The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News.----------Japan PM denies LDP covertly backing scandal-hit members in electionTOKYO - Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Thursday dismissed the view that his ruling Liberal Democratic Party is financially supporting politicians implicated in a party slush funds scandal who are running in this weekend's general election without party endorsement.Ishiba said the provision of funds, which came to light Wednesday and drew immediate criticism from the opposition camp, is intended for use by local LDP chapters in expanding pa…READ FULL ARTICLE