Russia-North Korea Agreement: Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Chairman Kim Jong Un today signed a new agreement to take cooperation between Russia and North Korea to a new level. This new strategic partnership replaces previous agreements signed in 1962, 2000 and 2001. President Putin said the agreement includes mutual assistance in case of an attack on either Russia or North Korea. He also said the agreement covers politics, trade, investment and culture.
Hezbollah: Israeli Foreign Minister Katz has warned the terrorist organization Hezbollah that it is risking all-out war by continuing its provocations. Hezbollah released footage taken by a drone flying over Israeli military installations and cities. CNN reported that after analysis, the footage was edited over several days. The footage appears to send a message to Israel that Hezbollah has identified possible targets, and is specifically targeting the city of Haifa and the surrounding area.
Willie Mays: The San Francisco Giants announced that Willie Mays has died at the age of 93. Mays was known as the “Say Hey Kid” because of the way he greeted people. Mays, who played center field, led the National League in home runs and stolen bases for four seasons. He played 23 seasons. Mays began his professional baseball career in the American Negro League in Birmingham, Alabama.
MECCA: More than 500 people have died from extreme heat during the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, according to French and Arab media reports. Mecca's Grand Mosque recorded a temperature of 125.2 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade. Around 3,000 people were reportedly treated for heatstroke. At least 1.8 million people are expected to take part in the Muslim hajj this year.
Matt Gaetz: The House Ethics Committee's investigation of Rep. Matt Gaetz has expanded to include whether he has engaged in sexual misconduct and used illegal drugs, according to the committee. At the same time, the committee announced it was dropping its investigation into allegations that Rep. Gaetz shared lewd images and videos with other members of Congress on the House floor, accepted bribes, and misused campaign funds. Rep. Gaetz has denied all of these allegations.
HEAT WAVE: A dangerous heat wave continues in the Midwest and Northeast today, with cooling centers in some cities closed in observance of the federal holiday on June 19. Temperatures reached 97 degrees Fahrenheit in Concord, New Hampshire yesterday. The heat in the Northeast is expected to peak tomorrow, after which the high pressure dome causing the heat buildup is expected to return to the Ohio Valley over the weekend.
