5 things you need to know this morning: Aug. 18, 2022

| August 18, 2022 in 5 Things

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Start your day off right with five things you need to know this morning.

Five things you need to know

1. Alleged Rushdie attacker only read 2 pages of controversial book, according to report

The man accused of stabbing Salman Rushdie has told an American newspaper that he only read two pages of the author's controversial book The Satanic Verses. Hadi Matar, 24, has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder. 

2. Bodies found in suitcases identified as children, police say

Human remains found in suitcases in New Zealand have been identified as belonging to two young children. The cases were bought at auction after being in storage for several years, police said.

3. Finnish PM denies taking drugs after party video leaked

The world's youngest prime minister has denied taking drugs after videos showing her partying were leaked. Sanna Marin, the 36-year-old in charge of Finland, said she merely drank alcohol and had fun "in a boisterous way."

4. Dozens killed in Algeria fires

Dozens of people have been killed in Algeria as the country's north endures a devastating fire season. Fires have been raging across the Mediterranean this year, with Portugal, Spain, Greece and France among those affected.

5. US to hold trade talks with Taiwan

The US has announced a plan to hold formal trade negotiations with Taiwan weeks after a visit to the island by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sparked fury in Beijing. US-Taiwan trade was estimated to be worth about US$106 billion in 2020.

And lastly...

In stranger news, the Japanese government has launched a new campaign designed to get young people to drink more booze. The country's tax agency is hoping to persuade people aged 20 to 39 – who are increasingly abstinent – to buy more sake, shochu and other alcoholic beverages amid falling tax revenues.

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