U.S. and world news for June 19

Russia-North Korea pact: Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jung Un today signed a new agreement that they said raises Russian and North Korean cooperation to a new level. The new strategic partnership replaces previous agreements signed in 1962, 2000 and 2001. Putin said that the pact includes mutual assistance in event either Russia or North Korea is attacked. He also said that the pact covers political, trade, investment and culture.

Hezbollah: Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has issued a warning to the terrorist group Hezbollah that it is risking all-out war through its continuing provocations. Hezbollah published a video showing images taken by drones flying over Israeli military sites and cities. CNN said its analysis shows that the video was compiled over several days. The video seems to be sending a message to Israel that Hezbollah has identified targets it can attack, especially in and around the city of Haifa.

Willie Mays: The San Francisco Giants announced that Willie Mays has died at age 93. Mays was known as the “say hey kid,” a reference to what he said when he greeted people. Mays, who played center field, led the National League both in home runs and bases stolen for four seasons. He played in 23 seasons. Mays began his professional baseball career in Birmingham, Alabama, with the American Negro League.

Mecca: More than 500 people have died from extreme heat during the annual pilgrimage to Mecca according to French and Arab news reports. The temperature at the Grand Mosque in Mecca was recorded at 125.2 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade. Almost 3,000 people were reported to have been treated for heat-related illnesses. At least 1.8 million people were expected to take part in this year’s Muslin pilgrimage to Mecca.

Matt Gaetz: A House Ethics Committee investigation of Congressman Matt Gaetz has been expanded to include whether he engaged in sexual misconduct and the use of illegal drugs, according to the committee. At the same time, the committee said it is dropping its investigation into allegations that Gaetz shared pornographic images or videos with other House members while on the House floor, took a bribe and misused campaign funds. Gaetz has denied all of the allegations.

Heat wave: The dangerous heat wave continues in the Midwest and Northeast today, with cooling centers in some cities closed because of the Juneteenth federal holiday. The temperature hit 97 degrees in Concord, New Hampshire, yesterday. The heat is expected to peak in the Northeast tomorrow. Then, the dome of high pressure that is causing the heat buildup is expected to move back into the Ohio Valley for the weekend.