercial developers looking to build in Clovis will pay more for water under a plan adopted by city council mem- bers Monday. The new charge will help defray $35 million in costs the city will incur to secure additional water supplies from the Fresno Irrigation District, needed to support Clovis’ future growth.

Water Deal Made Last Year Last year, the Clovis City Council entered into a long-term con- tract to increase its municipal water supply. Now, the city has a plan to pay for it. The council voted unanimously to allow a new fee to be charged to developers for future projects. How much to charge and which projects will be required to pay the fee is set to be finalized on March 16. As part of the $35 million water deal, FID will provide up to 7,000 acre feet of water annually for 25 years. One acre foot of water is about 326,000 gallons. An average household uses a half to one acre-foot of water a year. The city will directly fund $5 million of the cost — due in...

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JOSE RAMIREZ’S NEXT FIGHT CORONAVIRUS WON’T STOP FREE SCHOOL MEALS — EVEN COULD BE LAST DANCE FOR IF SCHOOLS HAVE TO CLOSE

GV Wire/Jahz Tello March 11, 2020 | Nancy Price CHAMP IN FRESNO school kids will still get free meals if their schools are March 10, 2020 | David Taub forced to close to halt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavi- rus, thanks to a special waiver program announced Tuesday by One of the San Joaquin Valley’s greatest athletes will be fight- Hometown Success the California Department of Education. This week, Parlier Uni- ing in front of a hometown crowd one last time. cham- Ramirez’s 25-0 record means he is undefeated both at home fied School District announced the temporary closure of two pion Jose Ramirez announced his sixth and perhaps last fight and the road. In addition to his five Save Mart Center bouts, schools over coronavirus concerns. A growing number of other at the Save Mart Center in Fresno. The WBC/WBO World Ramirez fought three times at in Fresno, and public and private schools across California have also done so, Super Lightweight champ will take on Viktor Postol on May 9, twice in Lemoore. The hometown crowd motivates Ramirez. some indefinitely. live on ESPN. “It’s going to be very hard to get him back here. I was lucky to strike a deal to get him back this time,” Ramirez’s “Anytime I fight in Fresno, anytime I walk out of that tunnel Concern Over Student Access to School Meals manager and promoter Richard Mirigian said. into the ring, I’ve never seen nothing like it,” Ramirez said. “The One of the major concerns for school officials in low-income atmosphere, the noise (fans) make, the excitement they show areas is whether students who get free breakfasts, lunches, and It’s bittersweet for Ramirez, the Avenal native, former Olympi- … it definitely gives me a lot of energy and it takes the butter- snacks at school would have to go hungry if schools close. But an and rapidly rising star in the world of boxing. “I’m very sad flies out of my stomach before I ever get to the ring.” the California Education Department has received a special about it, because I know this fight means a lot to the people,” waiver, CA COVID19, from the U.S. Department of Education Ramirez said. “For now, I’m very happy that I get to give Fres- Ramirez takes up a cause with each bout, which is promoted to fund the meals through the Summer Food Service Program no one more fight.” The bout was scheduled to take place last nearly has hard as the fight itself. In the past, Ramirez fought and Seamless Summer Option programs. The federally funded, month in China, but postponed because of the coronavirus. for water and immigrant rights. On May 9, Ramirez is... state-administered programs serve free meals to students age...

4 GV Wire Weekly Digest READ MORE » READ MORE » Shutterstock AP File — Gov.GavinNewsom the rightchoice.” ing onallofustomake conditions —aredepend- with underlyinghealth risk –seniorsandthose our liveswhoaremostat from now.Thepeoplein family mayneedamonth care resourcesthatyour preserving criticalhealth saving dozensoflivesand have cascadingeffects— or communityeventcan “Not holdingthatconcert READ MORE » lar ban. home to San Jose andSilicon Valley, announced asimi- 1,000 or more people.On Monday, Santa Clara County, andOakland large banned gatherings of cafeterias. The announcement camehours after both- stadiums, large conference rooms, meeting hallsand together peopleinasinglespace includingauditoriums, The policy defines a “gathering” asanything that brings — are depending onallof usto make theright choice.” toshould belimited nomore 10people nocloser than ings that includethoseat higher for risk severe illness The policy doesnot apply to classes.Gather school to avoid transmission of the virus. only if organizers cankeep at people leastsixfeet apart at leasttheendof March. Smaller events canproceed and conferences or shouldbepostponed canceled until sential” gatherings suchassporting events, Wednesday issued lives. Newsom saidCalifornia healthofficials public late “real stress” for many businessesbutsave peopleand spread of new coronavirus, amove hesaid would cause to gatherings of more people to than250 counter the SACRAMENTO —Gov. urged anend March 12,2020| AP News STATE an updated policy GATHERINGS DUETO NEWSOM: NOLARGE derlying healthconditions niors andthose with un who are most at risk–se “The peopleinour lives statement. now,” Newsom saidina may needamonth from resources that your family serving criticalhealthcare dozens of lives andpre - cascading effects —saving community event canhave holding that or than sixfeet apart.“Not saying “non-es - CORONAVIRUS - - - Coronavirus Related Story: Walters: We Are Nation’s Ground Zero for phone. tors offerwill beableto treatment viatheinternet and be ableto offer drive-through testing andthat doc Garcetti alsosaid he’s hopeful thecity eventuallywill spread of the virus. and thestate, butit’s theright thingto doto stem the be aheadacheandpotential hitfinancial for thecity or said restricting large gatheringswill economic shockof thesechanges.” May - the state is working “who with businesses feelwill the least equippedfinancially to deal them.” with He said real stress —especially for families andbusinesses Newsom saideliminatinglarger gatherings cause “will on Tuesday. assisted livingfacility after a resident inher 90sdied to County are to takingsteps protect residents of an Angeles County on Wednesday. Officials in Sacramen- four virus-related deaths, thefirst onein including Los cases inCalifornia and confirmed coronavirus There are more than175 nursing home. single suburbanSeattle Washington, mostat a 25 peoplehave diedin three counties withnearly people. 4million At least 250 or more inSeattle’s metroarea. That order affects ington Gov. Jay Inslee onallgatherings imposed of is arecommendation andnot banlike a theone Wash- because of the virus. His announcement ongatherings Last week, Newsom declaredstatewide a emergency Cases inCalifornia There Are More Than 175Confirmed Coronavirus Wednesday. Los AngelesCountyon including thefirstonein four virus-relateddeaths, cases inCaliforniaand confirmed coronavirus There aremorethan175 GV WireWeekly Digest7 - LATE-WINTER SYSTEMS TO BRING RAIN, SNOW TO CENTRAL CALIFORNIA March 12, 2020 | AP News A low-pressure system moving inland through Southern California on Thursday was expected to draw subtropical moisture northwestward, bringing showers and a chance of thunderstorms, the National Weather Service said. With heavy rain possible in some spots, flash flood watches were to go into effect at noon for a vast swath of interior valleys, mountains and desert. Some high elevation mountains could get “substantial”” snow by Friday, forecasters said. The next weather system is expected to begin bringing rain to Central and Northern California during the weekend and snow in higher elevations.

Moderate Drought Covers Most of the Central Valley and the Sierra With spring just a week away, California is way below normal winter rain and snowfall levels. The U.S. Drought Monitor report issued Thursday shows more than 48% of California now in moderate drought and another 30% characterized...

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WATER IS LIFE. IT’S ALSO A BATTLE. SO WHAT DOES THE COACHELLA FESTIVAL FUTURE HOLD FOR CALIFORNIA? March 9, 2020 | CalMatters POSTPONED AS CONCERTS Water plays a lead role in the state’s political theater, with Democrats and Republicans polarized, farmers often fighting AP File environmentalists and cities pitted against rural communi- GRAPPLE WITH VIRUS ties. Rivers are overallocated through sloppy water account- ing. Groundwater has dwindled as farmers overdraw aquifers. March 11, 2020 | AP News Many communities lack safe drinking water. Native Americans California’s uber-popular Coachella music festival has been cerns. While this decision comes at a time of universal uncer- want almost-extinct salmon runs revived. There is talk, too, of postponed from its usual two-weekend-run in April to Oc- tainty, we take the safety and health of our guests, staff and new water projects, including a massive new tunnel costing tober due to concerns about the growing coronavirus. The community very seriously. We urge everyone to follow the billions of dollars. festival’s producer Goldenvoice made the announcement guidelines and protocols put forth by public health officials,” Tuesday, also confirming that Stagecoach, a country music Goldenvoice said in a statement. Scientists say climate change will bring more unpredictable festival, will also be postponed. weather, warmer winters and less snowpack in the mountains. The company said all passes for original dates will be hon- These challenges and some ideas for remedies are outlined in Coachella, held in Southern California, will now take place on ored for the rescheduled shows, and customers will be no- a new plan, called the California Water Resilience Portfolio, Oct. 9-11 and Oct. 16-18, while Stagecoach will take place tified by Friday on how to obtain a refund if they cannot released by Gov. Gavin Newsom in January to a mix of praise Oct. 23-25. “At the direction of the County of Riverside and attend. Rage Against the Machine, Travis Scott and Frank and disappointment. Below, an explanation of the state’s wa- local health authorities, we must sadly confirm the resched- Ocean were originally announced as headliners of Coachella; ter development — as well as the challenges, today and tomor- uling of Coachella and Stagecoach due to COVID-19 con- Goldenvoice didn’t say if the performance lineup would... row, of providing water for California’s people, places...

8 GV Wire Weekly Digest READ MORE » READ MORE » Shutterstock Photo: Shutterstock AP FilePhoto

AP/Chiang Ying-ying coronavirus outbreaks has oneofthebiggestU.S. the Seattlearea,which public healthofficialfor — Dr.JeffDuchinatop for weeksandweeks.” that’s goingtoshakeus of amajorearthquake tious diseaseequivalent might thinkofasaninfec- “It’s similartowhatyou READ MORE » top public healthofficial for the area, whichhas to shake usfor weeks and weeks,” saidDr. Jeff a Duchin disease equivalent of amajor earthquake that’s going “It’s similar to what you might of think asan infectious were overwhelmed with both sickandthedead. the ships. In Italy’s Lombardy region, the virus’ hospitals and political leaders as well as ordinary people on cruise rapid-fire pace by celebrities, sportsstars European countries, andinfections beingannounced in Europe andtheMiddle East, ignited globalfinancial ago inChinahasproduced outbreaks crippling in Asia, than unilateral action.” The virusdetected three months ited to any continent andit requires cooperation rather al” decision,declaringthe virus a“global crisis,not lim- The European Union quickly slammed Trump’s “unilater ing to Americans to “reconsider travel abroad” as well. State Department followed anextraordinarywith warn- there of failing to respond quickly to thethreat. The travel from muchof Europe after accusing governments somber Oval Office address announcingstrictruleson who haddownplayed the virus for weeks, delivered a for thesecond timethis week. President , ic. In the U.S., stocks dropped sofast that trading halted merce to try to slow theunfolding coronavirus pandem- inside their homes,andslowing theenginesof com- globe Thursday, walling regions apart,keeping people ROME —Sweeping travel bans accelerated around the March 12,2020| AP News TRAVEL BANS, MARKET TRAVEL BANS,MARKET CHAOS: REACTION TO CHAOS: REACTIONTO the and26 to muchtravel between ganization, a dramatic halt from the World Health Or designation of “pandemic” Those includeanofficial the hour. ments that are erupting by has seendizzyingdevelop- panic andinthelast week - - VIRUS SPREAD U.S. ized,” she said, wearing ascarf around her face. “I’d... “So few peopleare People outand about. are terror tury, was torn on whether it was worth staying open. per kioskinRome’s historic center since the19thcen- stands. Rosanna Farina, whose family hasrunanewspa- markets were allowed to operate, as were newspaper in the week. Grocery stores, pharmacies andoutdoor a nationwide lockdown onpersonal movement earlier retail shops Thursday after theprimeminister imposed In Italy, new restrictions closed restaurants, cafes and Coronavirus Related Story: Newsom: No Large Gatherings Due to tours. the publicuntil April 1,andthe White House canceled U.S. Capitol andHouse andSenate office buildings to dinner parties to political rallies. Congress the shut meters) —adescription that includes everything from meetings wherebe closer peoplemust than6 feet (2 erings of more as than250people, well asany smaller fornia, thegovernor advisedofficials tocancel any gath- More than4,700peoplehave died worldwide. In Cali- Even Remote Mount Everest for Closed Business plus suppliestoIran andother countries inneed. ment offered crewto sendamedical to Italy andsur spread hasslowed that somuchin China thegovern- where they are not. The ing —andIran andItaly, new casesare declin- South Korea — where four countries: Chinaand vast majority are injust have beeninfected. The More than127,000peopleinmore than110countries the elderly, who are especially vulnerable to the virus. the world, nursing homesemptied of visitors to protect one of thebiggest U.S. coronavirus outbreaks. Around mond, Washington “Kay” TarapolsiofRed- will bebetter.”—Koloud maybe inafewweeksit and listentothescientists, “If weavoideachother GV WireWeekly Digest11 - - US HEART SURGEON TREATS CHILDREN LACKING CARE IN LIBYA’S WAR March 12, 2020 | AP News TRIPOLI, Libya — Yazan, a 1-year-old Libyan boy, was born with congenital heart disease. With just one chamber, the organ pumped so little blood that when Yazan cried, his skin turned black. Without surgery, he would not survive. But Yazan’s country, Libya, has only one heart surgeon who can’t possibly perform surgeries on 1,200 or so infants born every year with heart defects.

Of those, typically some 150 are in dire need of surgery and die in their first year, said William Novick, an American pe- diatric cardiac surgeon. His international team of experts, part of the Novick Cardiac Alliance, regularly flies into Libya to perform surgery on patients like Yazan. “To me this is sim- ply an unacceptable situation that needs our attention,” said Novick, who lives in Memphis, Tennessee. The medical trips help prop up Libya’s fragile health care system, which the World Health Organization has described as overburdened...

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WILL WARM WEATHER STOP THE SPREAD OF NEW VIRUS? BERNIE SANDERS SAYS NO ONE REALLY KNOWS HE’S MOVING AHEAD WITH March 12, 2020 | AP News JAKARTA, Indonesia — As outbreaks of the new coronavi- AP/Charles Krupa rus that first emerged in China continue to spread in more HIS DEM CAMPAIGN than 100 countries — particularly those experiencing winter — one of the biggest unanswered questions is how it will be- March 11, 2020 | AP News have in warmer weather.

BURLINGTON, Vt. — While acknowledging his deficit in And that will continue to raise questions — as unlikely as it Like influenza, the new disease is a respiratory infection be- the Democratic race, Bernie Sanders said Wednesday he’s may seem less than two weeks after losing his front-runner longing to a family of viruses that typically survive longer pressing ahead with his presidential campaign at least long status — about how long Sanders will persist against increas- in colder environments. Most people experience only mild enough to debate this weekend and try to force ingly daunting odds. or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, but older him to answer questions about economic inequality and the adults and people with existing health problems may have country’s fraying social safety net. Sanders addressed reporters after offering no public state- more severe illnesses, including pneumonia. ments Tuesday night, when he suffered a devastating pri- The Vermont senator offered no further details on what his mary defeat in Michigan and losses in Missouri, Idaho and The virus has reached every continent except Antarctica campaign may look like before or after he and Biden — the Mississippi at the hands of Biden. Sanders noted that he won but has yet to cause major outbreaks in the Southern Hemi- last two major candidates left in the Democratic presidential North Dakota and the continuing count in Washington state sphere. Some key questions on how the virus might behave nomination — spar Sunday night on stage in . remained close. But he admitted he was trailing badly... once the temperature rises: No one knows. The new...

12 GV Wire Weekly Digest READ MORE » READ MORE » Shutterstock AP File ROYAL FAREWELL: HARRY, ROYAL FAREWELL:HARRY, Consumer Culture’ The BritishMonarchyin co-author of‘RoyalFever: — PaulineMaclaran, to theroyalfamilybrand.” brought anewdimension Harry. Imean,theyreally no roleforMeghanand ly meantthattherewas chy wouldhaveactual- slimmed-down monar- have envisagedthatthe (the Windsors)would because Idon’tthink “I thinkthisisablow READ MORE » liams andElton John attended their wedding at Wind- television series “Suits.” George Clooney, Serena Wil- actress who hadstarred for seven years ontheU.S. with theformer Meghan Markle, abi-racial American united agrandson of 93-year-old Queen Elizabeth II to anew generation. Their wedding on May 19,2018, couple that would helpextend theroyal family’s appeal years ago, Harry andMeghan were seenasa golden It wasn’t supposedtohappenthis way. Less thantwo new dimensionto theroyal family brand.” chy inConsumer Culture.” they “Imean, really brought a Maclaran, co-author of “Royal Fever: The British Monar there was norole for Meghan andHarry,’’ saidPauline down monarchy would have actually meant that (the Windsors) would have envisaged that theslimmed- to downsize. “Ithinkthisisablow becauseIdon’t think ry for theHouse of Windsor, even asthefamily seeks open somedoors for themselves. It’s uncharted territo- they will beseenat work entirewith the royal Windsor vice at Westminster Abbey inLondon. It’s thelasttime appeared Monday at Commonwealth theannual Ser sex, fulfilledtheir final royal commitment whenthey Harry andhis wife, Meghan, theDuchess of Sus- — It’s definitely a farewell. But will it be fond? March 9,2020| AP News WORLD MEGHAN ON FINAL DUTY MEGHAN ONFINALDUTY their own way andeven have to earnaliving,pay a world wherethey will ain’s royal family andinto senior members of Brit- away from their roles as announced plansto walk began when thecouple of atwo-month drama that The service markstheend America. self-imposed exile inNorth clan before they fly off into BEFORE NEWLIFE - - January, thecouple sparked aroyal crisis when they... bullied into playing agamethat killedmy mum.” Then in untrue,” Harry, 35,told ITV News lastfall. ”I will not be of stuff that hurts,especially whenthemajority of it is to fade. “For me,andfor my wife, of course there’s alot would bearoyal “Fab Four” for the21stcentury began notion that thebrothers andtheir glamorous wives between himandhis older brother, Prince William. The The prince himself was stungby mediareports of asplit 1997 when shediedinaParis car accident. in chasinghismother, Princess Diana, onthenight in has resented allhislifeof because thepaparazzi’s role wife anddirected hisanger at intrusive the mediahe porters saw racism at work. Harry publicly defended his rights. Meghan’s sup vironmentand women’s nouncements ontheen politically correct pro- lampooned Meghan’s many inBritain. Others American tradition to a baby shower, astrange mentators criticized her for jetting off to for father. When Meghanpregnant, became somecom- featured stories aboutariftbetween Meghan andher Even before theceremony, Britain’s tabloidnewspapers Between Him andHis Older Brother The Prince Was Stung by Media Reports of aSplit Meghan Step Back Related Story: Questions of Racism Linger as Harry, on their wedding day. couple, who becametheDuke andDuchess of Sussex back at thestablebefore pressures intensified onthe in ahorse-drawn carriage. But horses the were barely for their flag-waving fans andridingthrough thestreets sor Castle, which ended royalwith the couple kissing - - my mum.”—PrinceHarry playing agamethatkilled I willnotbebulliedinto the majorityofitisuntrue. that hurts,especiallywhen course there’salotofstuff “For me,andformywife,of GV WireWeekly Digest15 MYANMAR MPS REJECT BID TO ALLOW SUU KYI TO BECOME PRESIDENT March 11, 2020 | AP News NAYPYITAW, Myanmar — Myanmar’s parliament rejected on Wednesday a proposed constitutional amendment that would have allowed the country’s de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, to officially become president. The rejection had been expected because the proposal was opposed by the military, which under the constitution adopted when it held power, holds enough parliamentary seats to block any con- stitutional change.

The defeated motion was one of several constitutional changes proposed by Suu Kyi’s ruling National League for Democracy party, with most expected to be blocked. Article 59(f) of the constitution bars a person from becoming presi- dent if his or her spouse or children are foreign citizens. Suu Kyi’s two sons are British nationals, as was her late husband. Despite the rule, Suu Kyi holds executive power in the gov- ernment because of a legal loophole that allowed the cre- ation of the post of state counsellor, to which she was...

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NETANYAHU RIVALS TO PUTIN BACKS TERM COOPERATE ON FORMING NEW GOVERNMENT LIMIT FREEZE ALLOWING HIM March 9, 2020 | AP News JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s chief Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP rival said Monday that he has agreed with a smaller party to TO STAY IN OFFICE work together to form a new government following nation- March 10, 2020 | AP News al elections last week. The announcement by Benny Gantz, leader of the Blue and White Party, dealt a new setback to — Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed his forward by 83-year-old former Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Netanyahu as he struggles to hold on to power ahead of his tightly guarded political plans Tuesday and supported a con- Tereshkova. Kremlin critics denounced the move as cynical upcoming trial on corruption charges. stitutional amendment that would allow him to seek reelec- manipulation and called for protests. tion in 2024 by restarting the term count. The constitutional In a statement, Gantz said that he had a good meeting with change would pave the way for the 67-year-old Putin to stay Lawmakers also passed a set of constitutional amendments Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the small Yisrael Beitenu party. in office until 2036, if he desires. proposed by Putin that include defining marriage as a het- “We discussed questions of fundamental principle and deter- erosexual union and language pledging homage to “ancestors mined that we will work together to assemble a government A lawmaker who is revered in Russia as the first woman to who bequeathed to us their ideals and a belief in God.” In a that will pull Israel out of the political deadlock and advert fly in space proposed either scrapping Russia’s two-term lim- speech to lawmakers debating the package of amendments, a fourth round of elections,” Gantz said. In last week’s elec- it for presidents or stopping the clock so the law wouldn’t Putin opposed doing away with the presidential tion, Israel’s third in under a year, Netanyahu’s Likud Party apply to Putin’s time in office. The Russian leader and the but backed stopping the count and restarting it in 2024, if emerged as the largest party. But with his smaller religious lower house of parliament quickly endorsed the proposal put the Russian Constitution is revised. Putin’s second six... and nationalist allies, he secured only 58 seats in...

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