June 22, Wednesday, 2022 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline read by Mr. Yamaguchi Hiroaki

1.Campaigning has officially started for Japan’s Upper House election. Voters head to the polls in about two-and-a-half weeks. Party leaders are already making their pitches to the public.
2.A strong earthquake in eastern Afghanistan early on Wednesday has reportedly killed at least 255 people. The US Geological Survey says the quake’s magnitude was estimated at 5.9. Its focus was about 10 kilometers below Khost Province.
3.Russia is still fighting for complete control of the eastern Ukrainian region of Luhansk. Its troops and artillery have failed so far to dislodge the Ukrainian defenders, who are holding on to the last stronghold in the besieged city of Severodonetsk.