7 key highlights from Cardi B’s new ‘Breakfast Club’ interview

Posted on 20/09/2025 by admin

**Cardi B’s *Am I the Drama?* Released After Seven-Year Wait with Star-Studded Collaborations**

On September 19, 2025, Cardi B released her highly anticipated sophomore album, *Am I the Drama?*, seven years after her debut album, *Invasion of Privacy*. The album features collaborations with notable artists including Summer Walker, Selena Gomez, Kehlani, Lizzo, Cash Cobain, Lourdiz, Janet Jackson, Tyla, and Megan Thee Stallion, as reported by *Billboard* on the day of the release.

Cardi B shared with *Billboard* that the years between albums exposed her to both the good and bad sides of fame, teaching her to control her emotions and better understand life. She also announced plans to embark on the *Little Miss Drama* arena tour in 2026.

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### Cardi B Announces Pregnancy Amid New Album Release

Just two days before the album launch, on September 17, 2025, Cardi B revealed on *CBS Mornings* that she is expecting her first child with NFL star Stefon Diggs. The news added a new layer of excitement for fans anticipating her upcoming projects.

On the album release day, Cardi appeared on *The Breakfast Club* to discuss her new music, pregnancy, and personal relationships. Below are seven key highlights from that revealing interview.

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### 1. Explaining the Delay Behind *Am I the Drama?*

Cardi addressed the long wait between her first and second albums. When co-host Charlamagne tha God questioned if pregnancy had caused the delay, Cardi was quick to clarify:

> “My mouth is not pregnant.”

She explained that the delay was due to being selective about her music and feeling unsatisfied with the material she had early on:

> “Everybody always said that I dropped the ball when I didn’t release an album after *Up*. But to be honest, I only had like six songs. I just felt like I wasn’t ready.”

Cardi added that her debut album was rushed due to circumstances including her first pregnancy, whereas this time, she admitted to overthinking as she got older:

> “As you get older, you just overthink too much. And it’s just like you just got to do it.”

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### 2. No Pressure to Prove Herself Anymore

Facing ongoing debates about her career and the second album’s release, Cardi said the scrutiny has intensified but emphasized she doesn’t feel the need to prove anything:

> “It’s been like a whole nasty debate for the past two months… kind of have to prove it to them but it’s like kind of don’t have to prove nothing to nobody but I’m motivated. I feel really good.”

Regarding rumors about her possibly skipping touring, Cardi firmly dismissed them:

> “Like a lot of people think that I’m not going to go on tour and it’s like honey, Live Nation gave me a check. I’m going there… there was a check that was given and there was a check that I got to go get.”

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### 3. Preparing Physically and Mentally for the Tour While Pregnant

Cardi discussed balancing her pregnancy with tour preparations, noting that this is not new territory—it’s her “fourth baby.” She described staying active during her previous pregnancies, including exercising up to the final weeks.

> “When I gave birth, like in four days, I just felt like nothing.”

She also shared that her first two pregnancies involved complications, but her third was smoother. She hopes this pregnancy will be similar and plans to stay physically strong to be able to perform post-childbirth:

> “I did it last year. I can do it this year.”

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### 4. Protecting Her Peace Amid Industry Pressure

When asked how she maintains peace amidst fame’s pressures, Cardi revealed she doesn’t always have all the answers but relies on her support system:

> “Sometimes I got the answers and sometimes I don’t. But I always have somebody to call. My friends, my family, there’s always somebody there. Nobody complains.”

She noted that setbacks, especially heartbreak, affect her more deeply than people often realize:

> “Some people say, ‘Oh, just give yourself 72 hours.’ Sometimes it will mess you up for a week or longer. Especially if it’s heartache. You can’t fight that.”

Cardi also admitted that some tracks on *Am I the Drama?* served as therapeutic outlets for anger, including responses to other female artists who she felt had taken advantage of her during vulnerable moments:

> “I might talk a certain way. But I’m smart. I know how to play. And when the time comes, I remind people why I’ve lasted this long.”

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### 5. Addressing Feud with Bia on *Am I the Drama?*

Cardi openly discussed her public feud with rapper Bia, notably on the track “Pretty & Petty,” which many believe directly calls out Bia. The back-and-forth between the two began in June 2024, when Bia accused Cardi of cheating on then-husband Offset and later released a diss track mentioning Cardi’s children and appearance.

Cardi explained on *The Breakfast Club* that she addressed the feud so directly because Bia involved her family:

> “You mentioned my kids trying to be cute.”

She emphasized that mentioning her children was crossing a line and justified her response on the album:

> “When my kids grow up one day and they see that you mentioned them, they’re gonna ask me, ‘So what you said? What you did?’ I’m [gonna be] like, ‘You see how I violated?’”

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### 6. Describing Divorce from Offset as “Not Peaceful at All”

Cardi was candid about the ongoing nature of her divorce from ex-husband Offset, filed in July 2024 after six years of marriage. She dispelled rumors that the split had become amicable:

> “No, it’s not. It’s not peaceful at all.”

Discussing Offset’s song “Move On” from his album *Kiari*, which contains lyrics about their relationship’s end, Cardi said she laughed and remained unbothered by the personal digs:

> “Whatever. You let the world think what they want to think.”

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### 7. Calling Out a Woman Who Betrayed Her Trust

Cardi also opened up about a woman who pretended to be friendly before becoming involved with her partner. She described the situation as “weird”:

> “They gave me flowers. Literally flowers. Then, months later, I found out you f****d this n****a. Stuff like that be weird to me.”

While Cardi admitted she doesn’t expect loyalty from everyone, the deception and betrayal shook her. She revealed similar past experiences have made her cautious about supporting emerging artists, especially after encouraging some who later got involved with her partner.

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### *Am I the Drama?* Goes Platinum Within a Day

Just one day after its release, *Am I the Drama?* earned platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on September 20, 2025. The certification counts Cardi’s previous hit singles “WAP” and “Up” toward the album’s overall sales.

– “WAP,” featuring Megan Thee Stallion, was released in August 2020 and has since gone nine-times platinum.
– “Up,” released in February 2021, is certified five times platinum.
Both singles peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

—

Cardi B’s *Am I the Drama?* marks a promising new chapter in her career, blending her personal growth with bold artistic statements. Fans can look forward to the upcoming *Little Miss Drama* arena tour in 2026 as Cardi continues to navigate motherhood, music, and fame.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/music/7-key-highlights-cardi-b-s-new-breakfast-club-interview

How far has Israel fallen? Netanyahu dragged Israel into complete isolation – opinion

Posted on 20/09/2025 by admin

How Far Has Israel Fallen? Netanyahu Dragged Israel Into Complete Isolation

It has long been a Netanyahu mantra that Israel must stand against a hostile world, alone if necessary. However, through his own government’s missteps, he has brought Israel to the brink of true isolation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the opening of the Knesset Museum, Jerusalem, August 11, 2025; illustrative.
(Photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

By MARK LAVIE / THE MEDIA LINE

https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-868172

Australian singer quits Russia’s Eurovision alternative

Posted on 20/09/2025 by admin

Intervision, the Russian alternative to the Eurovision Song Contest, has kicked off in Moscow with a message from President Vladimir Putin. In his address, Putin emphasized that the event promotes the preservation of cultural identity. “Respect for traditional values and the diversity of cultures is the fundamental idea of the competition and inspires participants to achieve artistic heights,” he stated.

The musical competition features 23 countries and is being held in front of about 11,000 spectators at the Live Arena concert hall in Moscow, according to the organizers.

Shortly before the performance of Australian-born singer Vasiliki Karagiorgos, known professionally as Vassy, who was set to represent the United States, the hosts announced that she would no longer be participating. The organizers, noting that Vassy holds US citizenship, attributed her withdrawal to alleged “unprecedented political pressure from the Australian government.”

Vassy had already been a replacement candidate, stepping in after the originally announced US entry, musician B Howard (Brandon Howard), withdrew on Wednesday due to “unforeseen family reasons.”

Russia’s state-run Channel One is broadcasting the three-and-a-half-hour show. The winner will be decided by an international jury made up of representatives from the participating countries. These include former Soviet republics such as Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, as well as Russia’s allies in the BRICS group, including China, India, Brazil, and South Africa.

Unlike Eurovision, Intervision does not allow public voting.

Russia has been barred from participating in Eurovision since 2022, following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Intervision is widely seen as President Putin’s conservative counter-project to Eurovision. “There will be no perversions or mockery of human nature,” commented Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
https://thewest.com.au/entertainment/australian-singer-quits-russias-eurovision-alternative-c-20091307

Opinion: The importance of teaching our children the financial basics

Posted on 20/09/2025 by admin

Financial literacy is more important than ever. A recent study by Bank of America found that about 40% of older teens and young adults from Gen Z still rely on family for financial support, highlighting just how expensive becoming an adult can be today.

Studies also show that instilling financial basics at younger ages can pay greater dividends for future money habits. Yet, most schools have only just begun to add basic financial know-how to their course curriculums. Here in California, students will be required to take a semester-long personal finance course to graduate from high school, but that doesn’t go into effect until the class of 2030-31.

In the meantime, parents and educators continue to look for resources that introduce financial education in a way that will resonate with young minds. We believe that fostering financial literacy at an early age, with age-appropriate information, is key to building the next generation of financially responsible individuals.

Here are a few tips for introducing financial concepts to children to set them up for a lifetime of informed, confident decision-making.

### Start Early at Home

One of the best ways to ensure children develop strong financial habits is to introduce basic concepts of money and budgeting as early as possible. Even at a young age, kids can begin to understand simple ideas like the value of saving versus spending.

Begin by explaining where money comes from, why we need it, and how it can be exchanged. Using age-appropriate language—such as talking about saving for something special or explaining how buying one thing today means you can’t buy other things until you have more money—can make these concepts relatable.

### Teach with Examples

The best way to teach kids about money is by incorporating financial lessons gradually into everyday activities. Situations like shopping for their favorite grocery items, setting a budget for a family outing, or even saving for a toy offer perfect opportunities to discuss money.

Teaching your child with a hands-on approach during real-life events offers them practical understanding without the need for formal lessons.

### Utilize Community Resources

There are a variety of free financial literacy programs designed for people of all ages. For example, Bank of America’s Better Money Habits content is not only provided free on its website but is also taught by a team of more than 100 of its bankers in San Diego in partnership with local schools, universities, and nonprofits.

Bank of America also partners with local nonprofits such as Junior Achievement, which provides school-age financial education in classrooms. More and more financial institutions are supporting the entire family with household financial services.

One example is Bank of America’s new SafeBalance Banking, a bank account that offers parents the ability to help their children practice healthy financial habits and learn to manage their money through a convenient, secure digital experience. Parents can maintain oversight of their child’s spending, supervise the account, and even teach them the responsibility of managing a physical debit card.

Financial basics are a vital skill that can set children up for a successful future. By working together, families, educators, and community partners can prioritize financial education and help children build the foundation they need for a lifetime of smart financial decisions.
https://timesofsandiego.com/opinion/2025/09/20/importance-teaching-our-children-financial-basics/

How far has Israel fallen? Netanyahu dragged Israel into complete isolation – opinion

Posted on 20/09/2025 by admin

How Far Has Israel Fallen? Netanyahu Dragged Israel into Complete Isolation

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the opening of the Knesset Museum, Jerusalem, August 11, 2025; illustrative.
Photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90

By MARK LAVIE / THE MEDIA LINE

https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-868172

No More Excuses, the Bears Need Production From Its Top Earner

Posted on 20/09/2025 by admin

There are no more excuses for the Chicago Bears. The fans deserve better, and it’s time to address the plethora of problems head-on, starting with the Bears’ top-paid player, defensive end Montez Sweat.

When the Bears traded for Sweat during the NFL trade deadline midway through the 2023 season, the move was seen as a clear statement from general manager Ryan Poles that the Bears were serious about upgrading at pass rusher. They even topped off the trade by handing Sweat a four-year, $98 million extension.

It initially looked like a steal, with Sweat finishing the 2023 season with six sacks in nine games and earning Pro Bowl honors. But fast forward to now, and the question has become increasingly unavoidable: are the Bears getting enough from their highest-paid player?

### The Bears Need More from Sweat

Sweat is Chicago’s top-paid player in 2025, carrying the team’s largest cap hit at $25.1 million. To put that into perspective, that figure makes him the 11th highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL. With that kind of money comes a demand for production, with the Bears investing in Sweat to be more than just a shadow on the defense.

But the production has not matched the paycheck. In the last 19 games with the Bears, Sweat has recorded just 5.5 sacks. For a player expected to be the centerpiece of Chicago’s defensive line, those numbers fall short of expectations.

Something else that hasn’t been talked about much is how much Sweat is actually on the field. In Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, Sweat only played in 77% of the snaps. In Week 2 against the Detroit Lions, that number dropped to 66%. This limited playing time is not ideal for a top player.

### Is Sweat Facing Enough Attention?

Some fans and analysts have been quick to defend Sweat by pointing out the amount of attention he gets from opposing offenses. The argument is that Sweat often gets double-teamed or chipped, making it difficult for him to rack up sacks.

While that explanation sounds valid in theory, the numbers tell a different story. According to Pro Football Focus, Sweat ranks just 63rd in the NFL in terms of double teams and chips faced. That’s far behind other top pass rushers like Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, or Micah Parsons, who command extra attention consistently.

In reality, Sweat is getting plenty of one-on-one opportunities, but he simply hasn’t been winning those battles consistently.

### The Bears Need Their Star to Play Like One

Chicago’s defense has plenty of young talent, but it still lacks proven stars outside of Sweat. That’s why his production is even more crucial. When a team commits this level of financial investment into a player, they’re expecting a foundational piece — not just a complementary pass rusher.

Without consistent pressure up front, the Bears are giving opposing quarterbacks too much time to operate comfortably in the pocket. That deficiency has been a recurring issue for Chicago, and Sweat was brought in to fix it.

Sacks aren’t the only measure of pass rush effectiveness, but they do matter, and the Bears desperately need more of them. Sweat has shown flashes of being disruptive, but flashes aren’t enough for someone with his contract.

For the Bears to take the next step as a defense and as a team, Sweat must turn those one-on-one matchups into wins—a true tone-setter who helps Chicago close out games. At a $25 million price tag, mediocrity isn’t an option.

Because for the Bears, their defensive ceiling depends on their highest-paid player delivering the way a true star should.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/chicago-bears/montez-sweat-no-more-excuses/

US Horror: Gujarati Woman Shot Dead During Armed Robbery; Authorities Launch Manhunt

Posted on 20/09/2025 by admin

A 49-year-old Gujarati woman was shot dead during an armed robbery at her convenience store in Union County on Tuesday.

According to media reports, the victim, Kiran Patel, was found motionless in a pool of blood at DD’s Food Mart on Pickney Street. Authorities stated that the attack unfolded when a masked man entered the store with a firearm, apparently attempting a robbery.

Security footage shows Patel reacting instinctively as the gunman approached. She tried to escape while the assailant followed her and fired multiple rounds. Reports indicate that Patel attempted to defend herself by throwing an object at the attacker, who then jumped onto the cash register counter and continued shooting.

Patel tried to run toward the parking lot, but the gunman pursued her, firing several more rounds before she fell just a few feet from the store entrance. The Union Public Safety Department has launched an intensive manhunt for the suspect, who fled the scene immediately after the shooting.

The Union County coroner’s office confirmed that Patel succumbed to fatal gunshot wounds.

—

**Indian-origin Motel Manager Beheaded in Front of Family in Dallas**

On September 12, a 50-year-old Indian-origin motel manager was beheaded in front of his wife and son in Texas following a dispute over a washing machine, police said.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning at the Downtown Suites motel in Dallas. The suspect, a co-worker with a criminal record, has been arrested and charged with capital murder.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/us-horror-gujarati-woman-shot-dead-during-armed-robbery-authorities-launch-manhunt

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 Written Update, September 20: Tulsi Vs Pari, Latter Finally Reveals The Truth

Posted on 20/09/2025 by admin

**Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 Written Update – September 20**

In yesterday’s episode, Tulsi saw Pari with Ranvijay in the chawl and fainted. Today, the Virani family is discussing Pari’s case when Tulsi enters the house looking upset. Mihir and other family members immediately get worried upon seeing her condition.

Tulsi breaks down in tears and reveals that she saw Pari in the chawl with Ranvijay. However, Mihir doesn’t believe her, so Tulsi asks him to come with her to prove it.

As they are about to leave, Pari unexpectedly appears and stops them. She questions Tulsi and Mihir about where they are going. Tulsi confronts Pari directly, accusing her of meeting Ranvijay in the chawl.

Pari starts crying and denies the accusation, saying she never went to any chawl to meet Ranvijay. She explains that she was at college, and Gayatri was with her the entire time. Supporting Pari’s statement, Gayatri confirms that she was indeed with Pari throughout.

Despite her innocence, Pari becomes emotional and creates a scene, accusing Tulsi of not believing her and saying that if she isn’t trusted, she might as well die. Mihir and other family members try to calm her down.

Mihir attempts to take Pari to her room, but Tulsi insists that he should believe her. However, Mihir remains doubtful of Tulsi’s claims.

Later, a flashback reveals that when Tulsi fainted in the chawl, Pari and Ranvijay saw her. Pari then hurried home and requested Gayatri to support her story.

Back in the present, Tulsi is standing in the compound of Shanti Niketan, near the tulsi plant, when Pari approaches her and asks what problem she has with her. Angered, Tulsi demands the truth from Pari.

Finally, Pari confesses that she did go to the chawl to meet Ranvijay. She reveals her love for Ranvijay and admits that marrying Ajay was a mistake. She also claims that the allegations she made against her in-laws were false — she never liked Ajay or his family and only wanted to leave them.

Tulsi tries to explain that what Pari did was wrong, but Pari retorts that Tulsi never supports her. Pari adds that if she had told the truth about loving Ranvijay, everyone would have blamed her, and she wouldn’t have received her share of the family property.

Tulsi is left shocked after hearing Pari’s confession.

What will happen next? Stay tuned for tomorrow’s episode to find out!
https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/kyunki-saas-bhi-kabhi-bahu-thi-2-written-update-september-20-tulsi-vs-pari-latter-finally-reveals-the-truth

In a world of toxic masculinity, this is how I’m raising my sons to be good men

Posted on 20/09/2025 by admin

Mental-health advocate Blake Johnston is known for holding the world record for the longest continuous surf, which he achieved in 2023 to raise awareness and money for charity. Here, the 43-year-old talks about how he and his wife Lauren are raising their two boys, and how his father’s battle with mental illness has informed his life.

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My maternal grandmother, Bessie, loved her cigarettes. She was sweet and very good to my grandfather, Ian. She adored him, and that was special to see. My mum, Sandy, was pretty close to her.

My dad, Wayne, was a builder who renovated houses, so we moved around a lot. When I was a baby, we lived with my grandparents for a while in Cronulla, Sydney, where I grew up. Nan was always cooking and provided a comforting home for us.

I’m a lot like Mum in that I’m sensitive and empathetic. She’s very loving and selfless. We didn’t have a lot when I was growing up, but Mum always made my four brothers and me feel so loved and special.

I was 31 when Dad committed suicide. He had a medical condition that severely affected his mental health. Mum’s gone through every emotion since — anger, loneliness, and isolation. Family is everything to her.

After Dad’s death, my older brother, Ben, and I drifted apart. Mum’s grief will never disappear, but she knows all five of her sons love her.

—

I had a few relationships in school, but I wasn’t that interested for the first two decades of my life; I was dedicated to surfing. I first went on a surfboard with Dad when I was four.

When I was around 13, Layne Beachley, who later became a seven-time world champion, and I crossed paths at a Quiksilver training camp. The camp was physically demanding, but Layne was killing it. She was one of only two girls present but had this determination and focus that obviously paid off.

My first celebrity crush was Cameron Diaz. I remember seeing her in the 1998 movie *There’s Something About Mary*. Her smile lit up a room.

I went to the Year 10 formal with Chantelle, a girl I had a crush on. She never liked me back; rather, it was convenient for her.

My first serious relationship was at 17, when I met Laura at the beach. She was finishing high school and was so easy-going. I spoiled her with gifts and took her to Hawaii. She wanted to go to London after graduating, and our breakup was tough.

I was 19 when I met Ash. Her family was involved in the local surf scene. Ash had just finished Year 12, and we spent a year together. She wanted to focus on her career and again my heart was broken.

From that point on, I spent more time with my mates. I wasn’t looking for a relationship when Lauren, who’s now my wife, showed up.

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Lauren was finishing a marketing degree and preparing for a corporate career. She was petite, blonde, and full of positive energy — my dream girl. We got along so well and respected each other. I fell in love pretty quickly.

I constantly do things that show Lauren I love her. I buy flowers and make sure she knows how appreciated and awesome she is.

Lauren is an outstanding mum to our boys, Bobby, 13, and Duke, 10.

With social media and the rise of toxic masculinity, it’s a difficult time for boys and young men regarding how to treat women. It’s not a sit-down lesson; it’s how I consistently treat Lauren.

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In 2023, I set the world record for the longest continuous surf and raised $500,000 for mental health charities. Being in the water for 40 hours, I felt both elated and frustrated. But there were dark times, too, as I reflected on my whole life — what happened with my dad, and not making it as a pro surfer.

Lauren was with me the whole way. She continued to run our surf school and hardly slept. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but upon exiting the water, my beautiful wife was the first person I saw. To see her there was so powerful.

Without Lauren, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

—

*Swellbeing* (Hachette Australia) by Blake Johnston is out September 30.
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/in-a-world-of-toxic-masculinity-this-is-how-i-m-raising-my-sons-to-be-good-men-20250901-p5mre4.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

The September 21 Edition

Posted on 20/09/2025 by admin

In our cover story this week, actor Pallavi Sharda opens up about her journey from Australia to Bollywood, what inspired her return home, and the important mission she pursues through film and life.

In her 20s, Pallavi Sharda conquered Bollywood. Now, she’s home in Perth and on a mission. The Perth-born actor is keen to take on roles that align with her goal of making women like herself feel seen.

*September 18, 2025*
*By Kate Halfpenny*

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**Five minutes, no heartbeat: How nearly dying changed how Emily chooses to live**

What happens when we die? While the ultimate answers may elude us, a near-death experience can offer profound insights.

*September 18, 2025*
*By Shona Hendley*

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**Opinion**

**This photo with my baby used to scream failure. Now, I am viewing it differently.**

For years, I resisted being one of those bed-sharing parents. But a recent change in my daughter has made me reconsider.

*4 minutes ago*
*By Melissa Singer*

—

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https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/the-september-21-edition-20250918-p5mw84.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed