• This ASX dividend share is projected to pay an 8% yield by 2027

    Close-up of a business man's hand stacking gold coins into piles on a desktop.

    The ASX dividend share Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD) has seen a sizeable valuation decline since 2022, as the chart below shows. This could be a buying opportunity, in my view.

    The agricultural business has operations across a wide variety of areas, including farming sector retail products, wholesale products, livestock and wool agency services, storage and handling of wool, feed lots for cattle, real estate sales agency and property management services, financial services (including insurance), digital and technical services (including investments in AuctionsPlus and the Clear Grain Exchange online trading platforms), and own-brand agricultural chemicals and animal health products.

    In summary, it’s heavily involved in Australia’s agricultural sector and associated services.

    Following the decline of the Elders share price, it could now offer a very large dividend yield for investors by FY27.

    Passive income projections

    Payouts are decided based on how much profit a company generates as well as how generous the board of directors is feeling.

    According to the projection on CMC Markets, the business is forecast to increase its annual payout per share to 36.5 cents. Following that, the ASX dividend share could grow its dividend to 39.5 cents per share in the 2027 financial year.

    Using the valuation at the time of writing, this translates into a potential grossed-up yield of 8% including franking credits or 5.6% excluding the franking credits.

    Let’s take a look at why now could be a good time to invest in the agricultural business.

    Strong outlook for the ASX dividend share?

    The earnings per share (EPS) forecasts on CMC Markets suggest the business could deliver 58.2 cents of EPS in FY26 and then 63 cents of EPS in FY27. Based on those projections, the Elders share price is valued at just 11x FY27’s estimated earnings.

    When Elders announced its FY25 result, it gave some comments regarding FY26:

    Elders is optimistic about the outlook for FY26, supported by a forecast recovery from dry conditions in South Australia and Victoria, as well as the commencement of benefits following implementation of our new retail system. In addition, we welcome Delta Agribusiness to Elders, expanding our Rural Products business in FY26.

    The outlook and fundamentals for Australian livestock remain sound with prices for sheep and cattle forecast to be supported by strong international demand against a backdrop of tightening supply, especially from regions recovering from drought. The outlook for the regional residential property market remains positive, benefitting from stabilisation of interest rates at lower levels.

    Elders will continue to invest in strategic initiatives, in line with its Eight Point Plan, while maintaining a focus on cost and capital efficiency.

    With that in mind, I think the ASX dividend share could be a good under-the-radar buy for long-term investors.

    The post This ASX dividend share is projected to pay an 8% yield by 2027 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Elders Limited right now?

    Before you buy Elders Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Elders Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Elders. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Everything Dakota Johnson has worn this year, ranked from least to most daring

    Dakota Johnson at the 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
    Dakota Johnson at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

    • Dakota Johnson's style has always been equally chic and bold.
    • That's continued this year, as she's worn daring looks on and off the red carpet.
    • So far, she's sported see-through ensembles, skin-tight sparkles, and more.

    One thing to know about Dakota Johnson is that she's always going to look chic.

    Whether she's walking around New York City, attending the Cannes Film Festival, or posing on a red carpet, her fashion always stands out.

    That's because it's also often pretty daring. In 2025, she's worn everything from see-through ensembles to skin-tight sparkles.

    Here's a look at those outfits and everything else she's worn this year, ranked.

    Dakota Johnson played it safe at a Kering event during the Cannes Film Festival in May.
    Dakota Johnson poses on the red carpet at a Kering Women in Motion Talk hosted in Cannes, France.

    She wore classic black Gucci trousers with sharp pleats, a semi-sheer white blouse, and shiny black loafers from the Italian fashion house.

    Though understated, her outfit was expensive. Her shoes cost $1,050, and her pants cost $2,500.

    She took the same approach to her fashion for the Women in Entertainment Gala in December.
    Dakota Johnson at the 2025 Women in Entertainment Gala in Beverly Hills.
    Dakota Johnson at the 2025 Women in Entertainment Gala in Beverly Hills.

    She wore a chic $2,980 black midi dress from Khaite on the event's red carpet, which highlighted her accessories.

    The latter included $1,140 haircalf heels from the clothing brand, a $2,350 Métier bag, $695 Sophie Buhai earrings, and two onyx rings from the same designer, which cost $2,050 each.

    Inside the gala, she wore a white trench coat with thick buckles on top.

    Her New York City street style in early June was simple.
    Dakota Johnson exits a hotel in New York City.

    She wore a sheer Balenciaga bodysuit on one occasion, but covered it with a leather duster jacket.

    She also sported black Balenciaga jeans, $990 Khaite wedges, The Row's $2,600 Mira clutch, an assortment of Yvonne Leon diamond jewelry, and $590 sunglasses from Khaite's collaboration with Oliver Peoples.

    The actor looked relaxed and casual at one Cannes Film Festival event.
    Dakota Johnson poses in front of photographers at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in France.

    She wore a $5,200 sleeveless black Gucci dress with a deeply scooped neckline and a crystal hook across the back for the May event.

    The outfit was pretty plain, but elevated thanks to her $1,120 Gucci heels, diamond stud earrings, and a $12,750 Boucheron ring.

    Her shoes stole the show at the Zurich Film Festival in September.
    Dakota Johnson speaks at the Zurich Film Festival in Switzerland.
    Dakota Johnson speaks at the Zurich Film Festival in Switzerland.

    Johnson wore a Ferragamo fit that day to deliver an acting masterclass. It included a $1,750 scarf-embellished top, a miniskirt, and sheer tights.

    Her $2,900 boots, though, were the most daring piece of the ensemble. Designed by Yves Saint Laurent, the leather shoes featured 6.1-inch block heels and platforms across the toes.

    Johnson added a bold touch to a simple after-party outfit in May.
    Dakota Johnson at the "Splitsville" after-party in Cannes, France.

    She arrived at the event in a custom YSL slip dress with an orange floral print. The garment was understated by Johnson's standards, though her jewelry was anything but.

    She wore $115,000 Boucheron earrings made from diamonds and white gold. The statement pieces were shaped like leaves.

    The "Materialists" star wore a glamorous look with a few sharp elements at the 2025 Karlovy Vary Film Festival.
    Dakota Johnson poses with the 2025 KVIFF President's Award in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic.

    Her dress, a $2,450 piece from Mugler, was strapless with a plunging V-shaped neckline and a long, ankle-length skirt.

    To complement the gown's daring cut, Johnson wore a diamond necklace with an emerald charm from Roberto Coin and a matching emerald ring.

    She completed the look for the July event with $795 Gianvito Rossi pumps.

    In August, she wore a short, sparkling dress with unique shoes.
    Dakota Johnson at a "Splitsville" after party in Los Angeles.
    Dakota Johnson at a "Splitsville" after party in Los Angeles.

    Johnson mostly wore gowns throughout 2025, but she made an exception for the "Splitsville" premiere after-party.

    That night, she wore a green Gucci minidress covered in sequins, paired with the fashion house's pointed black pumps.

    Her accessories were quietly daring at the beginning of June.
    Dakota Johnson walks through New York City while wearing jeans and a yellow jacket.

    While walking around New York City, Johnson was photographed wearing a $98 semi-sheer Commando bodysuit beneath a yellow velvet jacket from Khaite.

    She also wore simple blue jeans, $990 Khaite wedges in black, and dark Gucci sunglasses.

    The daring aspect came in the form of her jewelry, which retails for a combined total of over $140,000. Johnson wore a $10,430 Ophelia Eve emerald necklace and a $130,200 Sophie Bille Brahe piece.

    Johnson strayed from her typical color palette at the Governors Awards.
    Dakota Johnson at the 2025 Governors Awards in Los Angeles.
    Dakota Johnson at the 2025 Governors Awards in Los Angeles.

    Instead, she wore a strapless, seafoam gown from Valentino. The floor-length piece was crafted from textured fabric and featured a gathered waistline.

    Though its silhouette was straightforward, its color was a bold choice for the actor, which paid off.

    She completed the look with jewels from Jessica McCormack.

    You couldn't miss her in August when she stepped onto the "Splitsville" red carpet.
    Dakota Johnson at the "Splitsville" premiere in Los Angeles.
    Dakota Johnson at the "Splitsville" premiere in Los Angeles.

    She wore a strapless, form-fitting gown from Gucci in a striking silver color.

    It contrasted her dark hair and was accessorized to perfection with statement earrings and bangles, all from Roberto Coin.

    In August, Johnson mixed vintage flair and modern design at Vogue World.
    Dakota Johnson at Vogue World in Los Angeles.
    Dakota Johnson at Vogue World in Los Angeles.

    Her Valentino gown had a halter neckline, a black mesh panel beneath its beaded top, and a floor-length skirt.

    The dress was eye-catching and intricate in design.

    She experimented with bright colors and dramatic jewels on the Cannes red carpet.
    Dakota Johnson poses on the red carpet of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in France.

    For the "Highest 2 Lowest" premiere, Johnson walked the red carpet in a strapless Gucci gown covered with pink fringe. The vibrant color choice was a departure from her usual neutral fashion.

    She also wore massive Boucheron earrings crafted from diamonds, which sparkled in the light.

    Johnson made a million-dollar statement at the end of May.
    Dakota Johnson enters a Roberto Coin event in New York City

    She looked stunning in a strapless maxi gown from Ferragamo, which retails for $1,850, and pumps from the same brand.

    The star of the show, however, was her $1.2 million Roberto Coin necklace. The eye-catching piece was crafted from diamonds, sapphires, and white gold, and it matched her $25,000 blue ring.

    She wore the pieces shortly after being named the Italian jewelry brand's latest ambassador.

    She brought cutouts back at the Red Sea International Film Festival in December.
    Dakota Johnson at the 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
    Dakota Johnson at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

    Alessandra Rich designed her cutout dress with a strapless, plunging V-shaped neckline. It also had two waist cutouts and a daring slit in the middle of its skirt.

    Just as bold as the dress was Johnson's selection of jewelry. She wore sparkling rings, earrings, and layered necklaces that covered part of her collarbones and chest.

    The "Materialists" star opted for a skin-hugging gown at the Kering Women in Motion dinner.
    Dakota Johnson poses on the red carpet at the 2025 Kering Women in Motion dinner in Cannes, France.

    Gucci custom-made her sleeveless gown, which was semi-sheer and lined with a strapless leotard.

    She paired the dress with an updo hairstyle and $56,000 Boucheron hoop earrings.

    Her red-carpet gown for the "Saturday Night Live" anniversary special showed even more skin.
    Dakota Johnson poses on the "SNL50: The Anniversary Special" red carpet in New York City.

    Designed by Gucci, the black gown had one long sleeve, an asymmetrical neckline, and fabric hanging down the front and back of her body.

    On the sides, though, it was only held together by the brand's signature horsebit hooks. The latter detail revealed her legs and hips as she walked.

    Johnson took plunging necklines to another level for an appearance on "The Tonight Show."
    Dakota Johnson wears a blazer with a plunging neckline at "The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon."

    Her Ferragamo ensemble included a $1,490 asymmetrical miniskirt and a $2,900 blazer with a curved neckline that dipped beneath her chest.

    She completed the look with sheer black tights and the brand's $980 pumps.

    The black gown she wore to the New York "Materialists" premiere had a daring structure.
    Dakota Johnson attends a "Materialists" screening in New York City.

    From the front, her halter-neck Gucci gown almost looked conservative. Its silk fabric wrapped around her neck and extended into a loose-fitting top.

    From the side, however, you could see the gown's daring backless and sideless cut.

    She seemingly wore her version of a "revenge dress" for a New York City outing in June.
    Dakota Johnson walks around New York City on June 5, 2025.

    After a rumored breakup between Johnson and Chris Martin, the actor was photographed wearing a $775 tulle-wrapped bodysuit and a matching $1,366 sheer skirt from Nensi Dojaka.

    The outfit was dramatic, fashionable, and undoubtedly one of her most daring looks of the year.

    For another appearance at the Red Sea International Film Festival, the actor wore layers of white lace.
    Dakota Johnson at the 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
    Dakota Johnson at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

    Chloé designed her billowing gown, which had short tiered sleeves, a deep V-neckline, and a floor-length skirt. The latter and the bodice were both see-through.

    The outfit was daring, as is Johnson's signature, but it was also feminine and timeless.

    One of Johnson's most memorable outfits of the year was worn at the Zurich Film Festival in September.
    Dakota Johnson at the 2025 Zurich Film Festival in Switzerland.
    Dakota Johnson at the 2025 Zurich Film Festival in Switzerland.

    That outfit, of course, was her blue Gucci ball gown. It featured a lace bodice with long sleeves, a high neckline, and a full tulle skirt.

    The dress was as vibrant as it was daring. Johnson wore nothing beneath its see-through top.

    Johnson wore one of the most see-through gowns of her career that same month.
    Dakota Johnson at Kering's Caring for Women dinner in New York City.
    Dakota Johnson at Kering's Caring for Women dinner in New York City.

    She arrived at Kering's Caring for Women dinner wearing a high-neck, long-sleeved dress crafted from sparkling floral lace. The form-fitting Gucci piece sat atop two pieces of black lingerie.

    To complete the look, Johnson added emerald earrings that matched the color of her eyes.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Here’s why Alphabet is the best-performing “Magnificent Seven” stock in 2025 (and why it has room to run in 2026)

    Skate board with the Google logo.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Key Points

    • In the long run, financial results ultimately prevail over market sentiment.
    • Investor perception toward Alphabet has shifted from pessimistic to realistic.
    • Alphabet remains a balanced buy for 2026.

    Let’s turn the calendar back six months to early June. 

    Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) was down over 10% year to date, while the S&P 500 had recovered from the tariff-induced sell-off in April and was roughly flat on the year.

    Fast-forward to today, and Alphabet is up 67% year to date, has more than doubled off of its 52-week low, and surpassed Microsoft to become the third-most valuable company in the world behind Nvidia and Apple. In 2025, Alphabet is by far the best-performing “Magnificent Seven” stock, with Nvidia in a distant second place with a 35.1% year-to-date gain.

    Here’s why Alphabet’s rise wasn’t a fluke, how you can identify Alphabet-like stocks before they pop, and why Alphabet has room to run in 2026. 

    Alphabet was epically mispriced

    Finance classes will teach you theories such as the efficient market hypothesis, which essentially posits that asset prices are accurately determined based on available information. In practical application, the hypothesis attributes outsize gains to taking on outsize risks — effectively discrediting the finding of true value independent of risk in the market.

    Alphabet is a prime example of why the hypothesis is incorrect.

    Earlier this year, Alphabet got so cheap that it traded at a discount to the S&P 500. It was the least expensive Magnificent Seven stock, despite the company generating substantial free cash flow, achieving steady high-margin growth, repurchasing a significant amount of stock, paying dividends, and maintaining a solid balance sheet.

    Simply put, Wall Street failed to price in Alphabet’s growth potential and labeled it as an artificial intelligence (AI) loser. That assumption couldn’t be further from the truth.

    From laggard to leader

    Alphabet has a massively diversified business, spanning Google Search, Google Cloud, YouTube, Android, Google services like Gmail and Google Drive, “other bets” like Waymo and Google Fiber, research and development arm Google DeepMind, and more. But despite all these moving parts, Alphabet still depends on Google Search for over half of its revenue and the majority of its operating income.

    Large language models (LLMs) present the greatest threat to Google Search in its history. And for a while, there were fears that tools like OpenAI, Claude, Copilot, DeepSeek, Grok, and others would slowly erode Alphabet’s once-dominant share of the search market. If queries shifted from web-based text links to conversational, that would disrupt the very fabric of Google Search’s identity.

    Instead of sitting on its hands and letting the LLM wave weather its once-impenetrable moat, Alphabet integrated its model, Gemini, into Google Search, as well as a stand-alone app. Rather than reinvent the wheel, Alphabet essentially upgraded Chrome with AI features, making it more powerful and providing an incentive for users to stay on the platform instead of switching to a different tool entirely.

    The strategy worked. Google Search continues to grow despite upgrades from rival LLMs. Alphabet is generating all-time-high earnings and investing heavily in long-term projects, including the expansion of Google Cloud infrastructure. Alphabet is thriving and is far from being a legacy tech giant, with its best days in the rearview mirror. And yet just six months ago, the market was pricing Alphabet like a washed-up relic.

    Engagement continues to rise on Gemini — with the app surpassing 650 million monthly active users.

    As an added vote of confidence, Berkshire Hathaway announced a stake in Alphabet — marking a stark contrast from quarter after quarter of trimming its Apple position — indicating Warren Buffett and his team perceive Alphabet as a good value.

    Meta Platforms is considering purchasing Alphabet’s Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) chips, which Alphabet developed with Broadcom. Custom-made TPUs are a cost-effective solution for data centers, offering a more affordable alternative in certain applications than graphics processing units, such as those manufactured by Nvidia or Advanced Micro Devices.

    Flipping the script

    Alphabet’s investment thesis has evolved, but the bigger change impacting its stock price is perception. Now, the market views Alphabet as a leader in search through its reimagined Chrome and Gemini. Google’s TPUs are recognized as a leading method for training AI models, opening a new revenue stream for Alphabet by selling TPUs to hyperscalers.

    Alphabet is a textbook example of the upside potential that comes with investing in dirt cheap growth stocks rather than simply betting big on red-hot highfliers. When growth expectations are virtually nonexistent, a company doesn’t have to do much to garner a favorable response from Wall Street.

    If we examine Alphabet’s timeline over the last six or so months, I would say that a significant change occurred in late summer and fall, when Alphabet began to be recognized as a major player in AI rather than a laggard. The recent run-up over the last few weeks is attributed to a positive response to Gemini 3, which was announced in mid-November, and news that Meta was interested in buying TPU chips.

    These announcements are undoubtedly great news for Alphabet investors, but they didn’t emerge from nowhere. Alphabet’s Google Search and Gemini results have been exceptional for several quarters. Alphabet and Broadcom’s seventh-generation TPU is 30 times more powerful than the first cloud TPU from 2018. But still, the partnership has been going on for a while now.

    Alphabet remains a solid buy now

    Alphabet has room to run in 2026 because its valuation is still reasonable at 30 times forward earnings. With multiple levers to pull to grow earnings, Alphabet is a balanced buy now. But it isn’t the dirt cheap value stock it used to be. Now, Alphabet is at a similar valuation to peers like Microsoft and Amazon, and more expensive than Meta Platforms.

    All told, Alphabet is a great example of why there’s a lot of money to be made in the stock market if you can find quality companies that are mispriced because fears are overshadowing fundamentals and growth potential.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    The post Here’s why Alphabet is the best-performing “Magnificent Seven” stock in 2025 (and why it has room to run in 2026) appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Alphabet right now?

    Before you buy Alphabet shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Alphabet wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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    Daniel Foelber has positions in Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Advanced Micro Devices, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Broadcom and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Advanced Micro Devices, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 strong Australian stocks to buy now with $10,000

    A female CSL investor looking happy holds a big fan of Australian cash notes in her hand representing strong dividends being paid to her

    It’s no surprise to me that the best Australian stocks are able to outperform the ASX share market. Quality is appealing for a reason.

    Investing in great businesses seems like a winning formula, in my opinion. They can continue re-investing the generated profit into great opportunities inside their existing operations which are already performing well.

    Following recent share price declines, I believe both of the Australian stocks below are compelling investments that I’d happily put $10,000 into today.

    Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL)

    This investment conglomerate has been demonstrating its quality for a number of decades and it remains a leading example of how to manage a business for the long-term.

    The Australian stock has built an impressive portfolio of assets across a number of industries, including building products, industrial properties, resources, telecommunications, swimming pools, electrification, farming, water entitlements, financial services, credit, healthcare and plenty more.

    The business has designed its portfolio to be defensive and generate strong cash flow in all economic conditions for shareholders. This makes it likely the business can continue growing the cash flow its portfolio generates, which is a key statistic of focus, as it invests in additional opportunities.

    The Soul Patts share price has dropped close to 20% since 10 September 2025, making it a lot cheaper to grab a piece of this excellent business.

    I’m confident the company has a compelling future ahead because of how it can adjust its portfolio when it sees new opportunities arise. Additionally, it can sell assets if it’s no longer optimistic about an investment.

    I think this business is likely to be around in another 20, 30 and 50 years thanks to its investment flexibility, while delivering a solid dividend along the way.

    Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

    Pro Medicus describes itself as a leading healthcare informatics company, which provides a full range of medical imaging software and services to hospitals, imaging centres and healthcare groups around the world.

    The business aims to provide an end-to-end offering in healthcare imaging across radiology information systems (RIS), picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), AI and e-health solutions.

    Pro Medicus’ software is clearly resonating with customers, with the number of large new contracts it’s winning, as well as add-on modules.

    For example, at the start of December, the company announced a seven-year, $25 million contract to add another module for Baycare, which is one of Pro Medicus’ largest existing contracts.

    The Australian stock has rapidly ramped up its revenue – in FY25 alone, revenue climbed 31.9% to $213 million, while net profit after tax (NPAT) surged 39.2% to $115.2 million.

    While revenue growth is strong, the company’s underlying operating profit (EBIT) margin is an extremely high 74% – that’s one of the highest on the ASX. Such a high EBIT margin means most of the revenue translates into profit for the company.

    The Pro Medicus share price has dropped more than 20% since September, making its forward price/earnings (P/E) ratio seem more reasonable. It’s now trading at 99x FY28’s estimated earnings, according to the projection on Commsec at the time of writing.

    The post 2 strong Australian stocks to buy now with $10,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited right now?

    Before you buy Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Pro Medicus and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Before-and-after photos show changes Trump has made to the White House decor, so far

    Gold ornaments in Donald Trump's Oval Office.
    Ornaments sit on a shelf as US President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 7, 2025. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in Washington on Monday to meet Donald Trump, whom he will likely ask for a reprieve from US tariffs while seeking further backing on Iran and Gaza.

    • Donald Trump has brought his love of maximalism and gold furnishings to the White House
    • He added gold embellishments to the walls and ceiling of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room.
    • He has also renovated the Rose Garden and demolished the East Wing to build a ballroom.

    The Oval Office is looking a little bit different lately.

    Every US president makes new interior design choices upon entering the White House, often reflecting their personal tastes or political views.

    In his second nonconsecutive term, President Donald Trump has incorporated his love of maximalism and gold furnishings into the Oval Office.

    More White House renovations are in the works. The East Wing was demolished in October to make way for the construction of a $200 million, 90,000-square-foot state ballroom.

    Take a look inside Trump's redecorated White House to see the changes he's made since former President Joe Biden left office.

    The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

    The West Wing Colonnade was unadorned during the Biden years.
    Joe Biden walks with the president of the Philippines in the West Wing Colonnade.
    Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US President Joe Biden walk up the West Wing colonnade on their way to the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, on May 1, 2023.

    President Joe Biden walked through the West Colonnade alongside Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in May 2023.

    Trump added a "Presidential Walk of Fame" where Biden was depicted with a photo of an autopen producing his signature.
    The White House "Presidential Walk of Fame" along the West Wing Colonnade.
    WASHINGTON, DC September 25: The White House "Presidential Walk of Fame" along the West Wing Colonnade of the White House on Thursday September 25, 2025. The image selected for former US President Joe Biden is of an autopen and Joe Biden's signature.

    Trump has criticized Biden's use of an autopen and sought to invalidate Biden's pardons and commutations that were signed with the device.

    The Palm Room, which connects the White House Residence to the West Colonnade, was previously furnished with plants, green benches, and a tile floor.
    The Palm Room of the White House during the Biden years.
    The presidential lectern is seen in the Palm Room of the White House May 11, 2023, in Washington, DC.

    The Palm Room leads out into the Rose Garden.

    In September, Trump refinished the room with a new chandelier and a white marble floor.
    The Palm Room of the White House.
    WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 01: A view of the Palm Room of the White House on December 1, 2025 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump recently restyled the Palm Room, which connects the White House residence to the West Colonnade leading toward the West Wing.

    "New lobby leading to Oval Office — Magnificent marble floor, compliments of President Donald J. Trump!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.

    During Biden's time in the White House, the door to the Oval Office was not decorated in any way.
    Joe Biden leaves the Oval Office.
    UNITED STATES – FEBRUARY 20: President Joe Biden leaves the Oval Office of the White House before boarding Marine One for a trip to Los Angeles for a campaign reception on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

    Aside from a presidential seal above the door to the West Wing, the walls were empty.

    President Donald Trump added new gold signage outside the Oval Office.
    Gold signage outside the Oval Office.
    A new sign outside the West Wing of the White House marks the entrance to the Oval Office on a snowy evening in Washington, DC, on December 5, 2025.

    The gold lettering spelling out "The Oval Office" was set in the Shelley Script font. Trump also added a gold decal to the top of the door.

    Biden's dark-blue Oval Office rug was originally designed for Bill Clinton.
    Joe Biden's blue Oval Office rug.
    President Joe Biden participates in an expanded bilateral meeting on Monday, July 19, 2021, with King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II of Jordan, in the Oval Office of the White House.

    The rug, which featured the presidential seal in the center, was designed by Kaki Hockersmith, an interior designer based in Little Rock, Arkansas.

    Upon returning to the White House, Trump replaced it with a lighter rug used by Ronald Reagan.
    Donald Trump's Reagan rug in the Oval Office.
    President Donald J. Trump participates in a signing ceremony with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, in the Oval Office of the White House.

    The rug's design includes the presidential seal, a sunbeam pattern, and olive branches along the border as a symbol of peace.

    Trump also used the rug during his first term.

    Biden only had two flags in the Oval Office.
    Joe Biden in the Oval Office.
    WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 10: U.S. President Joe Biden pauses during a briefing on the wildfires across Los Angeles in the Oval Office of the White House on January 10, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Biden convened key officials for a briefing on the federal response to multiple devastating wildfires burning across Los Angeles County which have reportedly killed at least 10 people and spread to more than 36,000 acres.

    Biden displayed an American flag and a flag with the presidential seal.

    Trump added the flags of different branches of the US military.
    Donald Trump in the Oval Office in 2025.
    Incoming White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles watches as US President Donald Trump speaks to journalists in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025.

    Trump's Oval Office features the flags of the Army, the Marine Corps, and the Navy.

    During Biden's presidency, the Oval Office's ceiling didn't feature any additional embellishments.
    Joe Biden in the Oval Office.
    President Joe Biden participates in a Congressional videoconference, Thursday, August 19, 2021, in the Oval Office of the White House.

    The crown molding on the ceiling matched the cream wallpaper.

    Trump added gold trim to the crown molding on the ceiling.
    Gold trim in the Oval Office.
    WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES – APRIL 7: (—-EDITORIAL USE ONLY MANDATORY CREDIT – 'AVI OHAYON / GPO / HANDOUT' – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS—-) United States President Donald Trump (L) meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) in the White House in Washington DC., United States on April 7, 2025. Trump answered press members' questions on the agenda during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office.

    The gold embellishments matched the gold curtains, which remained in place from Biden's presidency.

    Biden's Oval Office featured a prominent portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
    Donald Trump and Joe Biden in the Oval Office.
    WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 13: U.S. President Joe Biden meets with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on November 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. President Biden continued the tradition inviting the newly-elected president to meet at the White House after Trump won the presidential election on November 5.

    Biden also hung portraits of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton together to symbolize the benefits of different opinions, as well as portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

    Trump added additional portraits and numerous gold embellishments to the space.
    Donald Trump's gold-filled Oval Office.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump hosts Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025 in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C. Bin Salman was set for a visit and formal dinner.

    Trump added more portraits with decorative frames to create an Oval Office gallery wall. He also replaced Biden's portrait of FDR with one of George Washington and displayed historic gold urns and baskets from the White House collection on the mantle.

    Trump also incorporated smaller gold details, such as coasters, branded with his name.
    A gold "Trump" coaster.
    TOPSHOT – A gold coaster reading "TRUMP" sits on the table in front of US President Donald Trump as he meets with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 12, 2025.

    Trump's love of gold decor is well-known. His Trump Tower penthouse in New York City features numerous gilded ceilings, furniture pieces, and artwork. Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, also includes a ballroom covered in gold from floor to ceiling.

    Before Trump took office for the second time, the presidential seal on the ceiling of the Oval Office was a subtle adornment.
    The Oval Office ceiling.
    The Oval Office of the White House February 29, 2008 in Washington, DC.

    President Franklin D. Roosevelt added the plaster relief of the presidential seal to the Oval Office during a 1934 White House renovation.

    Trump added gilded gold detailing to the design, making it more visible.
    The seal of the president on teh ceiling of the Oval Office gilded with gold.
    A view of the seal of the president of the United States on the ceiling of the Oval Office as US President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Elon Musk in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on May 30, 2025. Musk, who stormed into US politics as President Trump's chainsaw-brandishing sidekick, announced on May 28 that he is leaving his role in US government, intended to reduce federal spending, shortly after his first major break with the President over Trump's signature spending bill.

    Both the seal and the stars surrounding it were covered in gold paint.

    Biden chose to display President Barack Obama's official White House portrait in the Entrance Hall.
    The Bidens stand next to a portrait of Barack Obama at the White House.
    A portrait of former US President Barack Obama is seen as US President Joe Biden and US first lady Jill Biden look at candles during an event in the at the Grand Staircase of the White House to mark the one year anniversary of the Uvalde school mass shooting May 24, 2023, in Washington, DC. A teenage gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022.

    The hyperrealistic portrait, painted by Robert McCurdy, was unveiled at the White House in 2023.

    Trump replaced Obama's portrait with a painting of himself.
    A painting of Donald Trump surviving an assassination attempt hanging in the White House.
    WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 15: A painting depicting the Associated Press photograph of the aftermath of the assassination attempt on then U.S. Presidential candidate Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania hangs in the Entrance Hall of the White House on April 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. The painting has recently replaced the White House portrait of former U.S. President Barack Obama.

    Artist Marc Lipp painted a rendering of an Associated Press photo that captured Trump raising his fist in the air following an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

    The White House Rose Garden previously featured a grass lawn.
    Joe Biden in the White House Rose Garden.
    US President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, November 7, 2024, after Donald Trump won the presidential election. Biden urged Americans Thursday to lower the political temperature after Donald Trump's sweeping election win, saying he would ensure a "peaceful and orderly" transition to the Republican.

    Before it was used for press conferences and events, first lady Ellen Wilson originally designed the outdoor space as a formal flower garden in 1913.

    First lady Melania Trump added a limestone border around the lawn in 2020.

    Trump decided to pave over the grass in the Rose Garden, turning it into an outdoor terrace rebranded as "The Rose Garden Club."
    Donald Trump's new White House Rose Garden.
    View of the newly-paved Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC, on August 9, 2025. US President Donald Trump converted the grass portion of the Rose Garden into a patio space, inspired by his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.

    Trump told Fox News that the grass in the Rose Garden was impractical for large events because it stayed wet when it rained and was too soft for attendees who wore high heels.

    "The grass just doesn't work," Trump told Fox News host Laura Ingraham in March.

    Workers began transforming the lawn into a patio in June, replacing the grass with concrete and stone tiles. "The Rose Garden Club" was completed in August.

    Biden and previous presidents occasionally held large events, such as state dinners, in decorative tents on the White House lawn.
    Joe Biden hosts a state dinner in a tent on the grounds of the White House.
    WASHINGTON, D.C., OCTOBER 25: Invited guests wait for President Joseph Biden and Australian PM Anthony Albanese inside a colorfully decorated tent for the state dinner at the White House in Washington, D.C., October 25, 2023.

    The East Room, the largest state room in the White House, has a seating capacity of 200 people. When Biden hosted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in 2023, he held the state dinner in a tent outside the White House to accommodate the larger crowd of over 300.

    Trump announced plans to build a state ballroom with a capacity of 650 in July and demolished the East Wing for its construction in October.
    The demolished East Wing of the White House.
    WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 23: An excavator works to clear rubble after the East Wing of the White House was demolished on October 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. The demolition is part of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to build a multimillion-dollar ballroom on the eastern side of the White House.

    The 90,000-square-foot ballroom, which the White House called a "much-needed and exquisite addition," will cost approximately $300 million to construct. Trump and other "patriot donors" will foot the bill for the project, the White House said.

    During the Biden administration, the Cabinet Room featured minimal artwork and decor.
    Joe Biden in the Cabinet Room.
    US President Joe Biden speaks during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on June 6, 2023.

    Located in the West Wing near the Oval Office, the Cabinet Room overlooks the Rose Garden and features a large, oval-shaped mahogany table purchased by President Richard Nixon in 1970, according to Obama's archived White House website.

    Seating at the table is assigned in order of when each department was established, with the oldest departments sitting nearest to the president.

    Trump added additional paintings to the walls and gold furnishings along the ceiling.
    The Cabinet Room with new gold furnishings added by Donald Trump.
    WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 09: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on October 09, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump spoke on the Israel and Hamas ceasefire and hostage deal saying the hostages may be released next week.

    Trump chose portraits of past presidents, including George Washington, John Adams, Andrew Jackson, James Polk, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Dwight Eisenhower, to decorate the Cabinet Room.

    "The vaults are where we have a lot of great pictures and artwork," Trump told reporters in July. "And I picked it all myself, I'm very proud of it."

    The Cabinet Room featured eagle-shaped wall sconces during Biden's presidency.
    Joe Biden in the Cabinet Room.
    WASHINGTON, DC May 15, 2024: US President Joe Biden hosting a meeting with the Joint Chiefs and Combatant Commanders in the Cabinet Room of the White House on Wednesday May 15, 2024.

    The eagle sconces were installed as part of a 2004 refurbishment of the Cabinet Room that also included a new rug, curtains, and paint color.

    Trump added 24-karat gold decals to the walls and installed matching gold curtains.
    The Cabinet Room decorated with gold furnishings on the walls.
    US President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on August 26, 2025. Also pictured, L/R, are Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy.

    "Some of the highest quality 24 Karat Gold used in the Oval Office and Cabinet Room of the White House," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post in September. "Foreign Leaders, and everyone else, 'freak out' when they see the quality and beauty."

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • I’ve been to all 50 states. Here are the 10 best ones to visit during the winter.

    Wyoming - The author posing at the top of Corbet’s Cabin in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
    At the top of Corbet’s Cabin in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

    • After visiting all 50 states as a travel writer, I've chosen 10 as my top winter destinations.
    • My go-to states for skiing and snowboarding are Colorado, Vermont, New Mexico, and Wyoming.
    • When I'm seeking warm weather, I fly south to Louisiana, South Carolina, and Georgia.

    Certain US states come alive more than others in the winter months.

    After visiting all 50 of them for both travel writing and personal vacations, I've curated a list of my wintertime favorites, particularly the ones with secluded beaches and breathtaking ski slopes.

    Whether you prefer to fly into freezing temperatures or flee to warmth, there's a perfect domestic destination for you.

    Drawing on my first-hand experiences, these are the 10 best US states to visit in the winter.

    New York is the ultimate destination for holiday tourists.
    Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York City
    The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree stands lit at Rockefeller Center during the 89th annual lighting ceremony, Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, in New York.

    Although I dread New York City's 4:30 p.m. sunset in January, February, and March, the holiday lights that go up in December offset my seasonal blues.

    Manhattan is wonderfully festive during the holidays, and visitors have endless options for activities

    They can ice-skate beneath the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, shop at the Union Square Holiday Market, admire the elaborately decorated shop windows on the Upper East Side, or catch one of The New York City Ballet's annual performances of "The Nutcracker."

    I also love to head east to Montauk's empty beaches or north to ski Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid, home to one of the East Coast's greatest vertical drops. 

    Vermont is a winter wonderland with some of the Northeast's most challenging skiing.
    A skiier descending the Green Mountains in Vermont
    Vermont skiing can be challenging and icy, but The Green Mountains are stunning.

    Although I appreciate Vermont's bucolic summertime beauty, I think it's at its best when the mountains are white with snow. Winter in Vermont is straight out of a storybook with quaint cabins, charming small towns, and rolling white hills.

    The state has some of the largest ski resorts in New England, and I've made seasonal pilgrimages to various mountains including Stowe, Killington, Mount Snow, and Okemo — my personal favorite. 

    These mountains are less steep than the Rockies. But in my opinion, if you grow up skiing in the East navigating the mountains' packed ice, you have the opportunity to be far better at the sport than those accustomed to more ideal conditions.

    Colorado is a mecca for winter sports, with something to offer every active traveler.
    author skiing in colorado
    I got the first tracks on Ajax Mountain in Aspen, Colorado

    Colorado is a hot spot for skiing out West. It has over 25 ski resorts, and I've caught the first tracks in Vail, Breckenridge, Winter Park, and Aspen Snowmass, my all-time favorite. 

    Aspen has a reputation for fostering a "ski-and-be-seen" ethos, but I celebrate its decadence and am partial to the champagne showers at Cloud Nine, the rowdy chalet atop Highlands Mountain. 

    During my last stay at Aspen Meadows Resort, I realized that it's possible to just relax in nature there. It felt like a contained oasis of mountain views and aspen trees, even though it's a mere 1.6 miles from the downtown area.

    Also in Colorado, Breckenridge's annual Ullr Fest is not to be missed. A celebration of the Norse god of winter, this festival features colorful costumes, shotskis, and Viking hats. When I attended, I was delighted that the enormous bonfire provided warmth even on the coldest winter nights.

    Florida is perfect for snowbirds.
    Sunset over the Everglades in Florida
    Sunset in Everglades National Park in Florida.

    I first attended Art Basel in Miami entirely by mistake because of a flight cancellation. The glitzy, over-the-top art fair lived up to the hype, a statement that also summarizes my thoughts about Florida in the wintertime.

    It's somewhat of a cliché for northerners to fly south every December, hence their nickname as snowbirds, but there's nothing quite like a polar vortex to make you long for the Sunshine State. 

    Speaking of snowbirds, winter is a spectacular time to go birding in Everglades National Park, the seasonal home to many American white pelicans.

    Wildlife enthusiasts can watch humpback whales migrate to Hawaii.
    Hawaii - The author on the lookout for humpbacks while whale watching in Maui, Hawaii, with the Pacific Whale Foundation
    I was on the lookout for humpbacks while whale watching in Maui, Hawaii, with the Pacific Whale Foundation.

    Witnessing humpback whales' migration to the Hawaiian Islands is spectacular. 

    I first spotted a humpback whale up close on a trip to Maui with my mother when I was 12. When I set out with PacWhale Eco-Adventures decades later, the experience was just as magnificent as I remembered.

    Hawaii offers its own unique ambiance during the holiday season. The festive juxtapositions of seashell-adorned garlands and palm trees draped with lights make the state the closest you can get to paradise within the US.

     

    Louisiana has mild temperatures and plenty of parties in the wintertime.
    Louisiana swamps
    The swamps of Slidell, Louisiana, are home to gators and a very Southern gothic aesthetic.

    Louisiana is one of my favorite states to visit in the US, and it comes alive in the colder months. I prefer the state's relatively mild winters, with temperatures hovering around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, over its sweltering summer days.

    I'm also always down for a party. From the Cajun Festival of the Bonfires, when people light bonfires along the levees of the Mississippi River to light the way for Cajun Santa Claus, to Mardi Gras, the biggest celebration of all, there are events for revelers to enjoy all season long. 

    The winter sun casts the swamps surrounding New Orleans in a golden light, and even though alligators hibernate, you can still spot them on warm days.

    New Mexico is a great spot to take a road trip that extends from the desert to the slopes.
    Albuquerque, New Mexico.
    Albuquerque, New Mexico

    This Southwestern state's diverse climate is perfect for a winter road trip through deserts, valleys, and mountains.

    The Enchanted Circle Byway takes travelers through a variety of epic ski destinations, including the popular Taos Ski Valley. Make sure you don't miss the Ski Torchlight Parade, one of the many annual events in New Mexico's ski regions. 

    I love the wide-open expanse of Albuquerque, the city with the state's biggest population and most direct flights.

    In the wintertime, you can begin your trip in this desert city before heading an hour north to Santa Fe, where you can experience the art scene and hit the slopes.

    I prefer to experience true Lowcountry living during South Carolina's winters.
    South Carolina — Sunset in the South Carolina Lowcountry of Brays Island
    I watched the sunset on Brays Island.

    I love visiting South Carolina any time of the year, but my favorite memories in the state have always been in the winter. 

    Perhaps it's because I'm unable to withstand Charleston's summer humidity, but regardless, my February trip to the Holy City was exactly what the doctor ordered two months into a New York winter. 

    The city is at its most decadent around the holidays, when festive decor adorns the gorgeous cobblestone streets.

    Lastly, a recent wintertime trip to Brays Island, with its Spanish moss and dockside sunsets, epitomized the romance and allure of Lowcountry living.

    Wyoming is packed with mountainous adventures and stunning views.
    View of Jackson Hole Resort in Wyoming
    Jackson Hole Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

    Yellowstone National Park may be most crowded and accessible in the summertime, but I prefer to explore the world's first national park in the winter, when I can snowshoe, ride in a snowcoach, or stay at Old Faithful Snow Lodge. 

    Seeing Wyoming's desolate landscape covered in snow makes its grandeur and vastness all the more vivid. 

    I also make an annual winter voyage out to Jackson Hole to hit the slopes, snowmobile in Grand Teton National Park, cross-country ski at Turpin Meadow Ranch, and go on a sleigh ride in the National Elk Refuge. 

    My favorite perk of visiting Wyoming in the winter is that I'm less likely to encounter a grizzly bear. They can still pop up but are mostly hibernating, so we can enjoy the wilderness.

    Southern charm is at an all-time high during Georgia's holiday season.
    Savannah Georgia
    Historic mansions facing Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia.

    Charleston and New Orleans tend to get all of the attention, but travelers looking to fly south in the winter months often overlook Savannah. 

    I've long been enchanted by the city's glamour, mystery, and charm, and, in my experience, the Hostess City of the South is at its most hospitable during the holidays. 

    December is a wonderful time for visitors to experience the city by visiting the Savannah Christmas Market and signing up for the annual Holiday Tour of Homes. 

    I also stumbled upon another Georgian gem during a previous trip to Aiken. Nestled in horse country very close to the Master's Tournament, this quaint city boasts a downtown area with gorgeous hotels and delectable food. 

    This story was originally published on December 1, 2022, and most recently updated on November 26, 2025.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi want to put billions into Paramount/WBD. Why?

    Larry Ellison and David Ellison in 2013
    Larry Ellison, one of the richest men in the world, and his son David want to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. They'd like to use money from Saudi Arabia and two other petrostates to make that happen. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for The Hollywood Reporter)

    • Paramount owners Larry and David Ellison are making a hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery.
    • But they're not doing it alone: Three of their partners are oil-rich Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
    • Those three nations won't have any say over a combined Paramount-WBD, the Ellisons say. So what will they get?

    The governments of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi want to invest billions of dollars into a would-be mega media conglomerate made up of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery.

    What would they get for their money?

    Spoiler: I don't know. And Paramount, the company that wants to use the three oil nations to help finance its bid for WBD, won't say.

    But it sure seems like a question worth asking, as Paramount launches a hostile bid for WBD after losing last week's auction to Netflix.

    Paramount says the three petrostates will be part of the new bid — as they were in Paramount's previous offers for WBD (something Paramount had at one point denied).

    As of a week ago, those three countries were going to kick in $24 billion — double the $11.8 billion the Ellison family planned to invest in WBD.

    Now, Paramount won't say how much the three countries' sovereign wealth funds plan to invest in their newest proposal. It says Larry and David Ellison, who currently own Paramount, along with RedBird Capital, the private equity group, will "backstop" the deal — meaning they promise to finance all of it if necessary.

    But Paramount still anticipates those three countries will ultimately invest in a combined Paramount/WBD, along with Jared Kushner — Donald Trump's son-in-law, whose Affinity Partners group invests money on behalf of … Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, among others.

    The difference this time around, Paramount says, is that those countries' sovereign wealth funds won't have any say in how a combined Paramount-WBD would operate. They wouldn't get board seats, voting rights, or any other governance over the company. Paramount declined to comment.

    The reason Paramount needs to stress that, apparently, is that Warner Bros. Discovery had previously flagged that as an issue. Now that the oil states won't have any say in how a combined Paramount-WBD would be run, Paramount says the deal wouldn't need approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, a regulatory body that's supposed to sign off on foreign investments in some US companies.

    That's all part of Paramount's pitch it is making to Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders: A deal for Paramount to buy WBD will pass regulators much more easily than Netflix buying WBD.

    But who knows how that will actually pan out? Up until last week, the conventional wisdom was that Paramount would be the most likely winner for WBD, in no small part because Larry Ellison was a longtime Donald Trump backer, and his son, David, had been trying to curry favor with Trump as well.

    Now it turns out that Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos was also wooing Trump. He visited Trump at the White House, and Trump seems to have been taken with him: "He was in the Oval Office last week. I have a lot of respect for him. He is a great person," Trump told reporters Sunday night. "Ted has really done a legendary job."

    So in a world where Donald Trump is the most important decision-maker when it comes to what American companies are allowed to do, I don't know if the niceties of CFIUS rules will be the ultimate arbiter. (Here I'll note that last year the US passed a law that required China's ByteDance to divest itself of its ownership in the US. TikTok business or shut down. That hasn't happened, and TikTok is still alive and well in the U.S.)

    I also don't know if Trump will particularly care that three Middle Eastern oil states could conceivably own a big chunk of a conglomerate that includes CNN, CBS, HBO, and two movie studios. He has been quite eager to do deals in the Middle East, and last month he rolled out the red carpet for the Saudi crown prince at the White House.

    And perhaps that eagerness explains why Paramount didn't think it was a big deal to include petrostate investments in the past — and why it still thinks it's OK to have them now.

    But again: If Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi are looking to put anything close to $24 billion into an enormously powerful media conglomerate — one with huge reach in both the US and ambitions for the rest of the world — will they be satisfied with purely financial returns? Or do they expect something else for their money?

    I'd love to know. Maybe you would, too.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Meet David Ellison, the 42-year-old Paramount Skydance CEO trying to throw a monkey wrench in Netflix’s plan

    Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison is pictured.
    David Ellison called Paramount Skydance's bid for Warner Bros. Discovery "pro-competition."

    • David Ellison is officially chairman and CEO of Paramount Skydance after an $8 billion tie-up.
    • Paramount Skydance is now attempting to steal Netflix's thunder and buy Warner Bros. Discovery with a hostile bid.
    • Ellison is the 42-year-old son of Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison, who is worth $277 billion.

    David Ellison is officially the CEO of Paramount Skydance. After a successful Paramount merger, next on his wish list is Warner Bros. Discovery — and he's launched a hostile takeover bid in an effort to scoop it out from Netflix's hands.

    The 42-year-old founded Skydance back in 2006 with some help from his father Larry Ellison, the Oracle cofounder who's worth $277 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

    Since then, Skydance has enjoyed considerable success with films including "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" and "Baywatch," and a total box office haul of more than $8 billion. The merger deal valued Skydance at $4.75 billion.

    Its biggest hit has been "Top Gun: Maverick," which became the second-highest-grossing film of 2022 after making almost $1.5 billion worldwide.

    David Ellison and his wife, Sandra Lynn Modic, stand in front of a model plane at the London premiere of "Top Gun: Maverick."
    David Ellison and his wife, Sandra Lynn Modic, at the London premiere of "Top Gun: Maverick."

    After seeing the original "Top Gun" as a child, David Ellison became obsessed with flying. His billionaire father bought him a plane at the age of 13 and they took flying lessons together. By 17, Ellison had begun competing in air shows performing aerial acrobatics.

    He gave up flying competitively after starting a film degree at USC that he later dropped out of, Ellison told Kara Swisher in an episode of The New York Times' "Sway" podcast.

    Before becoming an entertainment executive, though, Ellison had a brief foray as an actor.

    In 2006, he appeared in a Skydance film called "Flyboys," about American pilots who flew for the French Air Force in World War I.

    The movie cost about $65 million, but flopped after taking just $18 million or so, per The Hollywood Reporter.

    Merging with Paramount and becoming CEO

    Since moving behind the camera, Ellison's company has had a relationship with Paramount that dates back to 2011 when Skydance co-financed Joel and Ethan Coen's "True Grit" with the studio.

    The film was both a critical and commercial success, winning 10 Academy Award nominations including Best Picture and taking about $200 million at the box office.

    Ellison's sister, Megan, is also in the movie game. Her production company Annapurna Pictures was behind releases including "Zero Dark Thirty," "Her," "American Hustle," and "Phantom Thread," all of which received Oscar nominations.

    The $8 billion tie-up of Skydance and Paramount officially closed in August. Ellison named himself chairman and CEO of the newly combined company, Paramount Skydance.

    Soon after taking the helm, Ellison led Paramount Skydance through layoffs, which can be common in the wake of a merger. The company laid off 1,000 employees in October and said that more cuts were coming. Six hundred employees took severance packages and quit instead of returning to the office, it said.

    Ellison has also installed Bari Weiss at the top of CBS News. Weiss left The New York Times Opinion section in 2020 and later built the The Free Press, which Paramount Skydance acquired for about $150 million.

    Ellison continued his spending run. He brought in Netflix veteran Cindy Holland and shelled out $7.7 billion for UFC rights.

    "Everywhere you look, he's throwing money," LightShed Partners media analyst Rich Greenfield told Business Insider. "That's what Hollywood gets excited about."

    Ellison hopes to steal Netflix's thunder with hostile WBD bid

    Now, Ellison has his eye on another acquisition: Warner Bros. Discovery.

    Paramount Skydance had earlier entered a competitive bid against Netflix and Comcast to acquire the company.

    Warner Bros. Discovery ultimately accepted Netflix's bid to purchase the company's streaming and studio business for $72 billion.

    Ellison is now fighting to stop that from happening. On December 8, Paramount Skydance launched a hostile bid for WBD, offering to pay shareholders $30 per share for the entire company.

    That morning, Ellison made his case to shareholders and WBD's board on CNBC.

    "We have faster regulatory certainty to close," Ellison said. He called the deal "pro-consumer, pro-creative talent," and "pro-competition."

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • YouTuber MKBHD praises the Chinese Xiaomi SU7 EV after testing: ‘This is a $42,000 car that feels like a $75,000 car’

    YouTuber MKBHD (Marques Brownlee) is pictured.
    Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD, tested the Xiaomi SU7 Max. He asked: "Are we cooked?"

    • YouTuber MKBHD tested the Xiaomi SU7 Max, a Chinese EV. He was a fan of its various features and relatively low price tag.
    • "It raises the ceiling for all cars to get better, more impressive, and more complete," he said.
    • Ford CEO Jim Farley also loved the EV, going so far as to ship it from Shanghai to Chicago.

    The Chinese electric vehicles continue to make waves in the US — even if you can't buy them. One of the most influential tech critics just gave his stamp of approval.

    YouTuber Marques Brownlee, who goes by MKBHD, drove a Xiaomi SU7 Max for two weeks. The EV retails for 299,000 Chinese yuan, or about $42,000. Compare that to a Tesla Model 3 Performance, which retails at just under $55,000.

    The verdict? MKBHD was blown away.

    "This feels nothing like a $42,000 car," he said. "This is a nice car."

    Walking around the EV, MKBHD compared it to a variety of other vehicles, including a Polestar and Mercedes. It looked a bit like a Porsche Taycan, he said, and had a Porsche-like steering wheel.

    Inside, MKBHD called the software "so good." It looked like what Apple would have done if the company made a car, he said.

    The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is pictured.
    Xiaomi offers the SU7 in standard, Pro, Max, and Ultra.

    MKBHD was particularly impressed with the vehicle's accessory mounting points. Drivers can add additional gadgets like a speedometer, magnetic phone mount, charger, microphone, or walkie-talkie.

    "What other car does this?" he asked. "I've never seen the ability to customize just how much hardware, or how little hardware, you have in the interior layout like Xiaomi does."

    Taking it for a drive, MKBHD said that it was a "really capable car," comparing it to a Tesla Model 3 or a BMW I4.

    "This is a $42,000 car that feels like a $75,000 car," he added.

    Like other Chinese EVs, the Xiaomi Speed Ultra 7 is not available in the United States, although more Americans have been going to great lengths to drive them. Ford CEO Jim Farley said in October that he loved the EV.

    "We flew one from Shanghai to Chicago, and I've been driving it for six months now, and I don't want to give it up," Farley said on "The Fully Charged Podcast."

    Xiaomi SU7 interior in a showroom.
    The Xiaomi SU7 has plenty of storage spots.

    Xiaomi is in many more industries than EVs. The company sells phones, robot vacuums, and more. Its EV division recently posted its first profit, a rarity for the industry.

    Speaking to the question of what would happen if Chinese EVs were ever offered in the US, MKBHD asked: "Are we cooked?"

    Not yet, he said — because they're not available. That international crossover is muddled by political conflict, he said.

    "We may never get a car like this available in the US for $42,000," he said, citing tariffs and import fees.

    However, other markets will soon face the competition. Xiaomi's EVs are headed to Europe in 2027, the company's president said on an August earnings call.

    Europe could prove a helpful battleground for Xiaomi. While the Chinese EV company sets up shop, American producers like Tesla faced challenges in the market. European Tesla sales were down an estimated 48.5% year over year in October, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association.

    "It raises the ceiling for all cars to get better, more impressive, and more complete," MKBHD said.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • 23 books you should read before they’re turned into movies next year

    woody harrelson and suzanne collins
    Suzanne Collins' prequel about Haymitch Abernathy, originally played by Woody Harrelson, will hit screens next year.

    • Some of the most hyped films of 2026 are based on blockbuster novels.
    • BookTok faves like "The Love Hypothesis" and "People We Meet on Vacation" will hit screens in 2026.
    • Or you might want to brush up on "The Odyssey" before next July.

    Any booklover knows that news of an adaptation can be complicated: Can we trust the directors, screenwriters, and actors to bring our favorite stories to life?

    Next year's movie slate is filled with books that are near and dear to thousands of readers, including classics that are hundreds of years old, like "Sense and Sensibility," "The Odyssey," and "Wuthering Heights."

    There are also some new classics set to be adapted next year, like "Project Hail Mary" and "The Dog Stars."

    We've compiled a list of 23 must-read books that you should crack open before they're adapted next year.

    'People We Meet on Vacation'
    people we meet on vacation
    "People We Meet on Vacation."

    "People We Meet on Vacation" (or "PWMOV"), by Emily Henry, was immediately beloved by BookTok after it was published in 2021. The film adaptation premieres on Netflix on January 9.

    The story follows Poppy and Alex, two longtime friends who made a pact after graduating from college to take a vacation together once a year — and they did, until something happened on a trip to Croatia that caused them to stop speaking for years. The book jumps back and forth in time between Poppy and Alex's past vacations and their current reunion in Palm Springs.

    The movie stars Emily Bader and Tom Blyth as Poppy and Alex, respectively, with a supporting cast of Sarah Catherine Hook, Jameela Jamil, Lucien Laviscount, Lukas Gage, Alan Ruck, and Molly Shannon.

    'Box Hill'
    box hill
    "Box Hill."

    "Box Hill," a 2020 novel written by Adam Mars-Jones, is being turned into the film "Pillion," which will be released in theaters on February 6.

    The book (and film) follows Colin, a gay man, who becomes involved in a relationship with Ray, his polar opposite. While Colin is shy, introverted, and even a bit timid, Ray is confident and controlling.

    The film stars Harry Melling as Colin and Alexander Skarsgård as Ray.

    'Wuthering Heights'
    wuthering heights
    "Wuthering Heights."

    If you somehow escaped high school without reading Emily Brontë's 1847 gothic classic "Wuthering Heights," now is the perfect time to tick it off your reading list, ahead of its newest film adaptation releasing on February 13.

    The film stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as doomed lovers Catherine and Heathcliff, who are torn apart by societal expectations, time, illness, resentment, and guilt.

    But since this is an Emerald Fennell movie (director of "Saltburn" and "Promising Young Woman"), you shouldn't expect a run-of-the-mill book-to-film adaptation.

    'Broken'
    broken
    "Broken."

    "Broken" is a 2020 collection of six novellas written by famed author Don Winslow. One of its short stories, "Crime 101," has been adapted into a film that hits theaters on February 13.

    The story takes its title from California's iconic Highway 101, which runs from Los Angeles all the way up to the California-Portland border.

    In it, a master jewel thief named Mike Davis perfectly executes heists up and down the 101 with an elite crew, but Detective Lou Lubesnick is on his tail.

    Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo play Mike and Lou respectively, while the rest of the cast is filled out by Barry Keoghan, Halle Berry, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Nick Nolte, and more.

    'Cold Storage'
    cold storage
    "Cold Storage."

    "Cold Storage" is the third book adaptation that will be released on February 13. It's based on David Koepp's 2019 novel of the same name and follows a trio of unlikely friends who team up to stop a mutant killing machine from ending the world.

    It stars Joe Keery, Georgina Campbell, and Liam Neeson.

    'Reminders of Him'
    reminders of him
    "Reminders of Him."

    The first of two Colleen Hoover books to hit the big screen in 2026 is "Reminders of Him," which was published in 2022. The film will be released on March 13.

    Like all Hoover's books, this story deals with heavy themes, including alcoholism, death, life after incarceration, grief, and redemption — and, of course, romance.

    The story follows Kenna, a young woman who is released from prison after seven years and is desperately trying to get her life back and reconnect with her daughter, Diem. The story flashes back and forth in time to show how Kenna ended up in prison after the death of her boyfriend, Scotty, and how she's finding new love with Scotty's best friend, Ledger.

    Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, and Rudy Pankow play Kenna, Ledger, and Scotty, respectively, while Scotty's parents are played by Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford.

    'Project Hail Mary'
    project hail mary
    "Project Hail Mary."

    Andy Weir, author of the beloved novel "The Martian," published "Project Hail Mary" in 2021 to critical acclaim. Five years later, the story of astronaut Ryland Grace, played by another RG (Ryan Gosling), is coming to cinemas on March 20.

    The story begins with Ryland waking up aboard a spaceship with no memory of who he is or how he got there. From there, we flash back to learn that Ryland is a science teacher who was recruited for this mission to save the human race, as our sun is dying.

    People love this book — and love its directors Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the brains behind "Into the Spider-Verse" and "21 Jump Street" — so the hype is high for this one.

    'The Dog Stars'
    the dog stars
    "The Dog Stars."

    "The Dog Stars," written by Peter Heller, was published in 2012. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic society with the survivors of a flu-like pandemic. It follows a pilot living an isolated existence in Colorado with just one other (quite bitter) person for company. But when he hears a mysterious signal over his plane's radio while flying one day, he resolves to seek out its source.

    The film adaptation, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin, will be released on March 27.

    'Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story'
    three bags full
    "Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story."

    Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like: "Three Bags Full," a German novel written in 2006 by Leonie Swann, focuses on a flock of sheep who become determined to solve the murder of their beloved shepherd, George.

    The adaptation, which has been retitled "The Sheep Detectives," stars Hugh Jackman as George, while his flock of sheep are voiced by Bryan Cranston, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Chris O'Dowd, Regina Hall, and Patrick Stewart.

    It will be released on May 8.

    'The Odyssey'
    the odyssey
    "The Odyssey."

    Homer's epic poem has been translated from Homeric Greek a great many times since it was first translated in the 1500s.

    But director Christopher Nolan told Empire Magazine that he was specifically working off Emily Wilson's translation, published in 2017, so that's the one we'll recommend, too.

    If it's been a minute since you dusted off your Greek mythology gap, "The Odyssey" follows Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, on his decadeslong journey to return home after the Trojan War. Along the way, he meets some of the most iconic monsters, legends, and gods in the Greek canon, including the Cyclops, Circe, the Sirens, Athena, and more.

    The film hits theaters on July 17, though tickets at some theaters are already sold out.

    'The Book of Magic'
    the book of magic
    "The Book of Magic."

    Maybe you could've guessed from the cover, but "The Book of Magic," written by Alice Hoffman, is the long-awaited sequel to her novel "Practical Magic." The first book was published in 1995, and 26 years later, Hoffman published its follow-up in 2021.

    The film adaptations will have a similarly long gap. "Practical Magic" was released in theaters in 1998, and its sequel, "Practical Magic 2," will be released on September 18.

    Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are back as the witchy Owens sisters, as are Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest as their magical aunts. Newcomers to the cast include Joey King, Xolo Maridueña, Maisie Williams, and Lee Pace.

    'Sense and Sensibility'
    sense and sensibility
    "Sense and Sensibility."

    Thirty years after "Sense and Sensibility" was adapted by Emma Thompson and Ang Lee, the 1811 novel by Jane Austen will once again return to the silver screen, this time starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles, Caitríona Balfe, Frank Dillane, Herbert Nordrum, and George MacKay, on September 25.

    "Sense and Sensibility" is the tale of the Dashwood sisters, who are left penniless after their half-brother and his wife take almost all of their inheritance from their father. While Elinor (Edgar-Jones) tries to be practical, her younger sister Marianne (Creed-Miles) is determined to, as the kids say, romanticize her life.

    'Verity'
    verity
    "Verity."

    "Verity" is the second Colleen Hoover adaptation of 2026, though it couldn't be more different from "Reminders of Him."

    "Verity," published in 2018, is easily Hoover's darkest book. It follows Lowen Ashleigh, a writer struggling to get by, who by chance gets hired to take over as the ghost writer for the now-comatose Verity Crawford. But when Lowen begins looking over Verity's manuscript, she soon wonders if she's reading a disturbing work of fiction, or a confession of heinous crimes.

    The adaptation stars Dakota Johnson as Lowen, Anne Hathaway as Verity, and Josh Hartnett as Verity's husband Jeremy. It will come to theaters on October 2.

    'Incidents Around the House'
    Incidents around the house
    "Incidents Around the House."

    This one isn't for the faint of heart. "Incidents Around the House," written by Josh Malerman in 2024, is about an 8-year-old girl, Bela, who is terrorized by a mysterious entity she calls Other Mommy.

    Fittingly, the adaptation, which comes to big screens on October 9, has a new title: "Other Mommy." It stars Jessica Chastain, Jay Duplass, Dichen Lachman, and Arabella Olivia Clark as Bela.

    'Remain'
    remain
    "Remain."

    No, it's not a particularly random game of MadLibs — director M. Night Shyamalan and romance author Nicholas Sparks teamed up to write the novel "Remain," which was published earlier this year.

    "Remain" is the story of architect Tate Donovan, who retreats to a bed-and-breakfast in Cape Cod after the death of his mother. Before long, he bonds with a mysterious resident of the small town named Wren. But, as this is a Shyamalan story, all is not what it seems.

    The film, which stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Phoebe Dynevor as Tate and Wren, will be released in theaters on October 23.

    'Sunrise on the Reaping'
    sunrise on the reaping
    "Sunrise on the Reaping."

    For years, fans begged "Hunger Games" author Suzanne Collins to tell the story of Haymitch Abernathy's games. In March 2025, she obliged, publishing "Sunrise on the Reaping," a "Hunger Games" prequel that takes place 24 years before the first novel.

    It tells the story of the 25th Hunger Games, which Haymitch, the future tribute mentor for District 12, won. As with all "Hunger Games" books, it's devastating.

    "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," which boasts an all-star cast of Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Billy Porter, Maya Hawke, Lili Taylor, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Whitney Peak, and newcomer Joseph Zada as Haymitch, will be in theaters on November 20.

    'Dune Messiah'
    dune messiah
    "Dune: Messiah."

    After the two-part adaptation of "Dune," the third film in the series is set to take on Frank Herbert's second novel in the series, "Dune Messiah," published in 1969.

    Picking up after the events of "Dune: Part Two," "Dune: Part Three" will follow Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he struggles to control the galaxy, prevent the death of millions, avenge his father, and juggle relationships with Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh) and his love Chani (Zendaya). It's set to be released on December 18.

    'The Love Hypothesis'
    the love hypothesis
    "The Love Hypothesis."

    We've reached the part of the list where the adaptations don't have official release dates, but it's a safe bet that they'll come out at some point in 2026.

    First up is Ali Hazelwood's "The Love Hypothesis," originally published in 2021, after originally being posted on the internet as "Star Wars" fan fiction.

    It's about a young PhD student, Olive, who, after a series of mishaps, is forced to fake-date a faculty member at her university: Dr. Adam Carlsen. You can guess what happens.

    The film will star Lili Reinhart as Olive and Tom Bateman as Adam — and fans are already frothing at the mouth after Reinhart's TikToks from set went viral.

    'The Last Mrs. Parrish'
    the last mrs parrish
    "The Last Mrs. Parrish."

    This 2017 novel written by Liv Constantine tells the tale of Amber Patterson, a scammer with a plan to take over the life of rich, beautiful socialite Daphne Parrish.

    The film, directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Isabel May as Amber, Jennifer Lopez as Daphne, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Daphne's husband, Jackson, is expected to hit Netflix at some point next year.

    And if that's not enough, there's always the sequel, "The Next Mrs. Parrish."

    'You Deserve Each Other'
    you deserve each other
    "You Deserve Each Other."

    Sarah Hogle wrote "You Deserve Each Other" in 2020. The novel is about Nicholas and Naomi, an engaged couple who are the furthest thing from soon-to-be-newlywed bliss. In fact, they're in a game of chicken to see who can call off the wedding (and be stuck with the nonrefundable deposits) first.

    The film adaptation will star Meghann Fahy and Penn Badgley as Naomi and Nick, with a supporting cast of Natalie Morales, Justin Long, Kyle MacLachlan, and Ana Gasteyer. It's not yet known if it will head straight to Prime Video or get a theatrical run.

    'Cry to Heaven'
    cry to heaven
    "Cry to Heaven."

    Nine years after his last directorial effort, Deadline reported that Tom Ford is going to adapt Anne Rice's 1982 novel "Cry to Heaven," with an aimed release date of fall 2026.

    The novel follows a student and teacher in 18th-century Italy: Tonio Treschi and Guido Maffeo.

    While we don't know who is playing whom yet, the announced cast is already iconic: Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ciarán Hinds, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, George MacKay, Paul Bettany, Hunter Schafer, Thandiwe Newton, and, making her acting debut, Adele.

    'One Italian Summer'
    one italian summer
    "One Italian Summer."

    Paramount acquired the rights to adapt Rebecca Serle's 2022 novel "One Italian Summer" in 2023, per Variety, but for over two years there was no news.

    That is until a throwaway line in a December 2025 Hollywood Reporter piece about David Ellison's takeover of Paramount mentioned that the project would be moving forward starring Brie Larson.

    The novel is about Katy, a 30-something woman mourning the death of her mother and best friend, Carol. As the two had planned a luxurious Italian vacation before Carol's death, Katy decides to take the trip herself to try to reconnect with her mother's spirit, but she gets a bit more than she asked for when she seemingly meets a younger version of her mom on the beach.

    'The Bodyguard'
    the bodyguard
    "The Bodyguard."

    Netflix announced that Katherine Center's novel "The Bodyguard," published in 2022, will be adapted for the streamer — and while no release date has been set, since the film takes place around the holidays, we can assume a November or December release date is in the cards.

    The story follows Jack Stapleton, a famous actor with a stalker, who hires bodyguard Hannah Brooks, to protect him. But since he doesn't want to worry his sick mother, the two instead pretend to date.

    The catch with this adaptation? Since there's already a quite famous film called "The Bodyguard," Netflix, along with stars Leighton Meester and Jared Padalecki, are asking fans to come up with a new name for the film.

    Read the original article on Business Insider