Satirist John Clarke dies, aged 68 and more Zedlines

Along with partner in crime, Brian Dawe, he became an Australian institution skewering the political elite for almost 3 decades. Clarke showcased his talents across comedy, film, television and musicals, and his absence leaves a void in the heart of our culture. He will be sorely missed.   Sugar prices put pressure on canegrowers Falling sugar prices force canegrowers to sign agreement with Wilmar sugar mill. The canegrowers in Burdekin have been forced to sign a supply deal with the Wilmar, the largest sugar mill owner in the region, as the sugar prices tumble in the market. Chairman of Canegrowers Burdekin, Phil Morano is confident that most members will continue to hold out and wait until an on-supply agreement was signed between Queensland Sugar Limited and Wilmar.   Rare, volcanic find in Lockyer Valley Rare rock dust found in Lockyer Valley. Geologists Guy Lewington and Martin I’Ons have discovered a rare compound known as palagonite while inspecting a mine for silica. The material is formed when volcanic glass and water interact, when the geologists mixed it with compost and microbial products they formed a potent soil conditioner which retains water. The material has already been exported to Dubai to grow pristine grass.   South Australian renewables ahead of schedule South Australia hits renewable energy target 8 years ahead of schedule. The state government’s 2025 goal of 50% renewable energy supply has been reached, with 53% of the state’s energy coming from solar and wind sources in the last year. Despite the milestone the Opposition remains skeptical, claiming poor management of the transition to renewable energy was responsible for higher prices and less reliability.   Mexican journalist in asylum limbo Mexican journalist awaiting political asylum at US border since two months. Martin Méndez Pineda, a former Guerrero-based Novedades Acapulco newspaper journalist has been held at a detention centre in El Peso, Texas since February fifth in deplorable conditions. He has been the target of death threats by the police in his state for covering violent arrests by the officers in a road accident. He is awaiting a response for political asylum, even after passing the interview by US authorities to determine his threat claims.   Anti-corruption protests continue in Serbia Thousands of anti-corruption protesters gathered outside the Serbian government headquarters for the sixth day in a row in the wake of election. Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic was elected President with 55% of the vote however protesters and opposition allege the vote was tainted by media blackouts, voter intimidation and bribery. While the position of President is seen as largely ceremonial, there are concerns Vucic will hold onto his power through his leadership of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, blurring the lines of Presidential authority.