Steve Jobs, George Lucas, and Guy Fieri don’t have much in common—except where their stories began. Each launched their careers at a community college, long before becoming household names.
It’s a path that Chris Tomasso, CEO of the $1 billion in revenue breakfast-and-lunch chain First Watch, also took. Before finishing his bachelor’s degree at University of Central Florida, Tomasso started closer to home at Manatee Community College—a move that, he said, came down to simple math.
“It really was just a business decision for me,” Tomasso told Fortune. “That’s the way I looked at it. Not only do those four-year universities cost more, I would have housing costs if I went away.”
While he admits he was eager to experience the traditional four-year college life, Tomasso realized it wasn’t financially realistic. Starting at a community college allowed him to save money while staying on track academically.
“Are there trade-offs to that? Sure,” Tomasso said. “I had a blast at UCF, and looking back now, I wish I would have been able to go there for four years, but it just wasn’t in the cards for me, and it wasn’t a reality. So, I got there in probably the best way I could.”
At a time when student-loan debt has ballooned to $1.65 trillion, Tomasso has a message for Gen Z: prestige isn’t everything—and you can pace your pathway to success.
“Don’t let ego get in the way,” Tomasso said. “I look at folks beyond their resume and say do they have that—the fortitude to do whatever it takes, basically, to put themselves in a position to be successful?”
How Gen Z can jumpstart their careers
Even as a student, Tomasso demonstrated a scrappy, get-it-done mentality. He took a job at a department store just to snag a discount on a suit for his dream internship with the NBA’s Orlando Magic—a small but telling example of the resourcefulness he still values in employees today.
And that attitude, he said, is more important than ever for young professionals hoping to stand out. His advice: raise your hand often.
“Make sure people know you want to learn more,” Tomasso said.
“Don’t read your job description. Do what’s expected of you—and then some. Do something else, like ask, what more can I do? Ask, even if it’s outside your area.”
Like Tomasso, a growing number of students are rethinking where to begin their college journey. While traditional four-year institutions often dominate the higher-education conversation, community colleges now enroll more than a quarter of all students nationwide.
And they’re on the rise. According to preliminary numbers released by the National Student Clearinghouse, community college enrollment rose by 4% this year—that’s compared with 1.9% growth at public 4-years and 0.9% at private nonprofits.
For many students, the decision comes down to finances. Attending community college for two years can significantly reduce student debt—especially as more than 30 states now offer tuition-free programs for residents who meet certain academic requirements.
So, instead of looking at community college as a secondary to a four-year university, Tomasso said it should be seen for what it is: “a hack to get that kind of degree for basically half the price.”
3i (LSE:III) is one of my favourite UK stocks. The FTSE 100 private equity company has just about everything that I look for in a stock investment.
The stock has been doing well this year, but it fell 18% in a day on Thursday (13 November). I can see why, but I don’t think there’s much wrong with the business, so I’m looking to buy big.
Buy the dip?
When stocks fall, it can be a great opportunity for investors to buy shares in quality companies at relatively attractive prices. But there are some golden rules that I always try to stick to.
One of these is that I never buy a dip if I can’t figure out why it’s happening. The stock market isn’t 100% efficient, but it also doesn’t just send stocks lower for no reason.
A big move in a stock is almost always a reaction to something. It might be an overreaction – that definitely happens – but I think buying without knowing why a stock has fallen is hugely risky.
So why did the stock fall so dramatically after the firm’s H1 earnings report on Thursday? While some people are pointing to an uncertain outlook, I don’t believe that’s the real reason.
Why is 3i down?
The CEO did indeed warn of an uncertain macroeconomic outlook. But as my fellow Fool writer Harvey Jones has pointed out, that shouldn’t have been a surprise to anyone.
I think the real reason the share price crashed is a disappointing set of results from Action – its largest subsidiary. The retailer recorded like-for-like sales growth of 5.7% since January.
There are a few problems with this. The biggest is that it’s well below the growth rate the firm has been achieving in previous years, which has regularly been above 10%.
This is made worse by the fact that 3i values Action at a punchy 18.5 EBITDA multiple. Add in the news they’ve been increasing their stake at that level and the reason for the crash is clear.
Why I’m buying
Action’s recent performance is a clear illustration of the risk associated with 3i shares. But the company still stands out to me as a strong business with a durable competitive advantage.
Elsewhere in its report, the firm announced it was preparing to sell two of its holdings. One is a pet food business called MPM and the other is a software operation called MAIT.
It’s set to realise a 220% return in five years on the former and a 180% return in four years on the latter. That’s outstanding at a time when other private equity operations are struggling.
The key is that 3i invests its own cash, instead of raising capital from external investors, which lets it invest on its own timeline. That’s the firm’s big advantage and I don’t see it going away.
Foolish thoughts
3i’s results demonstrate the risks associated with a concentrated portfolio. But the thing that sets the firm apart from its rivals is its ability to be selective about opportunities.
That comes from investing its own cash, rather than raising external capital. And with this positive still very much intact, I’m looking to use the recent big drop as a chance to buy the stock.
The conversation between Lili Reinhart and Davis, the little boy who is already a star in his own right, was so engaging and light-hearted that it was really the highlight of the actress’s guest appearance in the kids’ audience favorite series Recess Therapy. The topic of Reinhart’s modern show’s promotion turned into a very subsequent and vibrant experience with the kid’s sheer bravado and the actress’s colleagues’ joking as the main ingredients that made the discussion very appealing to the little ones’ and gamers’ points of view, leading to a viral moment.
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The little boy, Davis, started the conversation by claiming that he had all the knowledge in the world. However, he soon realized that he had no idea about division. Consequently, he shifted from boasting to confessing his lack of knowledge. Then, they walked back to the discussion about the negatives of modern life being the same even for the little ones, and the boy was quite relatable at this point. Davis expressed his utter hatred for emails and told a tale that it would be much easier for him to “sneak out and tell my mom” than going through the torment of writing one. In the end, he went a step further saying, “I wish I could have my mom do all the emailing for me.” Reinhart seemed to be on the same page with the actress where she had to point out in a hustle with the caption on the post “ugh emails… am I right???”
The most hilarious part of the conversation came up when they were discussing future dreams and the popular game Minecraft. The kid disclosed that “beating the ender dragon” was the aspirational conclusion of his grand five-year plan which he had drawn to take over the boss dragon in the game. Host, Julian, made a witty remark that set the internet on fire, telling the kid, “I bet you don’t even know what Minecraft is. I was already playing Minecraft prior to your birth.”
Davis’s instant reaction, which was a fast, loud, and high-pitched head turning, became the center of attention immediately. A viewer commented, “That high-pitched head turn made me laugh really hard” while another one said, “I was laughing so hard that tears were flowing down my face, it was so unexpected but perfectly timed.” The moment perfectly captured the contrast in gaming experiences between the two generations.
People were astonished by the fact that the little one was treated with the utmost courtesy. “The best thing about this series is that kids are treated like adults,” said one viewer, “especially coming from a kid who has just tried to check your knowledge about Minecraft lol you did not let that one slide.” The host’s witty comeback was well received by the audience, another person remarked, “I love the way you challenged about Minecraft” and called it the “first time I have seen Julian take a kid down a notch.”
The boy’s charming personality was always shining through the conversation. His statement “I know everything” immediately followed by his confession that he does not know division created what one of the commentators called “the perfect kid logic.” Another observer stated, “This kid is most likely a politician! He never gives straight answers!” and it was obvious they were referring to the child’s entertainingly tricky replies that were even funny.
The generational aspect of the Minecraft debate came up with a lot of the older audience. One viewer said: “I was playing minecraft before you were born made me feel so ancient.” Another person shared their tale writing, “I often say this to the kids I babysit, which surprises both of us.” Even adult gamers felt the challenge, one admitted, “Wow, I’m almost 30 and I’ve never beaten the Ender Dragon. I should probably get to it.”
Everyone noticed how effortless was Lili’s friendship with the little boy whose comments were always brightened with laughter while talking and sharing with kids. “Lili would definitely be a wonderful mother,” was one fan’s thought. Another one was “please, I need more of lili reinhart interviewing kids, this is my everything.” The pairing of the actress and the interview series was referred to as “the collab I never expected” but surely, the viewers welcomed it.
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The epic nature of the interview comes from its authentic portrayal of the confidence of a child in meeting a soft reality check. From tactics for avoiding emails to gaming ambitions, Davis exemplified the candidness that is the main reason for the popularity of Recess Therapy. On the other hand, Reinhart was not just an actress; she was a multifaceted artist showing her care and humor with the children. The entire conversation is a delightful reminder of the humorous and simple truths that become visible to us when we look through the children’s perspectives on the world around them. This episode is noteworthy for being the one that features star promotion as well as genuine human connection, thus making the content both refreshingly genuine and highly enjoyable at the same time. Lili’s stunning photoshoot for Only Natural Diamonds showcases her versatility, while her new film American Sweatshop continues to generate excitement. She recently attended a Women in Film event where she received overwhelming praise, and celebrated her dream Marie Claire feature.
Years ago, there was a recurring dream that fashion designer Brenda Equihua couldn’t shake. In the dream, there was always a flood. Sometimes, she was the one being swept away; other times, she was looking from above as friends and family were caught in floodwater. No matter what she did, the swirling water suffocated her and everything she knew.
The dreams perplexed and somewhat scared Equihua, who couldn’t figure out what they might mean. Until her mom appeared. Equihua’s mom passed away in 2013 but she appears in her dreams, often with a message. This time, she was floating atop the floodwater, eyes closed and peaceful despite the chaos.
“I felt like she was telling me, surrender,” Equihua says. “Don’t try to stop it. Even if you’re scared, you can’t stop it. Let life flood you and be at peace with that.”
The floods, she realized, represented her overwhelming desire to control the uncontrollable aspects of her life. By listening to her mom and letting go, she could better handle her life. She then thought, “What might happen if I listened to my dreams more and let them guide me?” Since seeing her mom, the floodwaters have stopped in Equihua’s dreams. But that hasn’t stopped her dreams from influencing her life and work.
“I wasn’t thinking I want to design pajamas. I was thinking about creating dreams.”
Equihua founded her namesake fashion label in 2015. Her brand rose to prominence thanks to her innovative cobija jackets, which used culturally-loved San Marcos blankets as material. The result was a comforting yet bold intersection of Mexican heritage, nostalgia and streetwear. Her work has been worn by the likes of Bad Bunny, Kehlani and Rauw Alejandro, among a slew of other stars.
Often at the crossroads of memory and artistry, Equihua’s story-rich designs start with a vision. Past designs have come to her suddenly and vividly, from car rides to conversations, usually resulting in her working to execute this specific imagination for hours on end. The Santa Barbara native says that over the brand’s 10 years, she’s gotten better at “embracing her crazy.”
“My mom’s lessons to me growing up impacted my work and how I treat the world,” Equihua says. “Because now these visions, these ideas, I learn to trust that they came to me because they’re for me and it’s my job to be the translator of this thing.”
I meet Equihua next to a waterfall, in the lush patio space of Jackson Market and Deli, a house-turned-shop nestled in the Culver City neighborhood. Equihua’s thoughts moved as fluidly as the stream beside us, from the waterlogged memories of her past to the buzzing excitement for where her dreams are leading her next.
She had just finished teaching art to teenagers at Culver Park High School, a pursuit she’s picked up alongside her design work. Youth informs her most evocative and personal designs. Her childhood is an endless gold mine to draw from and build upon, and in her work, she tries to reconnect people to childlike joy.
Zariya wears Dreamware by Equihua Amethyst Crystal sleep cami bias dress and Rebeca Equihua hoop earrings. Katherine wears Dreamware by Equihua Malachite Crystal pajama shorts set, vintage necklace, and her own earrings and bangles.
Armor wears Dreamware by Equihua Red Garnet Crystal pajama set.
“Something that feels really important to me in my designs is that people feel closer to themselves,” Equihua says. “So much of feeling closer to ourselves, I think, is an act of remembering, which for me is childhood. When we’re kids, we just trust ourselves. You would make a drawing when you were a kid and be like, ‘I’m an amazing artist.’ I want to reconnect people to that trust.”
Equihua’s trust in herself is what led her from a scholarship at Parsons School of Design to an in-house designer for luxury womenswear brands to leaping headfirst into her own label. It’s what led her, laying in bed and dreaming of her ideal pajamas, to design a pair for herself.
Once upon a time, Equihua scoffed at the idea of designing pajamas. She, too, had fallen under the spell of believing that they were plain and shapeless. Her disillusionment began when she was fresh out of college, interviewing for a pajama company.
“All the pajamas were so horribly ugly,” she says. “I started thinking, ‘I don’t want to design pajamas if they’re like this.’ But now that I have my own brand and I can do whatever I want, I’m like, ‘I could design the kind of pajamas that I want to see in the world.’”
Equihua is reimagining the frumpy image of the adult pajama, afterthought cotton shirts and old worn-in lover’s shorts that would never see the light of day. She wants to create a world with her designs where pajamas have a purpose, bringing calm and focus to the wearer as they indulge in the most important part of their day — sleep. In sensuality and in comfort, Equihua creates pajamas from and for dreams.
“I’ve started to think a lot about how the world is so focused on productivity. We’re focused on the waking world. It’s all about the morning routine. But we don’t really talk about the wind-down,” Equihua says. “I was inspired to create from that moment: Clearing our energy, clearing our mind and a certain level of appreciation for life. Tomorrow’s a new day, where you can dream something new.”
During dreams, Equihua’s connections form and she sees things like never before. She has hundreds of journal entries of her dreams, which she returns to and references often. In creative work, dreams are her muses and her lens through which to see her visions more clearly.
“This subconscious comes to life because it’s not constrained,” Equihua says. “A lot of stuff we push to the back of our brain. We don’t want to think about it. We’re suppressing a lot of things. In the dream world, we don’t get to do that. We’re no longer in charge.”
On the surface, sleepwear seems like a hard turn from where Equihua as a brand has carved its space. But look closer, and you’ll notice that Equihua’s work has always had a theme of comfort.
The morning of the photo shoot for her new sleepwear line, Dreamware, Equihua was in her apartment, surrounded by colorful organized chaos. Papers and fabrics lined tables as she and her sister inspected a pair of entirely handmade wings they had devised from tubes, feathers and even car parts.
They were tackling how to avoid costume-like shoulder straps when her sister remembered a car magnet she had in the back of her truck. The wings were born, attached to a wide elastic waistband Equihua had from a former project.
Equihua’s inspiration for the wings were once again rooted in childhood, drawing upon the feminine dark fantasy illustrations of artist Amy Brown, queen of early-2000s fairies.
“Even though a lot of the work is from my memories, I’m also thinking about crafting our future memories. Because when we dream, we’re trying to create a future memory too,” Equihua says.
In the dining room, makeup artist Gabrielle Alvarez delighted in thoughtfully placed pops of color and galactic shimmer.
Crystals, in spirituality, help their user to direct energy. What if pajamas can do the same? What if we could sleep more purposefully and use fashion to direct the tone of our sleep?
“Could we do it a little more alien? I want them to look out of this world,” Equihua directed her.
We met each other again in the lush trees of Griffith Park, wandering off the trails and into beds of fallen leaves and twisted branches. The Equihua crew was easy to spot as massive, colored wings peeked through the trees.
Dreamware by Equihua is made up of three silhouettes, a cami bias dress, a short sleeved pajama set and a long sleeved pajama set, inspired by amethyst, malachite, and red garnet crystals and with three unique prints for each crystal, which Equihua thinks of as three separate personalities.
Crystals, in spirituality, help their user to direct energy. In Dreamware, Equihua asks: What if pajamas can do the same? What if we could sleep more purposefully and use fashion to direct the tone of our sleep?
There in the forest, the models seemed at home as fairies in pajama gowns with swirling prints and pops of light. Their wings, in shades of lavender, green and red, represented certain crystals and traits: amethyst as one of calm and purity, malachite as one of protection and rose garnet for healing and love.
“I wasn’t thinking I want to design pajamas,” Equihua said of the line. “I was thinking about creating dreams.”
As she watched the models lounge, leap and twirl their pajamas in the daylight, Equihua mused that she had the feeling of being in a dream.
Creative Director Brenda Equihua Makeup Gabriella Alvarez Hair Adrian Cobian Talent Zariya Allen, Armor Morales, Katherine Juarez Casting Moens Casting Styling Assistant Paola Suarez Production Monkey Mind Productions Production Assistant Rebeca Equihua
NEW ORLEANS — LeBron James is making progress in his return from injury and trending toward a return to the lineup, and that’s a good sign for a Lakers team in search of something positive while on a five-game trip that has had mixed results.
James has been working all week back in L.A. trying to get healthy from sciatica on his right side that has sidelined him all season.
Before the Lakers’ 118-104 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, Lakers coach JJ Redick said James took part in an individual workout on Friday following consecutive days of five-on-five practice with the South Bay Lakers.
The Lakers finish their trip against Milwaukee on Saturday night. James will then practice with the Lakers on Monday. If all goes well, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer could make his season debut and start his league-record 23rd season Tuesday against Utah at Crypto.com Arena.
When he does return, how will James, who turns 41 next month, adjust to the chemistry the Lakers have established with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves at the center of the offense?
“I’ve certainly thought about it,” Redick said about how James’ return will affect the team. “The reality is, next week will be a great week for all of us to assess where we’re at and figure out what we want to work on. It’s rare that you have one game over the course of a week, so probably will think about it more then. But typically when you’re playing every other day, you’re using your time until 3 a.m. to review the game that you just played and then using the time the next day until 3 a.m. to get ready for the next game.”
Last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists last season, while shooting 51.3% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range.
Lakers players don’t think James’ return will cause any issues.
Jarred Vanderbilt said James “can bring an element that we need, essentially, knowing that he can provide that.”
“I know it’s probably tough,” Vanderbilt said. “But even just the integration, trying to integrate himself as a player, as a team midseason is kind of tough. But we’re excited for his return, whenever he comes back, and I know he can provide exactly what we need for this team.”
Reaves (31 points, seven assists) gave the Lakers what they needed to improve to 2-2 on this trip.
“I think we just played harder (and with) a little more attention to detail,” Reaves said. “We executed our game plan a lot better.”
Doncic (24 points, 12 assists, six rebounds) gave the Lakers what they needed in a game that gave them a 2-0 record in NBA Cup games. He had 20 points and nine assists at the half. It was the second time Doncic has recorded at least those two stats in a half this season, making him and Reaves (once) the first Lakers to accomplish that feat since the 1996-97 season.
Deandre Ayton was a force for the Lakers inside with 20 points and 16 rebounds. Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans (2-10) with 35 points and six rebounds.
His teammates lauded his play, but Ayton was more concerned about the Lakers getting a win in Milwaukee to finish the five-game trip with a winning record and to take the sting out of the loss at Atlanta to open the trip and the blowout loss at Oklahoma City on Wednesday.
“This has been a hell of a road trip,” Ayton said. “The best way to do it is to finish off these two road games strong as hell and get back to L.A. and regroup. But we have unfinished business and, yeah, we’re trying to wash away those two Ls, man, with a good win tomorrow.”
Etc.
Lakers rookie Adou Thiero, who has been out all season recovering from left knee surgery, was activated but did not play against Pelicans. Redick said he hopes to give Thiero some playing time against the Bucks.
Senior Trump administration officials have held three meetings at the White House this week to discuss options for possible military operations in Venezuela, officials said on Friday, amid a growing U.S. military presence in the Caribbean. President Donald Trump has deployed F-35 aircraft, warships and a nuclear submarine to the region as part of a military buildup following two months of deadly strikes against boats off Venezuela. Earlier this week, the Gerald Ford aircraft carrier strike group moved into the Latin America region – bringing with it more than 75 military aircraft and over 5,000 troops. Story by Simon Moritz.
A small street that runs parallel to the Vietnam War Memorial in Westminster will soon bear a new name — Charlie Kirk Way.
During a heated meeting rife with accusations of partisan politics and debate over the role of local government, leaders in the Orange County city voted 4 to 1 Wednesday to partially rename All American Way for the slain conservative activist. Kirk’s name will appear in 3-inch font below the official street name.
Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen, a Republican who is running for Congress next year, brought forth the change because he said Kirk “reflects the values that make Westminster truly special: pride in our country, belief in our freedom and the spirit of civic engagement.”
The death of the 31-year-old, who rejoiced in the back and forth of debates, has triggered a range of emotions and nationwide discussions about how to memorialize the conservative icon.
In Villa Park, a high school teacher allegedly removed a memorial to Kirk that was set up by students. In Calabasas, a teacher was placed on leave after officials said she was linked to a social media post allegedly likening Kirk to a Nazi who “got what he deserved.”
In Huntington Beach, another Orange County city frequently at the center of national culture war debates, a September memorial for Kirk at the pier took a dark turn when a group of men joined the crowd chanting, “White men fight back.”
Westminster Vice Mayor Carlos Manzo, the lone Democrat on the dais and the sole vote against designating the street in Kirk’s honor, at times appeared at a loss for words over Nguyen’s proposal. He said it was inappropriate given that Kirk didn’t live in Westminster and had no ties to the community. He accused his colleagues of exploiting Kirk’s death to score political points.
“That’s what you’re doing — exploiting a tragedy for political gain,” he said. “You’re going to go out there and campaign with it and say, ‘Look, I got this done in my city.’”
Councilmember Amy Phan West, on the other hand, criticized the small font on the street sign as an inadequate way to honor Kirk. A separate proposal she introduced to designate Oct.14 — Kirk’s birthday — as Charlie Kirk Day in the city also passed on Wednesday.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize Charlie Kirk as an American patriot and a steadfast champion for freedom of speech,” she said. “His commitment to protecting the principle of open dialogue and opposing tyranny has been a significant impact on our nation’s conversation.”
Manzo chastised his colleagues for forcing Westminster into a national political debate rather than focusing on the city’s fiscal challenges and making life better for residents, a complaint echoed by many residents who spoke at the meeting. At one point, Manzo said West and Nguyen were trying to “out Republican each other.”
Replacing the street signs to add Kirk’s name is expected to cost $3,000, according to a city staff report.
Westminster has faced its share of fiscal challenges in recent years and in 2022 appeared on the brink of financial collapse. That year, residents voted to extend the city’s 1% sales tax until 2043 to help shore up the city’s budget. Without the funds, Westminster was projected to go bankrupt by 2024, even with drastic cuts.
“The fact that you are using our tax dollars for your pet projects, your partisan politics, is bull—,” resident Tami Hammell said during the meeting. “Stop stealing our time and money with your crap. Get back to all city business and not your partisan business.”
Building a passive income portfolio in the UK doesn’t just require a bucketload of patience and dedication (although they help). Equally as important is a portfolio made of the right FTSE 100 shares.
But what are the ‘right’ shares?
Well, in all honesty, there’s no definitive list of correct shares for such an endeavour. And the fact that the goal posts are constantly changing doesn’t help. Fluctuating interest rates, political instability and foreign tariffs all play a part in where share prices go daily.
That’s why the ideal shares are those that keep a steady head even when times get tough. If your investment outlook is 10 to 20 years (and it should be), then you need shares that will survive the journey.
With that in mind, I’ve identified two dividend shares on the FTSE 100 that have a super-reliable history. Whether preparing for retirement or saving up for a house, I think both are well worth considering.
Unilever
Despite a typically moderate yield, Unilever (LSE: ULVR) is popular for passive income because of its exceptional dividend track record. Spanning nearly a century, it’s paid dividends consistently since 1929, with almost 20 years of uninterrupted growth before Covid.
That alone is impressive — but the real attraction is its resilience to market downturns. Even during the most severe economic downturns (the Great Depression, World War II, the 2008 Financial Crisis, and Covid), Unilever maintained its dividend payments.
The reason for this is the company’s recession-resistant business model. Selling essential goods like food, personal care, and household products means its revenues flow regardless of economic conditions.
It’s worth noting, there’s a risk of unexpected currency fluctuations affecting dividend payments, as Unilever reports in both sterling and euros. Furthermore, its global diversification means returns are at risk from political instability, currency crises and economic volatility.
Still, history has shown it’s one of the most stable of FTSE 100 dividend stocks.
Severn Trent
When thinking of a good utility stock for income, many people turn to National Grid. But while the nation’s core energy grid operator is a great option, Severn Trent (LSE: SVT) actually has a better dividend track record.
What’s more, it’s also performed slightly better over the past 20 years.
Similar to National Grid, Severn Trent is a regulated utility company serving approximately 4.7m households and businesses across the Midlands and Wales. As a regulated monopoly, the company benefits from predictable, inflation-linked revenue streams with minimal competition.
While nowhere near Unilever’s record, in its 20-year-long history, it’s done surprisingly well. Despite two minor dividend reductions in the past 20 years, overall, dividends have grown at an average rate of 3.53% per year. For example, the company increased dividends from 81p in 2016 to £1.19 in 2024 — approximately 47% growth over eight years.
Another bonus of regulation adds provisions for inflation indexation, ensuring dividend payments keep pace with rising costs. And the essential need for water means revenue remains stable regardless of economic conditions.
But there is one elephant in the room that can’t be ignored: £8.65bn in debt. At that level, even a regulated business is at risk of defaulting — or at least cutting dividends.
Still, with a long-term view, I expect debt will come under control and the company will continue delivering stable income to shareholders.
Hidden damp and mould affects millions of properties every winter in the UK, and now experts are warning of the early signs that are often missed. Ben Snape from IntelOptic, a home health app that helps identify early signs of damp, says it can start to form behind walls, under floors or in lofts long before any damp patches appear.
“A musty smell, cold walls and soft, bubbling paint are early warning signs that moisture is trapped even when everything looks fine on the surface,” they explained. In fact, mould can start forming in as little as 48 hours after humidity levels exceed 70%.
This can remain hidden for up to 18 months before it becomes visible. It’s not just a cosmetic problem either. Mould can trigger asthma, chronic coughing, skin irritation, fatigue and even sleep issues, with children and older adults being most at risk.
Condensation typically appears on glass and mirrors, and dries once the room is well ventilated, leaving no smell. On the other hand, damp lingers on walls, ceilings and skirting boards, often in the same spot and brings a musty smell that persists.
Early warning signs include:
A persistent earthy smell behind furniture or in corners
Cold and damp patches on the wall and skirting boards
Frequent condensation in the same area
Shadowing or discolouration on paint
Small black dots on bathroom silicone or grout
If you notice any of these signs, experts recommend improving the airflow around your home immediately. You can do this by opening windows, moving furniture away from walls and monitoring humidity with a hygrometer. Avoid cleaning the area with bleach as this can cause deeper mould growth.
Should I open my windows during autumn and winter?
If you didn’t know, you should open your windows during the autumn and winter months. This should be done for brief, intense periods.
Opening windows provides fresh air, limits condensation, prevents mould growth and also improves air quality. This is because it helps to remove stale, polluted air and harmful indoor pollutants that develop when homes are sealed from the cold.
For those who suffer with condensation, it’s a moisture problem, not just a temperature issue. If you open windows every now and then it will allow moisture to escape, which aids in preventing the damp conditions that promote mould growth.
Opening windows also helps to regulate indoor temperatures by exchanging stale, warm air for cooler, fresh air. This is beneficial, even during colder months.
Not to mention, it can also aid your health too. Poor indoor air quality can cause headaches, nausea and respiratory infections, so it has many more benefits than you may realise.
Even though it’s cold, experts generally recommend people open their windows for between five and 10 minutes once or twice a day in November and the months ahead. Ideally, do this when it’s warmest and sunniest, and open windows on opposite sides of the house to create a cross-breeze.
Donald Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene were a formidable alliance on the Republican Party’s hard-right flank.
For years, the congresswoman for Georgia embodied the combative, conspiracy-tinged politics that define Trump’s presidency.
She called him “the father of the America First movement,” campaigned to be his running mate, and was quick to defend him.
“David Cameron can kiss my ass,” she told Sky News when asked about the former UK Prime Minister’s concerns about US fading support for Ukraine.
Door-stepped by my colleague Martha Kelner, she said: “We don’t give a crap about your country or your reporting.
“The Trump administration is doing a great job and I stand by their statements,” she added.
“I’m thankful to President Trump that he is leading us out of wars.”
Watch Sky’s Martha Kelner’s encounter with Taylor Greene from earlier this year…
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But in recent months, she had expressed concerns about Trump’s involvement in the Middle East, Ukraine and elsewhere.
It escalated when she stood with victims of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to demand justice and joined Democrats in demanding a vote on the release of all files.
Just days ago, President Trump told reporters Taylor Greene had “lost her way”, but something triggered a war of words late on Friday.
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‘Shame on everyone that protected Epstein’
The president had taken questions on Air Force One, with two reporters citing Taylor Green’s demand that the files be released.
Moments later, President Trump posted on Truth Social that he was withdrawing his endorsement of the congresswoman.
He branded her a “ranting lunatic”, “wacky Marjorie”, and said all she ever does is “COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN.”
Her reply came very quickly, in a post claiming she had sent the president text messages about Jeffrey Epstein.
“Apparently this is what sent him over the edge. The Epstein Files,” she posted.
