Entertainment
13 Greatest Sci-Fi Books of the Past 20 Years, Ranked
A good book can do extraordinary things. There’s an intimacy in a book that you don’t get to experience with other media. It’s escapism at its finest. Science fiction novels give readers the chance to escape reality and enter a world beyond their own. Maybe it’s a journey to space or to a dystopian future. Wherever it takes you, if they’re good, the stories stick with you.
Over the past 20 years, the sci-fi genre has been booming. Some of the greatest and most impactful novels have been released during that span, some of which have been adapted for the screen, even launching a franchise into the stratosphere. But the bibliophiles found them first. The 13 titles on this list are extraordinary. They’ve scared us about what the future could look like under the wrong hands and given us optimism about the good people who would sacrifice their lives for the betterment of humanity. What they all have in common is that they are rooted in science. How many have you read?
13
‘The Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins
There is no new science fiction franchise that has taken over the world quite like The Hunger Games. And it all started as a book by Suzanne Collins. The dystopian young adult novel set in Panem follows 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen from District 12. After her younger sister is selected for the games, Katniss bravely volunteers to take her place. Thrust into an arena alongside 23 other tributes, she must rely on her wilderness survival skills, hunting abilities, and wits to survive. Ultimately, the competition forces Katniss to navigate a deadly love triangle and make critical choices between her own survival and her morality. Blending high-tech, speculative elements with a sharp, blistering critique of authoritarianism, extreme wealth gaps, and modern media manipulation, The Hunger Games reshaped the genre while launching a franchise.
The first novel was inspired by Collins’ channel-surfing, seeing footage of the Iraq War alongside reality television. The two stark images resulted in an adrenaline-pumping survival story, with a unique commentary on war and celebrity. With relentless pacing through the lens of a relatable protagonist, The Hunger Games tackled dark themes in an accessible manner. To make them resonate, having imperfect characters allows the reader to see the perspectives more fully. Katniss is not your typical, flawless hero. She is fiercely protective, fiercely pragmatic, and occasionally flawed, making her authentic and someone like those readers. She’s a teenager forced to take on adult burdens. With a classic foundation, Collins masterfully adapted ancient mythological tropes, specifically the Greek myth of Theseus and the Roman gladiator games, into a modern, futuristic setting.
The Hunger Games is an important book, but it’s become much bigger than the story on the page. The first novel is part of a bigger franchise that has since been adapted into a massive cinematic universe. The original trilogy, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth, launched them into superstardom as the blockbusters got butts to cinema seats. It’s also expanded into prequels, with the latest film dropping this fall. The Hunger Games challenged society by giving young readers and moviegoers reason to question their own society, inviting political resistance in the process. As one of the biggest pop culture events of the century, The Hunger Games remains an influential piece of literature.
12
‘Project Hail Mary’ by Andy Weir
In the year 2026, the biggest sci-fi film is none other than Project Hail Mary. Of course, the cinematic event is an adaptation of Andy Weir’s 2021 novel. The story follows Ryland Grace, a former science teacher turned reluctant astronaut. He wakes up alone on a spaceship, light-years from Earth, with amnesia, tasked with a last-chance mission to save humanity from an alien microorganism consuming the sun. A thrilling example of hard science fiction, Project Hail Mary brings a fast-paced novel that’s filled with heart, charm, and optimism through the power of perseverance. And the heart is a tale of companionship. Now that the book has a face with the Ryan Gosling-led film, it’s become an even more beloved novel.
Weir breaks down complex, real-world physics and engineering concepts into easily digestible terms, making readers feel as if they’re working alongside Grace. But Project Hail Mary is a dual narrative in which an amnesic protagonist solves complex, life-or-death physics and biology puzzles to save Earth, all while forming an incredibly heartwarming friendship with an alien. That’s the true core of the story. Because the two characters speak completely different languages and come from vastly different worlds, they miraculously bridge the communication gap through teamwork and scientific reasoning. The narrative unravels brilliantly through alternating flashbacks and real-time tension, keeping readers hooked from page one. Weir continued to cement himself as the sci-fi writer of the century.
11
‘Blindsight’ by Peter Watts
Published in 2006, we have Peter Watts’ sci-fi novel Blindsight. The chilling thriller hooks with the horrifying premise: consciousness is not a prerequisite for intelligence, and it might actually be an evolutionary disadvantage. Blindsight tells the story of the crew of Theseus on a deep-space mission who discover that the alien species they are trying to communicate with is incredibly smart but completely devoid of self-awareness or sentience. A bleak drama that rivals Ridley Scott’s Alien, in which the monster is a profound philosophical concept, Blindsight offers a terrifying, rigorously researched deconstruction of the “hard problem” of consciousness.
Blindsight pushes the boundaries by causing the reader to ponder whether true, hyper-advanced intelligence might not actually require sentience or self-awareness to exist. The alien species, the Scramblers, encountered by humanity are brilliant, rapidly adapting, and technologically superior. By presenting them as emotionless, it presents the theory that human consciousness might be an evolutionary flaw. To help this theory, the crew is not presented as heroic explorers but as a modified, transhuman crew specifically engineered to be efficient rather than empathetic. Sometimes cerebral thrillers are equally gripping as epic space operas. It’s a subversive novel whose strict adherence to hard science sets it apart in the genre.
10
‘Leviathan Wakes’ by James S.A. Corey
Under the pen name James S.A. Corey, American writers Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck wrote Leviathan Wakes, the first book in the Expanse series. The epic space opera follows idealistic ship officer Jim Holden and cynical detective Joe Miller as they uncover a vast, solar-system-wide conspiracy. As political tensions between Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt threaten to spark a catastrophic war, the two must navigate corporate greed and alien technology. Revitalizing the subgenre, Leviathan Wakes rooted futuristic space travel in realistic physics while seamlessly blending a noir detective mystery with an existential alien thriller and a sociopolitical thriller.
Leviathan Wakes is the pinnacle of 21st-century sci-fi thrillers. The story is grounded in our solar system, which allows the political discourse to center around how gravity and environmental scarcity actually shape human biology and culture. Evolving from a tabletop RPG campaign, Leviathan Wakes’ narrative inherently featured dynamic, character-driven energy and strong writing that was incredibly engaging and easy to consume. Leviathan Wakes launched a nine-part series on a cinematic scale. Of course, it was ripe for adaptation. Leviathan Wakes served as the blueprint for the first season and a half of the hit Syfy and Prime Video series The Expanse, which ran for six triumphant seasons. Leviathan Wakes and The Expanse series remain the most thrilling new space opera.
9
‘Dark Matter’ by Blake Crouch
Locking in on the parallel universe narrative is the sci-fi thriller Dark Matter by Blake Crouch. First published in 2016, the novel tells the tale of Jason Dessen, a Chicago physics professor leading a quiet family life, who is abducted by an alternate version of himself. Thrown into a multiverse, Jason must navigate infinite alternate realities using a quantum “box” to find his way home and defeat the alternate version of himself threatening his family. Through a brilliant blend of accessible quantum physics and relentless, fast-paced action, Crouch grounds the multiverse concept in a way that feels plausible to everyday readers without bogging the narrative down with complicated chaos.
At its core, Dark Matter is a very relatable human story. The story asks, “Are you happy with your life?” A narrative about the paths not taken gives the multiverse device credibility. Crouch uses them to literally manifest the protagonist’s regrets, forcing him to navigate realities based on the different choices he could have made. Dark Matter operates as a universal character study and meditation on love. This is a man who will go to the end of the timelines to get back to his wife and family. With a mirror-image antagonist, Dark Matter brings compelling psychological conflict. Dark Matter is such a fascinating novel; it was ripe for a series. Joel Edgerton plays Jason in the Apple TV+ adaptation, which returns this August.
8
‘Station Eleven’ by Emily St. John Mandel
Upon the release of Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, post-apocalyptic stories were reimagined once again. Gone was a bleak world of endless violence. Station Eleven provided a melancholic look at human resilience. Set in the Great Lakes region before and after a pandemic, Station Eleven follows a nomadic group of actors and musicians, the Traveling Symphony, as they navigate the remnants of civilization 20 years after a devastating swine flu pandemic wipes out 99% of the human population. Jumping between the early days of the collapse and two decades into the future, Station Eleven explores themes of community, longing, and the idea that art and humor are just as vital to human survival as food and shelter.
A beautifully written book, Station Eleven serves as a reminder that it’s human connection that sustains us during catastrophic events. It resonates because of the characters Mandel crafts. They are deeply complex, flawed, and sympathetic. From the tough, fiercely protective Kirsten Raymonde to Miranda Carroll, the brilliant artist who created the Station Eleven graphic novels, each character brings a special color that, when woven together, makes a beautiful tapestry. Station Eleven provided an exquisite canvas perfect for a series. HBO adapted the novel into a ten-part drama starring Mackenzie Davis as Kristen and Himesh Patel as Jeevan Chaudhary.
7
‘All Systems Red’ by Martha Wells
Now, it’s time for a groundbreaking cyborg. In All Systems Red, the first novel in Martha Wells’ The Murderbot Diaries series, a self-aware, artificial security android who calls itself MurderBot hacks its own control module so it can secretly ignore its duties and binge-watch soap operas. Its quiet life is interrupted when its assigned team of scientists faces deadly sabotage from a rival corporation. Now, the android must protect its human clients to uncover the truth. The highly acclaimed first installment successfully blends action and social commentary with sharp, witty humor through a unique approach to artificial intelligence. Pioneering the novella as an equally important entry in the publishing world, All Systems Red launched a franchise that may be widely underappreciated, yet firmly among the best.
All Systems Red was the recipient of both the Nebula Award for Best Novella and the Alex Award. A reason why could be the remarkable protagonist. MurderBot is highly relatable. Who doesn’t want to binge their favorite stories? Rather than depicting a machine trying to conquer humanity, this character serves as a vessel to explore the complexities of sentience, trauma, and the search for identity under oppressive corporate systems. All Systems Red strips away heavy exposition in exchange for a fast-paced adventure. At a swift 144 pages, All Systems Red begins your addiction to The Murderbot Diaries, which you’ll binge-read. Then, you can dive right into the Apple TV series starring Alexander Skarsgård as the titular character. There truly isn’t a better actor for the part.
6
‘Children of Time’ by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Revitalizing the subgenre of speculative evolution came the 2016 Arthur C. Clarke Award for best science fiction novel, British author Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Children of Time. The first of four in the series, with the latest arriving this year, Children of Time tells the story of two civilizations on a collision course: the last remnants of humanity fleeing a dying Earth, and a rapidly evolving society of giant, highly intelligent spiders on a terraformed exoplanet. A novel of two parallel strands, Children of Time is a wonderfully original take on non-human intelligence and evolutionary biology. Through its intelligent exploration of a civilization built on arachnid physiology and social structures rather than what human ones might look like, Children of Time masterfully reinvents first contact.
Children of Time has widely been seen as a defining novel of the last two decades because of its unparalleled, truly alien world-building. Tchaikovsky explores every facet of their biology, multi-generational memory, and vibration-based communication. Through its epic scale and generational narratives, Children of Time stands out for the way it tackles the accelerated biological and societal evolution of non-human intelligence. While the human chapters can occasionally feel a bit dry comparatively, Tchaikovsky makes these spiders broadly compelling. Though no new news has been revealed, a Children of Time film is said to be in the works.
5
‘Wool Omnibus’ by Hugh Howey
If you have an Apple TV subscription, the title of Hugh Howey‘s novel may not sound familiar, but if I tell you it’s part of the Silo series, it’ll immediately click. A cornerstone of modern dystopian sci-fi, Wool Omnibus is a post-apocalyptic tale where the last 10,000 humans live in a massive 144-floor underground silo. The outside world is toxic, and anyone who expresses a desire to go outside is sent to their death to “clean” the external camera sensors. The story focuses on the silo’s leadership as they deal with the heavy consequences of residents asking “to go outside.” Meanwhile, Juliette, a gritty, lower-level mechanic who is promoted to sheriff, begins investigating the suspicious death of her predecessor. She soon uncovers a massive dark conspiracy about who built the silo, why it was constructed, and the deadly truth about the world above.
An utterly gripping, intricate drama, it doles out the mysteries of the silo through a fascinating exploration of class struggle, authoritarian control, and the lengths to which power will go to maintain the status quo. Howey revolutionized modern sci-fi publishing by proving the immense potential of online self-publishing. Originally published as a serialized series of short novellas, Wool Omnibus provided an instant hook that led to an addictive read. Howey’s claustrophobic immersive world-building is unmatched. The pacing and emotional depth are so strong that it’s no wonder it translated so effortlessly into series form. Now in its third hit series, the Apple TV series starring Rebecca Ferguson brilliantly captures Howey’s world in a visceral manner.
4
‘Annihilation’ by Jeff VanderMeer
Revitalizing the “New Weird” subgenre of science fiction comes Jeff VanderMeer’s Annihilation. The first book in the Southern Reach Series, the thriller follows an unnamed biologist and three other women — an anthropologist, surveyor, and psychologist — on the 12th expedition into “Area X”. This mysterious, abandoned coastal region has caused past expeditions to end in mass suicides, violent betrayals, or fatal cancers. Framed as the biologist’s field journal, it’s revealed that she joined the mission to uncover what happened to her husband, who was part of the doomed 11th expedition. The team encounters bizarre phenomena, including biological texts written in spores on the walls by a mysterious creature she names “the Crawler.” As the expedition progresses, the team unravels due to paranoia, the psychologist’s mind-control hypnosis, and unsettling ecological transformations. Blending psychological horror and weird fiction, Annihilation explores the limits of human comprehension.
Annihilation challenged traditional narrative tools by demonstrating how empirical science and reason fail when trying to understand phenomena. Rather than tackle alien tropes, VanderMeer presents the threat as an unknowable, mutating biome. By keeping it biological and environmental, the ecological dread thrives on its own ambiguities. Told entirely from a first-person perspective, the narrative engulfs readers in the biologist’s emotional detachment and intense obsession with the landscape. It’s through her narration that the sprawling atmosphere is devised. A provocative concept with page-turning suspense, the mystery is the plot. In 2018, a film adaptation starring Natalie Portman came to fruition and was as good as, if not better than,the novel.
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Entertainment
‘Gundam’ Meets ‘Godzilla’ in Idris Elba’s Sci-Fi Epic Quietly Crushing the Competition
An installment of one of the biggest science fiction franchises has returned to the streaming charts. This film, in particular, was directed by Guillermo del Toro and features the talents of Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, and Ron Perlman. 13 years after its release, it has found a brand-new audience.
Del Toro has worked on a variety of projects throughout his career. While most of his works fall under fantasy, such as Pinocchio, Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia, and Pan’s Labyrinth, he has also dabbled in science fiction, with his most recent work being 2025’s Frankenstein. But in 2013, del Toro directed a science fiction feature that not only performed well at the box office but also spawned its own franchise.
Pacific Rim is a 2013 film in which giant mecha robots, controlled by at least two people, fight alien Kaiju monsters that emerge from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. Since its release, the film has grossed over $411 million worldwide at the box office and has led to a sequel titled Pacific Rim: Uprising, a TV series called Pacific Rim: The Black, and an upcoming untitled prequel. Recently, Pacific Rim landed at #10 on Vudu’s Top 10 Movies in the United States, just below Project Hail Mary, proving that 2026 has been a strong year for the science fiction genre.
Is ‘Pacific Rim’ Worth Watching?
Since its release, Pacific Rim received mostly positive reviews, earning a 72% critics’ score and a 77% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Meanwhile, on Letterboxd, it has a 3.5 rating from viewers. According to critics, Pacific Rim feels like a Transformers movie mixed with plots from Godzilla or Independence Day. However, some praised Pacific Rim, saying it was able to make monster movies fun and that it was able to build its own “language and mythology.”
Collider’s Matt Goldberg gave Pacific Rim a “B” rating in his review, stating that it’s “pure action bliss” and that watching the movie felt exhilarating. He also makes the Transformers comparison, as other critics do, but claims that Pacific Rim made those fight scenes feel “puny by comparison.” However, he does have some issues with the characters, stating that Charlie Hunnam as Raleigh Becket almost became “one of the most forgettable heroes in years.”
Pacific Rim is available to stream on Vudu. Follow Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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July 12, 2013
- Runtime
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131 minutes
- Producers
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Jon Jashni, Mary Parent
Comedies, soaring romances, political epics — a quality historical drama never gets old. The best variations on this long-standing staple of Korean television flourish thanks to the sub-genre’s reliable and flexible structure. All that traditional costume drama appeal — the visual splendor of a bygone period — pairs perfectly with time travel whimsy, forbidden love, and the scheming, backstabbing web of political corruption lying coiled underneath the glamour.
The East Palace puts a supernatural horror spin on court drama intrigue. The Netflix original arrives surrounded by a torrent of anticipatory buzz. Its three primary leads are some of the reigning best in the business, and director Choi Jung-kyu (The Devil Judge) and screenwriters Kwon So-ra and Seo Jae-won (Bulgasal: Immortal Souls) have ample experience with acclaimed, eminently watchable dark fantasy thrillers. The East Palace is no exception. Netflix and the Imaginus production company — last year’s Tempest and the recent hit Can This Love Be Translated? — have delivered the first K-Drama blockbuster of 2026.
What Is ‘The East Palace’ About?
Something has cursed the royal family — or someone. Nearly all the King’s (Cho Seung-woo) heirs have perished under incomprehensible circumstances. Desperate to drive out the demonic force before his youngest son suffers the same fate, the King kidnaps Gu-cheon (Nam Joo-hyuk), a preternatural expert on all things spiritual. A childhood near-death experience has granted Gu-cheon the ability to both see the spirits who reside in the mortal realm and to (painfully) travel into their hellscape, a crimson-tinted dimension called the Realm of Gwi. Some spirits are mythical innocuous irritants, and others are nefarious human souls determined to punish those who inflicted profound injustices upon them before their deaths. These lingering tempests of fury can’t pass into a peaceful afterlife until they heal from their resentment. If Gu-cheon’s words can’t reach them, then his sword usually does the job.
It’s precisely because of his traumatizing past and his “I see dead people” predicament that Gu-cheon would prefer to sleep his days away in an inebriated haze. Unfortunately, if he doesn’t banish the ghostly murderer with all expediency, the King will personally sever Gu-cheon’s head from his shoulders. Together with Saeng-gang (Roh Yoon-seo), a noblewoman who hears phantasmal whispers and conceals a separate agenda, Gu-cheon investigates the palace’s history. To no one’s surprise, there are too many sordid proverbial skeletons in the royal closet to count. Who is the real enemy? Can anyone be trusted?
‘The East Palace’s Production Value Is a Feast for the Eyes
From Episode 1 to the finale’s last frame, The East Palace is beautiful to watch. No aspect of the production design feels compromised by budget allocation, be it the sunlit outdoor scenery filmed on location in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province, the exterior and interior castle architecture, or the eye-catching costumes with their precise, woven detailing. The simplest sight, like Gu-cheon descending into the lake at night, carries a pervasive sense of heaviness as the navy-blue water gradates into shadows and the moonlight splinters over the surface.
A series shaped around Korean folklore and shamanism, and therefore heavily reliant on computer-generated visual effects, needs the proper visual heft. If the CGI falls short, the suspension of disbelief shatters. The East Palace has plenty of room to creatively play with the Realm of Gwi’s visual identity and the various monsters’ otherworldly designs. The former excels with color-coding, starkly contrasting the human world and Gwi’s (yes, the ears of KPop Demon Hunters fans will perk up at “gwi-ma”) infernal mirror. As for the latter, the easiest immediate comparisons might be All of Us Are Dead or Sweet Home, but The East Palace‘s gruesome threats evoke the series’ folklore inspirations. The action sequences’ ambitious choreography and sleek accompanying cinematography practically steal the show.
A Tremendous Cast Grounds ‘The East Palace’s Twisty Mysteries and Grim Fantasy Action
Another contender for the show-stealing award must go to the cast’s captivating performances. With almost 30 award wins and a sublime track record (Stranger, Sisyphus: The Myth) under his belt, the highly regarded Cho has proved he can play any archetype under the sun with a measured nuance that invites studying. It’s no surprise that one of Korea’s finest current working actors is magnificent here; he glides from cunning, imposing, smug, livid, and a man harboring slivers of untapped affection and anguish on an effortless-seeming dime. The East Palace marks his first time on the small screen since 2023 and his first time joining a streaming-exclusive series, and he’s worth the figurative price of admission.
Roh, the most newcomer-adjacent of the main trio, continues riding the fame wave after her breakout roles in Crash Course in Romance and Hear Me: Our Summer each secured her a prestigious award. This is the kind of phenomenal star turn that would propel her into the limelight if she wasn’t already commanding it — a wronged woman who’s a crack shot with a bow and arrow, fearsome, composed, pragmatic, prone to losing her temper, yet always a heat-seeking revenge missile aimed at the architect of Saeng-gang’s tragic loss. The demeanor she presents to the world is, of course, a shield born from that very same trauma. The more tragedies that strike her wounded heart, the more her living spirit unravels.
Nam also rejoins the K-Drama world after three years. Given his reputation as a versatile and charismatic romantic lead in contemporary series (Twenty-Five Twenty-One, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo), it’s fantastic to see him tackle a historical action protagonist. He hits just the right notes of exasperated wisecracks, resigned determination, and tormented world-weariness. Gu-cheon holds his internal haunting at bay, but only just; like his round trips to the spirit realm, his pain and guilt always resurface. As for The East Palace‘s narrative foils and partners in ghost hunting, Gu-cheon and Saeng-gang’s gently blossoming chemistry flourishes their journey from spine-bristling dislike and combative bickering into a trusted companionship. The romance crowd will detect the undercurrents of a little something more than friendship, but above all, Saeng-gang is Gu-cheon’s equal and guardian. They protect and rescue each other. Overall, the series’ best moments aren’t the monster-slaying bloodshed but the familial beats — where old reopened wounds and fresh betrayals cut equally deep.
A few scenes do fall prey to television’s low-lighting trend. The East Palace‘s dialogue can also be a little too on the nose at times. Since it balances a plethora of concepts, rules, and revelations, this series is a case where overclarification or overt statements can be forgiven. The momentum driving its intriguing start doesn’t waver, but the mix of bloodthirsty scheming, supernatural horror, and royal family drama truly kicks off like a rocket launch at the halfway point. I value my sleep, but once the sinuous twists struck like cascading dominoes, I stayed up until the wee hours to finish all eight episodes. If The East Palace sounds like your kind of rollercoaster ride through elegant production, polished action, and epic period fantasy, you’ll likely do the same.
The East Palace premieres July 17 on Netflix.
- Release Date
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July 17, 2026
- Network
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Netflix
- Directors
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Choi Jung-kyu
- Writers
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Kwon So-ra, Seo Jae-won
Cast
Pros & Cons
- The main trio’s riveting performances are worth the watch alone.
- The production design is excellent all around.
- The action and camera choreography work together to create pulse-pounding scenes.
- Some of the exposition-heavy dialogue isn’t as organic as it could be.
Livingstone College has addressed speculation after Gabrielle Muñoz, a softball player at the school, died on July 9. She was 19.
“As we continue to honor Gabriella’s life, we are aware of inaccurate reports circulating online regarding the circumstances of her passing,” the school, located in North Carolina, posted via Facebook on Sunday, July 12. “To ensure the accuracy of information shared with our community, we wish to clarify that Gabriella did not pass away on the Livingstone College campus. She passed away while in Texas, away from campus. Any reports stating or implying otherwise are false.”
The cause and manner of Muñoz’s death are still pending, according to Houston’s KHOU.
Livingstone president Anthony J. Davis said it was “difficult to understand the insensitive actions that some will take during this time of our campus community grieving.”
“Our focus remains on honoring Gabriella’s life, celebrating her many contributions to our campus community, and supporting all who are mourning this tremendous loss,” he added. “We respectfully ask our community and the public to refrain from sharing unverified information or engaging in speculation that may cause additional pain to those who are grieving. We extend our continued prayers and deepest condolences to Gabriella’s family, loved ones, teammates, coaches, and all who knew her.”
The school has not specifically stated what kind of rumors have been perpetuated after Muñoz’s death.
“Gabriella represented the very best of Livingstone College” the school said in a statement. “While her athletic abilities made her a valuable competitor, it was her bubbly personality, gentle spirit, and genuine kindness that truly distinguished her. Beyond the softball field, Gabriella exemplified the highest standards of academic excellence.”
Muñoz’s obituary also highlighted her passions outside of the softball diamond.
“Her creativity knew no bounds, often expressed through her love for crafts,” the obituary reads. “Gabi had a zest for life that was evident in her love for hiking, beach trips with her sister and friends, and her fondness for country music. She was an avid reader and cherished spending time with her friends and family, creating memories that will be treasured forever.”
The remembrance added, “Gabi’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. An active member of her church’s youth group ministries, she found joy in studying her bible and living by her faith in God. Her strong beliefs guided her actions and interactions, leaving a lasting impact on those around her.”
Muñoz is survived by her parents, Brandon and Jennifer, brother Noah, and sister Isabella.
A celebration of life will be held in Katy, Texas on Friday, July 17.
Taylor Frankie Paul’s legal team has responded after child welfare officials raised concerns about the wellbeing of her three children.
According to legal documents published by TMZ on Wednesday, July 15, Utah’s Division of Child and Family Services filed a petition asking a juvenile court to find that her three children are “abused, neglected or dependent.”
The filing also asked the judge to order protective supervision services, appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the children and issue any additional orders deemed to be in their best interests.
Per the outlet, the Utah Attorney General’s Office filed the petition this week and requested an expedited hearing.
This week on Legally Us, Rachael Bennett, a certified family law specialist and senior attorney at Sullivan Law & Associates, breaks down Taylor Frankie Paul’s latest legal battle with her ex Tate Paul. On June 30, Tate, 32, filed a temporary restraining order in a Utah court, with a hearing requested. He also filed a […]
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star, 32, shares son Ever, 2, with Dakota Mortensen as well as two children — daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 6 — with her ex, Tate Paul.
In response to the news of the filing, the reality TV star’s legal team shared a statement with Us Weekly on Thursday, July 16.
“It was recently decided that the ongoing custody actions would be best suited for juvenile court, a common step for families engaged in highly contentious, complex custody matters,” Paul’s legal representatives said via the statement. “Taylor is not deterred by this transition; she welcomes the added structure and oversight it provides and looks forward to continuing her progress toward normalizing custody and becoming the healthiest version of herself.”
Taylor Frankie Paul (Photo by JC Olivera/Variety via Getty Images)
The statement continued: “Taylor remains fully committed to doing whatever is necessary to reach that goal and will not be swayed from it. Taylor appreciates the professionalism of DCFS and its representatives.”
Last week, Paul shared a cryptic post via social media amid her contentious legal and custody issues.
“Today was extremely difficult, meanwhile, there has been at least 12+ people throughout this trying to make it harder,” Paul captioned an Instagram Story on July 8. “Thank you God for revealing them all want to be nothing like them.”
She added, “They bully, I defend myself. not the same. Pay attention how this plays out. I trust.”
It’s unclear exactly who Paul was referring to in her social media post. However, the cryptic message came hours after she appeared in court amid the ongoing custody battle over Ever with Mortensen. Both Paul and Mortensen secured wins on July 8.
The judge ruled that Paul will receive more unsupervised time with Ever, expanding her weekend visitation. The win came despite claims from Mortensen’s legal team that Paul has taken “less than half” of her allocated parenting time. Mortensen was also granted longer weekends with Ever on July 8. (Mortensen was initially granted temporary custody of Ever in March.)
Elizabeth Siders has become one of the most talked-about names in the country after the Ohio mother was arrested alongside her husband and in-laws in a shocking child endangerment case that authorities have described as almost unimaginable.
Siders, her husband Gary Siders Jr. and his parents, Gary Siders Sr. and Christina Siders, were taken into custody on June 30, 2026, after officials discovered 16 children living in what has since been dubbed an Ohio “house of horrors.” Each of the four adults was charged with 16 counts of child endangerment, and all have pleaded not guilty. Their bonds were initially set at $300,000 each.
Here is everything to know about Elizabeth and the disturbing case that has captured national attention.
Elizabeth Siders’ Arrest and the Discovery of 16 Children
Authorities in Hamden, Ohio, first learned of the situation on June 30, 2026, when officers responded to the home for an unrelated investigation. Once inside, they discovered 16 children ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years old.
An autopsy report revealed that a mother in Arkansas killed herself and her six-year-old twins after her estranged husband refused to halt their divorce and was granted joint custody. Sheriff’s deputies found Charity Beallis and her twins, Eliana and Maverick, dead by gunshot wounds inside of their home in Bonanza, Arkansas, on December 3, 2025. […]
Seven of the children were rushed to hospitals, with investigators saying one child was in critical condition. Child welfare officials have taken all 16 children into temporary custody. Authorities said the children were confined to a small room that contained human feces, none of them were enrolled in school and the oldest — an 18-year-old whom investigators believe has developmental disabilities — is unable to spell her own name.
Elizabeth, 33, and Gary Jr. were identified as the children’s parents. Gary Sr. and Christina were identified as their grandparents. According to investigators, the family reportedly moved around southern Ohio over the past two decades and lived a transient lifestyle in an apparent attempt to avoid creating any medical or governmental paper trail.
“These folks were pretty good at hiding these kids,” Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson said on July 1, 2026, per CBS News, adding that the children “looked like almost feral animals” and calling the situation “terrible.”
Elizabeth Siders’ Attorney Says She ‘Doesn’t Come Across as Evil’
Just over a week after the arrests, Elizabeth’s attorney, J. Tommy Stolly made a striking public defense of his client on the July 9, 2026, episode of NewsNation’s CUOMO.
“The person that I met comes across as a mother who has been separated from her children, who is exhausted and who misses her children and is asking me constantly what she needs to do to see her children again, what she needs to do to ultimately be reunited with her children,” Stolly, who has met Elizabeth three times in person at that point, told host Chris Cuomo.
Stolly insisted his client “does not come across as pure evil” despite the way she has been portrayed in the media, and he pushed back on what he described as a rush to judgment.
Courtesy of moms_of_truth/Instagram Ruby Franke was arrested for child abuse after previously documenting her family’s daily life on her YouTube channel — but where are her kids now? After facing backlash for some of her parenting choices, Ruby stopped her “8 Passengers” channel and went on to launch ConneXions with mentor Jodi Hildebrant in 2022. […]
“That does not jive with the prosecutor’s narrative. It doesn’t jive with the attorney general’s narrative,” he said. “And I think because of that language that was used so early on in this case, we are sitting here now having to defend that on television and in the media instead of in a court of law.”
The attorney acknowledged he has not seen any of the children and has not been informed of their current conditions, but he defended his read of Elizabeth after spending hours with her behind bars.
“I’ve been able to meet with my client. I’ve spoken to Elizabeth. I’m a criminal defense attorney,” Stolly said. “I sit across from people in the jail all the time. I can get a sense of what someone is thinking, what someone is feeling.”
He added, “It is very clear that Elizabeth Siders cares about these kids. In the hours and hours that I sat there in the jail, she keeps directing the conversation back to, ‘Are the kids OK?’ She’s been receiving care packages in the jail, Chris, and today, she tried to give me some of the items from her care package to give to the kids.”
Elizabeth Siders Wants to Be Reunited With Her 16 Children
While Elizabeth remains detained on her $300,000 bond, Stolly has since filed a request asking the court to allow her to leave jail under certain conditions so she can eventually reunite with her children. In the filing, he argued that Elizabeth is not a threat, citing her lack of a criminal history.
“Through conversations with Counsel, the Defendant maintains that her principal desire (is) to reunite with her children; she understands that reunification of any sort is an impossibility if she does not appear before this Court,” the court filing obtained by WOWK 13 stated.
Stolly went on to argue in the filing that Elizabeth would not pose a threat to her children, who have since been removed from her care. A judge has not yet ruled on the request.
A mom in Ohio has been sentenced after she admitted to shoving her kids down the stairs, which she previously claimed was “normal discipline.” Daisha Phillips was sentenced to two years in prison on Monday, June 22, after she pleaded guilty to two counts of child abuse, according to a courtroom report from the Cincinnati […]
Gary Sr. was released from jail on July 8, 2026, after being hospitalized for health issues.
Gary Sr. and Christina’s attorney, Dorian Baum, also urged the public to reserve judgment.
“We ask that the community at large, as well as anyone who might have an interest in this case, to take a deep breath, step back, and let the case play out and the facts play out,” Baum told The Associated Press.
Elizabeth Siders’ Unrecognizable 2020 Photo Resurfaces
As the case has gained national attention, a photo of Elizabeth shared six years before her arrest has resurfaced online — and she looks strikingly different from the woman seen in her recent mugshot.
In the mugshot taken on June 30, 2026, Elizabeth has dark brunette hair and appears distraught, staring deadpan into the camera. But in a snapshot her mother, Lorie Russell, shared on Facebook on August 24, 2020, Elizabeth looked far more youthful. Her hair was blonde, and she wore lip gloss and eyeliner as she smiled for the camera.
“Happy Birthday to my daughter Elizabeth it [sic] hard to believe. My younhest [sic] is 28 today love you mom and dad,” Russell wrote alongside the photo.
It is not currently clear when the picture was actually taken. At the time it was posted, Elizabeth was already a mother of nine and was one month away from giving birth to her 10th child.
Elizabeth Siders Was 15 When She Got Married
Court records viewed by People indicate that Gary Jr. and Elizabeth legally got married in Mason County, West Virginia, on March 31, 2008. She was just 15 years old at the time, and he was 18 years old.
Their marriage was officiated by then-Circuit Court Judge David Nibert, and her parents were listed as Brian Ray Russell and Lori Ann Raines.
Both Gary Jr. and Elizabeth lived in Gallia County, Ohio, at the time of their wedding. They became parents when they welcomed their first child together two months after they wed.
A couple in Missouri has been arrested after police discovered that they were living in a filthy home with their four malnourished foster children. Stacey Laura-Louise Castleman and Erik Aleister Castleman were arrested on December 27, 2025, and charged with multiple counts of abuse or neglect of a child and endangering the welfare of a […]
Elizabeth Siders Gave Birth to Conjoined Twins That Died in 2022
Elizabeth prematurely delivered conjoined twin daughters when she was 24 weeks pregnant on November 20, 2022, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, according to birth certificates viewed by WCMH.
The babies, who were named Faith Lee and Bailey Lee Siders, passed away just an hour after Elizabeth gave birth. The manner of their deaths were listed as “natural” and the cause of death was respiratory failure for both siblings.
The birth records state that the daughters were thoracopagus conjoined, which means they were joined at the chest, face-to-face and likely sharing at least one vital organ.
Elizabeth Siders Faced Prior Charges in Connection with 6 of Her Children Before 2026 Arrest
Elizabeth and Gary Jr. were charged in the Juvenile Court Division of the Gallia County Court of Common Pleas with truancy-related offenses in 2021, according to court records viewed by People.
The charges were filed on October 19, 2021, after Addaville Elementary in Gallipolis, Ohio, reported that six of their children failed to attend a single day of school.
The records state that Elizabeth and Gary Jr. were notified by Gallia County Local School District officials about their children’s absences, but they never took action.
The Gallia County Sheriff was granted the authority to serve the couple with a court summons and a copy of the six complaints on October 26, 2021, and an arraignment was set for November 15, 2021. However, the couple’s home was vacant when deputies stopped by to serve the couple.
The cases were ultimately terminated on January 7, 2022, due to the unavailability of the defendants.
Ruby Franke, who used to chronicle her large brood’s daily adventures on their “8 Passengers” YouTube channel, has been arrested. The YouTube personality, 41, was booked on Wednesday, August 30, in Springville, Utah, on two counts of aggravated child abuse. According to the Washington County Sheriff Department website, she is currently in police custody. Franke […]
What’s Next in the Ohio House of Horrors Case?
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson described the conditions inside the home as “deplorable” during a news conference on July 7, 2026.
“Conditions you cannot even imagine people being in, let alone children being in,” Wilson said. “Their medical condition was so severe that the number one concern of our law enforcement who were there at the scene was getting them medical treatment, getting them to safety, to the point where literally their lives were in danger at the time.”
The investigation remains ongoing into the case as detectives work to learn more about the situation.
This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
Erin Andrews reflected on the realities of being in the public eye when her surrogate suffered a miscarriage last year.
“I’m always so shocked how many people reach out about that and say, ‘Thank you so much for being so honest,’” Andrews, 48, told The Athletic in an interview published on Wednesday, July 15.
In May 2025, Andrews recorded an episode of her podcast “Calm Down” on the same day as she learned that her surrogate had a miscarriage with her second baby. The sportscaster shared with listeners that she’d received some “real s***ty news” and then spoke in detail about her fertility struggles. (Andrews and former NHL player Jarret Stoll welcomed son Mack via a surrogate in 2023 but had also previously lost another child through a surrogate miscarrying.)
“Those waiting rooms are packed. So many people are having problems with getting pregnant, having a baby, getting eggs, making embryos. I am right up there on that list. And I just decided, I’m not going to freaking candy-coat this anymore. I’m not going to be quiet about it,” she told The Athletic in Wednesday’s interview.
Erin Andrews and her husband, Jarret Stoll, don’t always see eye-to-eye when it comes to sharing their personal lives with the public. “My husband would rather we not be so public — me not be so public,” Andrews, 46, told Success magazine in an interview published on Friday, January 10. While the couple, who tied […]
Andrews went on, “If you can tell people, show people they’re not alone and be like, look, it doesn’t matter who you are and what you do for a living, I’m struggling, too. And be there for them. I’ve enjoyed that. It’s helped me kind of grieve and deal and all that. I’ve been grateful for the platform for it.”
In that poignant 2025 “Calm Down” episode, Andrews said that things were going “going really, really well” for her unborn baby before complications arose.
“I’ve been sitting here thinking about Taylor Swift’s song, ‘I Can Do It with a Broken Heart.’ I’m really good at doing this s*** with a broken heart,” she said at the time.
She continued, “I think I kinda made a promise to myself that when I was really open with how s***ty infertility has been and our journey with two surrogates, because we did lose … we had loss with our first surrogate and then luckily with our second one, we had Mack, that I was just going to be honest with people.”
“But, like I said, when I was first dealing with all these infertility issues and loss that I just wanted to let other people know that we’re dealing with them, that I get it and I understand,” she told podcast listeners in May 2025. “And I’m going to do that again. This really, really sucks but so many people are dealing with it so if you feel alone and you feel like a failure, I do too. But you’re not the only one.”
Erin Andrews Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Andrews has struggled with both fertility and significant health issues, including a bout of cervical cancer in 2016. She underwent two operations before doctors were able to pronounce her cancer-free in 2017.
Earlier this year, Andrews revealed on “Calm Down” that she’d started injecting the fertility drugs Human Growth Hormone, follitropin alfa and clomiphene to prepare for another round of IVF.
“I am crazy and I am with a doctor that said, ‘Listen, we’ll call it when it’s time’ … I just feel like, I believe my body can do it,” she insisted. “Even though I know that my age — with what history says — is not great with producing eggs and the viability of your eggs.”
The former Dancing With the Stars host added, “There’s just some s*** in me that I’m like, ‘Watch me do it.’ It’s like a weird addiction I have.”
“The Odyssey” has assembled one of Hollywood’s most star-studded casts, bringing together some actors who are working alongside one another for the first time. While promoting the film, Robert Pattinson revealed he once thought his co-star, Matt Damon, had gone completely unhinged, only to learn that he was fully committing to his preparation for the role of King of Ithaca.
Christopher Nolan gathered an ensemble cast to bring Homer’s “The Odyssey” to life, including Matt Damon (Odysseus), Anne Hathaway (Penelope), Tom Holland (Telemachus), Robert Pattinson (Antinous), and Zendaya (Athena).
While promoting the epic fantasy movie, Pattinson recalled a memorable moment on set involving one of his co-stars. The “Batman” actor was asked whether there was a specific moment where he was in awe of Damon, and he revealed a behind-the-scenes look at how committed the actor was in fulfilling his role.
Pattinson said he once heard noises and screaming coming from Damon’s trailer, which was next to his. He said he always thought Damon was “such a nice guy” and didn’t know what to make of the screaming. “I thought he was on the phone and I’m like, ‘He’s a complete psycho.’ Like, he’s just like screaming. Screaming and screaming,” Pattinson told MTV U.K., adding that he also assumed the actor was having a “bad toilet experience.”
Later, he found out that Damon was straining his voice to “sound older” and more in character.
Matt Damon Went Through Rigorous Training
Damon has extensively discussed the preparations he did to play Odysseus and is in the best shape of his life due to physical training. He shed weight, as director Christopher Nolan wanted him to appear lean but strong.
The actor went through rigorous training and also followed a strict diet to achieve the ideal physique. Speaking with the Kelce brothers on the “New Heights” podcast, Damon said, “I stopped eating gluten. I used to walk around at between 185 and 200, and I did that whole movie at 167. And I haven’t been that light since high school.”
Moreover, Damon attended nautical rowing camp and learned to operate an ancient warship and trained in archery, combat, and swordplay.
‘The Odyssey’ Is The Actor’s Most Challenging Movie
Damon has appeared in more than 80 movies in his decades-long career, and he deems “The Odyssey” the most challenging movie he has ever done.
To be fair, Nolan told him beforehand that it was going to be “really hard.” “To his credit, he was not lying,” Damon told Willie Geist on the podcast “Sunday Sitdown.”
Nolan is well known for prioritizing practical effects over CGI, and for “The Odyssey,” the cast and crew shot in several countries to capture an authentic atmosphere. Some sequences were shot in the open ocean, which left some of the cast and crew seasick.
Damon said filming was “more like an expedition than a movie,” and everyone was pushed to their limits.
The Actor’s Last Days Of Filming Were Grueling
After filming for months in several locations around the globe, the production headed back to Universal Studios to shoot some scenes in a water tank that were too dangerous to do on open waters.
Despite the controlled environment, it was still challenging. Damon recalled getting to set and seeing jet engines that would help simulate a violent storm. Nolan also got in on the action while filming close-up shots of the actor.
“We did some stuff on the tank that involved Chris pouring water over my face while I was lying there, and I was like, ‘This is perfect. We’re ending this with waterboarding,’” Damon told PEOPLE.
Regardless of the challenges, Damon said he was left with a “feeling of gratitude,” describing the movie as the “best experience” he’s ever had in his career.
Matt Damon Received Praise From The Most Important People In His Life
Damon received overwhelming praise from critics and audiences, but the most meaningful ones came from people he loves the most.
He said his wife, Luciana, and their four daughters were all proud of his performance, but the approval meant the most coming from his daughter Isabella, whom he described as the toughest critic, even when he’s the one starring in the film.
He also got a call from his best friend, Ben Affleck. “He didn’t stop talking for an hour. It was like he’d seen the movie 20 times. He got absolutely everything. Every detail. He somehow soaked it all in one viewing,” Damon said.
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My favorite part of warm-weather dressing is knowing that stylish summer shoes can instantly make an outfit feel fresh. As a shopping editor, I’ve seen the most comfortable sandals, supportive slides and easy everyday sneakers disappear fast once the season kicks in, making now the smartest time to shop before your size is gone.
To help you out, I’ve rounded up the Amazon summer shoe deals actually worth adding to your cart. You’ll find everything on sale, including cushioned sandals, genuine leather styles, travel-friendly sneakers and vacation-ready platforms. Oh, and there are even some standout picks from Project Cloud, Cushionaire, Crocs, Skechers and more. Better yet, these warm-weather staples start at $20, so you can refresh your summer rotation without overspending.
Summer Shoe Deals on Amazon — Shop Before Sizes Sell Out!
1. Our Favorite: Made with genuine leather and a plush memory foam footbed, these designer-looking sandals deliver elevated style without sacrificing all-day comfort. They’re the kind of shoes you’ll wear from sightseeing to dinner, thanks to their versatile design and supportive feel — was $50, now $40!
2. Runner-Up: If you’re after a luxe, comfortable shoe for less, these cushioned sandals check every box with arch support, a soft suede-inspired footbed and adjustable straps. They make long summer walks feel much easier while pairing effortlessly with everything from linen pants to sundresses — was $70, now $50!
3. Celeb-Approved: Cloud-like cushioning and built-in arch support make these slide sandals a favorite for busy days on your feet. The minimalist silhouette taps into the comfortable recovery sandal trend that’s become a celebrity off-duty staple — was $30, now $20!
4. Designer-Looking: These elevated platform sandals deliver the expensive look of premium resort footwear with cushioned comfort built into every step. The flattering silhouette instantly dresses up shorts, maxi dresses and breezy matching sets — was $65, now $50!
5. Everyday Essential: Lightweight, breathable and incredibly comfortable, these popular Skechers sneakers are made for everything from travel days to everyday errands. Their responsive cushioning makes them an easy choice when sandals aren’t on the agenda — was $71, now $60!
Finding a top that’s comfortable enough to wear in sweltering temperatures and supportive enough to skip a bra can feel nearly impossible. But as a self-proclaimed hot body who hates to see a bra coming, I’ve scoured the internet to find the best built-in bra tops. They’ve become my armor in the summer heat, and […]
6. Beach-Day Pick: These classic flip-flops combine a soft cushioned footbed with dependable everyday comfort that goes beyond the beach. The timeless design makes them an easy grab-and-go option all season long — was $30, now $27!
7. Vacation MVP: Designed with lightweight cushioning and memory foam, these upgraded flip-flops offer noticeably more support than standard beach sandals. They’re perfect for packing since they pair with everything while taking up almost no suitcase space — was $50, now $27!
8. Walking Shoe: Cloudfoam cushioning helps soften every step, making these casual sneakers ideal for sightseeing, airport days and long walks. Their clean, sporty look works just as well with dresses as it does with leggings — was $45, now $40!
9. Comfort Trend: A lightweight wedge gives you extra height without the discomfort of traditional heels, and these Crocs are my favorite elevated shoe to wear in the summer. They’re waterproof, easy to clean and surprisingly polished for everything from brunch to vacation dinners — was $55, now $36!
10. Travel Favorite: These comfortable wedges feature cushioned support and flexible straps that shoppers say feel great straight out of the box. They’re an easy choice for vacations when you want something dressier that still handles hours of walking — was $41, now $29!
11. Espadrille Essential: Equal parts polished and practical, these espadrille wedges feature a comfortable elastic ankle strap and cushioned footbed that make them easy to wear from sightseeing to sunset dinners. The classic closed-toe silhouette adds a dressier touch while the low wedge gives you extra height without the usual discomfort — was $46, now $27!
UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping
Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Shopping for a bathing suit before a summer trip can wreck your confidence faster than trying on jeans in a fluorescent-lit fitting room. You want something that stays put on the beach, doesn’t require constant adjusting and actually looks good in vacation photos. That last part feels almost impossible after 35. Then my 58-year-old mom […]
Victoria Gotti’s son Carmine Agnello asked the court to delay his upcoming prison sentence so he can donate a kidney to his mother.
Newsday reported on Thursday, July 16, that Agnello filed a request to a federal judge to push back his 15-month prison sentence to September 18. He is currently scheduled to surrender himself on Monday, July 20.
Victoria — who is the the daughter of Gambino family crime boss John Gotti — submitted paperwork from two doctors that stated a “nephrectomy is scheduled for August 3, wherein Mrs. Victoria Gotti will be the recipient of a kidney being donated by her son, Carmine Agnello,” per the outlet. (Agnello is the eldest son of Victoria and Carmine Agnello Sr. Victoria also shares sons John, 39, and Frank, 36, with Carmine Sr.)
Federal prosecutors have reportedly objected to Agnello’s request, arguing that his previous request for a delay in the case to donate a kidney to his mother was a surgery that didn’t take place. However, prosecutors stated they would agree to a “brief deferment” up to August 10, per Newsday.
Agnello pleaded guilty in 2024 to fraud charges after he fraudulently obtained COVID-19 relief loans. The estimated amount of the Small Business Administration loans were around $1.1 million.
“The defendant shamefully used the public health and economic crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to line his pockets with stolen funds,” the United States Attorney Peace shared in a statement at the time.
Earlier this year, Victoria advocated for leniency for her son because he planned on donating one of his kidneys to her amid her battle with chronic kidney disease. In a letter to the judge submitted in March, Victoria explained that Agnello’s health could be compromised if the procedure was done while he is behind bars. She added that her son is the only known compatible donor.
“He is there to help anyone,” she wrote while asking for her son to receive probation rather than prison time. “He is kind and generous to a fault. He is giving me the GIFT OF LIFE.”
Victoria added that Agnello was her “miracle son” and that he would “never do anything he KNEW was wrong.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Kelly argued that the Bureau of Prisons is equipped to handle any medical needs — including kidney removal.
“Being a kidney donor does not… constitute extraordinary family circumstances,” Kelly wrote, per docs obtained by the New York Post at the time.
Karoline Leavitt is back at work as the White House press secretary following her maternity leave while her husband, Nicholas Riccio, holds down the fort for their two children.
“It is really good to be back with all of you,” Leavitt, 28, told reporters on Thursday, July 16, as she took the podium to brief the press for the first time since giving birth to her second baby.
When asked her “secret” to juggling motherhood and work, Leavitt confessed, “I don’t think there is a secret. You just have to show up every day and keep going.”
Karoline Leavitt. SAUL LOEB/AFP
She then noted, “It really does take a village,” before highlighting her husband’s part in their family dynamic.
“I take the opportunity to shout out to my husband, who is home with our babies right now,” Leavitt continued. “I look forward to returning home later to be with them.”
Leavitt admitted that “It’s challenging” to have a newborn at home while she is back on the job, but added, “For me, I view this as more than a job. I view this as public service.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is building her family while growing her political career. On May 7, 2026, Leavitt and her husband Nicholas Riccio, who is 32 years her senior, confirmed that they welcomed daughter Viviana “Vivi” Riccio on May 1. The pair are also mom and dad to Nicholas Robert “Niko” Riccio. “The […]
Leavitt thanked the reporter for their question, concluding, “There’s nothing better than being a mother.”
Leavitt has had a big supporter in her husband, a real estate developer who runs his own company, since they met in 2022.
The pair, who have a 32-year age gap, welcomed their first child, son Niko, in July 2024. (Leavitt notoriously began working on President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign in 2024 days after giving birth.)
Nicholas Riccio and Karoline Leavitt. Al Drago/Getty Images
Leavitt and Ricco, 61, eventually tied the knot on the eve of Leavitt joining the president’s second administration in January 2025.
That December, Leavitt announced that she and Ricco were expecting their second baby together.
“The greatest Christmas gift we could ever ask for — a baby girl coming in May 2026,” she shared via Instagram at the time. “My husband and I are thrilled to grow our family and can’t wait to watch our son become a big brother. My heart is overflowing with gratitude to God for the blessing of motherhood, which I truly believe is the closest thing to Heaven on Earth.”
In late April, Leavitt announced that she was starting maternity leave after conducting her “last gaggle” with the press.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has been open to her unusual marriage dynamic. Leavitt is 32 years younger than her husband, Nicholas Riccio. Though the age difference doesn’t seem to bother either of them, she’s admitted that it took some time for her parents to come around. “It’s definitely a challenging conversation to have […]
“As you can see, I’m about ready to have a baby any minute, so I will see you guys very soon,” she revealed on April 24, showing off her growing baby bump.
Leavitt welcomed her daughter, Vivi, one week later on May 1.
“Our hearts instantly exploded with love. 💕,” she wrote via Instagram while announcing her baby girl’s birth, sharing a photo holding the newborn. “She is perfect and healthy, and her big brother is joyfully adjusting to life with his new baby sister. We are enjoying every moment in our blissful newborn bubble.”
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