Struggling Aussies turn to Coles and Woolworths, Albanese leads Pope Francis tributes, 12-year-old girl dies riding e-scooter

Hello and welcome to Yahoo's live news blog this Tuesday. Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has led tributes for the leader of the Catholic Church, saying he was "close to the people of Australia".
Struggling Aussies are turning to Coles and Woolworths for financial relief, new data shows. More and more shoppers are ditching trusted brands for cheaper own brand alternatives.
A 12-year-old girl has died while riding an e-scooter. Police believe she fell into the road before colliding with a passing car.
Labor continues to dodge questions on whether Russia did in fact request to base military aircraft in Indonesia. Defence Minister Richard Marles refused to declare if the Albanese government has been informed of such a development after the prime minister did the same earlier on Monday.
Follow along as we bring you regular updates throughout the day.
While Coles and Woolworths have copped a lot of criticism in recent years amid cost-of-living struggles, more and more Aussies are turning to the supermarkets' own brands to get through financial difficulties.
New research from SAP Emarsys says 60 per cent of shoppers have switched to more affordable own brands, while 55 per cent of shoppers believe the quality of those items are comparable to branded ones.
'Aussie consumers aren't just becoming less loyal to brands - they're ignoring them entirely.' SAP Emarsys CMO Sara Richter said.
A 63-year-old man has a court date after cops say they pulled him over riding a lawnmower along a main road while clinging to a takeaway meal.
Police in Taree on NSW's Mid North Coast allege the lawnmower did not have licence plates and that the man did not have a licence. NSW Police allege he hasn't had one since 1986.
It comes after an Easter Weekend where three people lost their lives on the state's roads, and while Acting Police Minister Tara Moriarty said most drivers stuck to the rules, a small number were responsible for "preventable tragedies".
Over the long weekend, police said 4,892 were caught speeding, while 802 people failed drug-driving tests.
Take a look now at these striking images in the video below, showing a remarkable influx of ladybirds in SA's southeast.
One photo even shows the insects clinging to the back of a man's shirt. Local photographer Darren Archibald told the ABC parts of the ground are "covered" in ladybugs. Drought and cooler conditions have led to the surge in numbers.
The first votes in the May 3 federal election will be cast from Tuesday, as campaigning is overshadowed by the death of Pope Francis.
Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton are still expected to front the third leaders' debate on Tuesday night, but the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader have cancelled planned events for Tuesday.
The Opposition Leader has said 'today's not the day for big politicking'.
Mr Dutton says he will spend the day 'reflecting' instead of engaging in 'overt politicking' on Tuesday, out of respect for Pope Francis.
He is expected to attend a church service, while Mr Albanese attended mass at Melbourne's St Patrick's Cathedral early on Tuesday.
- NCA NewsWire
It's been 12 years since Pope Francis became the head of the Catholic Church so you may need a reminder of how a new leader is elected.
Nine days of official mourning will now take place following Pope Francis' death, a period when his funeral will take place. Two to three weeks after the funeral, a conclave will take place.
Cardinals and Vatican officials chosen by the pope will gather in Vatican City to vote on who will be the next pope.
"The cardinals vote by secret ballot, processing one by one up to Michelangelo's fresco of the Last Judgment, saying a prayer and dropping the twice-folded ballot in a large chalice," the US Conference of Catholic Bishops explains.
"The result of each ballot [is] counted aloud and recorded by three cardinals designated as recorders. If no one receives the necessary two-thirds of the vote, the ballots are burned in a stove near the chapel with a mixture of chemicals to produce black smoke."
This process repeats until a cardinal receives the necessary two-thirds vote. At this point, white smoke will rise from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, indicating to the wider world that the cardinals have elected a new pope.
Four rounds of balloting are taken every day until someone receives this vote share.
Pope Francis's election in 2013 was confirmed on the second day, after five ballots.
A man has been charged with the murder of beloved 19-year-old Audrey Griffin a month after her remains were discovered in a NSW Central Coast creek.
The body of the teenager was found partially submerged in the Erina Creek near The Entrance Rd, Erina, on the Central Coast at about 3.45pm on Monday, March 24.
She had been reported missing only a few hours earlier, with her friends last seeing the 19-year-old at about 2am on a night out at the Gosford Hotel.
Initial inquiries led police to believe the death wasn't suspicious.
However after further investigation, police arrested a 53-year-old man in Surry Hills at about 12.20pm on Monday.
He has been charged with murder and 11 other unrelated domestic violence matters.
Police will allege the man had a physical altercation with the teenager.
He was refused bail and is due to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday.
Ms Griffin's death rocked the local community, who remembered her as a 'beautiful girl' who was 'treasured by a lot of people'.
'She touched the hearts of so many people and always had a smile,' a friend penned on social media.
- NCA NewsWire
It's the simple question Labor is refusing to answer.
Did Russia make a request to position military aircraft in Indonesia?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese repeatedly dodged that question on Monday morning and now Defence Minister Richard Marles has followed his lead, saying he wouldn't "get into it".
It is of course the possibility that Labor doesn't actually know the answer to that question but Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says if that's the case, it should just simply be said.
Marles argued however it was not Labor's position to be declaring such information.
"What we know about that is not something I'm going to ventilate in the public domain, nor am I going to comment on it," he told Sky News.
'What matters is the assurance that Indonesia has provided to us, which they did, with great speed when we reached out and that was to assure us that there was no prospect of Russian aircraft operating from their soil.'
High school student Summah Richards has been remembered for having a smile that could light up a room.
Summah, 12, was riding her e-scooter in the quiet town of Laidley in rural Queensland before a tragic collision took her life about 3pm on Saturday.
According to police, initial investigations indicated that both vehicles were travelling south on Vaux Street and around 3pm the rider of the scooter fell into the path of a grey Holden Barina on Vaux Street.
Police said Summah was declared dead at the scene. The driver and passenger of the Holden Barina were not injured. Investigations are ongoing.
Stacey Ardrey, the best friend of Summah's mother, has remembered Summah as 'a remarkable young girl with such a vibrant spirit'.
Read more from NCA NewsWire here.
Pope Francis has been remembered as a leader who was determined to be with the people until the end as millions of Australian Catholics mourn the pontiff's passing.
The 88-year-old's death on Monday after a recent serious battle with double pneumonia was marked by tolling church bells and preparations for scores of memorial masses for the Catholic leader.
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president and Perth archbishop Tim Costelloe reflected on images taken just hours before the Pope's death, when Francis made a public appearance at St Peter's Square.
"Even though he was so sick, and so weak, he was determined to be with his people," Archbishop Costelloe told ABC Radio National on Tuesday.
"And I think being with his people, being present to his people, was probably the great gift that he brought to the church and to the world."
Many mourners attended early masses at local cathedrals following the Pope's passing.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is Catholic, said the major party leaders had agreed to dial back election campaigning on Tuesday as a sign of respect.
He attended mass at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne on a rainy Tuesday morning, when he was greeted by the cathedral's dean, Monsignor Stuart Hall.
The Pope's death could also prove a turning point in Australia's relationship with the Vatican after Francis overlooked local archbishops when selecting the nation's sole cardinal in December.
Cardinal Mykola Bychok said he was filled with sadness for the loss of a "pope of peace" and a man of simple piety.
Read more here.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
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While Coles and Woolworths have copped a lot of criticism in recent years amid cost-of-living struggles, more and more Aussies are turning to the supermarkets' own brands to get through financial difficulties.
New research from SAP Emarsys says 60 per cent of shoppers have switched to more affordable own brands, while 55 per cent of shoppers believe the quality of those items are comparable to branded ones.
'Aussie consumers aren't just becoming less loyal to brands - they're ignoring them entirely.' SAP Emarsys CMO Sara Richter said.
A 63-year-old man has a court date after cops say they pulled him over riding a lawnmower along a main road while clinging to a takeaway meal.
Police in Taree on NSW's Mid North Coast allege the lawnmower did not have licence plates and that the man did not have a licence. NSW Police allege he hasn't had one since 1986.
It comes after an Easter Weekend where three people lost their lives on the state's roads, and while Acting Police Minister Tara Moriarty said most drivers stuck to the rules, a small number were responsible for "preventable tragedies".
Over the long weekend, police said 4,892 were caught speeding, while 802 people failed drug-driving tests.
Take a look now at these striking images in the video below, showing a remarkable influx of ladybirds in SA's southeast.
One photo even shows the insects clinging to the back of a man's shirt. Local photographer Darren Archibald told the ABC parts of the ground are "covered" in ladybugs. Drought and cooler conditions have led to the surge in numbers.
The first votes in the May 3 federal election will be cast from Tuesday, as campaigning is overshadowed by the death of Pope Francis.
Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton are still expected to front the third leaders' debate on Tuesday night, but the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader have cancelled planned events for Tuesday.
The Opposition Leader has said 'today's not the day for big politicking'.
Mr Dutton says he will spend the day 'reflecting' instead of engaging in 'overt politicking' on Tuesday, out of respect for Pope Francis.
He is expected to attend a church service, while Mr Albanese attended mass at Melbourne's St Patrick's Cathedral early on Tuesday.
- NCA NewsWire
It's been 12 years since Pope Francis became the head of the Catholic Church so you may need a reminder of how a new leader is elected.
Nine days of official mourning will now take place following Pope Francis' death, a period when his funeral will take place. Two to three weeks after the funeral, a conclave will take place.
Cardinals and Vatican officials chosen by the pope will gather in Vatican City to vote on who will be the next pope.
"The cardinals vote by secret ballot, processing one by one up to Michelangelo's fresco of the Last Judgment, saying a prayer and dropping the twice-folded ballot in a large chalice," the US Conference of Catholic Bishops explains.
"The result of each ballot [is] counted aloud and recorded by three cardinals designated as recorders. If no one receives the necessary two-thirds of the vote, the ballots are burned in a stove near the chapel with a mixture of chemicals to produce black smoke."
This process repeats until a cardinal receives the necessary two-thirds vote. At this point, white smoke will rise from the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, indicating to the wider world that the cardinals have elected a new pope.
Four rounds of balloting are taken every day until someone receives this vote share.
Pope Francis's election in 2013 was confirmed on the second day, after five ballots.
A man has been charged with the murder of beloved 19-year-old Audrey Griffin a month after her remains were discovered in a NSW Central Coast creek.
The body of the teenager was found partially submerged in the Erina Creek near The Entrance Rd, Erina, on the Central Coast at about 3.45pm on Monday, March 24.
She had been reported missing only a few hours earlier, with her friends last seeing the 19-year-old at about 2am on a night out at the Gosford Hotel.
Initial inquiries led police to believe the death wasn't suspicious.
However after further investigation, police arrested a 53-year-old man in Surry Hills at about 12.20pm on Monday.
He has been charged with murder and 11 other unrelated domestic violence matters.
Police will allege the man had a physical altercation with the teenager.
He was refused bail and is due to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday.
Ms Griffin's death rocked the local community, who remembered her as a 'beautiful girl' who was 'treasured by a lot of people'.
'She touched the hearts of so many people and always had a smile,' a friend penned on social media.
- NCA NewsWire
It's the simple question Labor is refusing to answer.
Did Russia make a request to position military aircraft in Indonesia?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese repeatedly dodged that question on Monday morning and now Defence Minister Richard Marles has followed his lead, saying he wouldn't "get into it".
It is of course the possibility that Labor doesn't actually know the answer to that question but Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says if that's the case, it should just simply be said.
Marles argued however it was not Labor's position to be declaring such information.
"What we know about that is not something I'm going to ventilate in the public domain, nor am I going to comment on it," he told Sky News.
'What matters is the assurance that Indonesia has provided to us, which they did, with great speed when we reached out and that was to assure us that there was no prospect of Russian aircraft operating from their soil.'
High school student Summah Richards has been remembered for having a smile that could light up a room.
Summah, 12, was riding her e-scooter in the quiet town of Laidley in rural Queensland before a tragic collision took her life about 3pm on Saturday.
According to police, initial investigations indicated that both vehicles were travelling south on Vaux Street and around 3pm the rider of the scooter fell into the path of a grey Holden Barina on Vaux Street.
Police said Summah was declared dead at the scene. The driver and passenger of the Holden Barina were not injured. Investigations are ongoing.
Stacey Ardrey, the best friend of Summah's mother, has remembered Summah as 'a remarkable young girl with such a vibrant spirit'.
Read more from NCA NewsWire here.
Pope Francis has been remembered as a leader who was determined to be with the people until the end as millions of Australian Catholics mourn the pontiff's passing.
The 88-year-old's death on Monday after a recent serious battle with double pneumonia was marked by tolling church bells and preparations for scores of memorial masses for the Catholic leader.
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president and Perth archbishop Tim Costelloe reflected on images taken just hours before the Pope's death, when Francis made a public appearance at St Peter's Square.
"Even though he was so sick, and so weak, he was determined to be with his people," Archbishop Costelloe told ABC Radio National on Tuesday.
"And I think being with his people, being present to his people, was probably the great gift that he brought to the church and to the world."
Many mourners attended early masses at local cathedrals following the Pope's passing.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is Catholic, said the major party leaders had agreed to dial back election campaigning on Tuesday as a sign of respect.
He attended mass at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne on a rainy Tuesday morning, when he was greeted by the cathedral's dean, Monsignor Stuart Hall.
The Pope's death could also prove a turning point in Australia's relationship with the Vatican after Francis overlooked local archbishops when selecting the nation's sole cardinal in December.
Cardinal Mykola Bychok said he was filled with sadness for the loss of a "pope of peace" and a man of simple piety.
Read more here.

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