August 31, Wednesday, 2022 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline

1.Russian media outlets have reported the death of Mikhail Gorbachev, the last
leader of the Soviet Union, as breaking news. A Russian state-run television broadcast a special program looking back on his political career and his activities after retirement.
2.Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says he will attend lawmakers’ meetings while the Diet is out of session to further explain the significance of holding a state funeral for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. Kishida noted on Wednesday that Abe had assumed a heavy responsibility as the country’s longest-serving prime minister.
3.Japan’s Defense Ministry is requesting a record high budget allocation of nearly 5.6 trillion yen, or about 40 billion dollars, for next fiscal year. The ministry made the budget request on Wednesday as part of its drive to drastically enhance Japan’s defense capabilities over the next five years.