Alleged Epstein Suicide Note Released, Cruise Hantavirus Fear Grows, Rubio Meets Pope: AM Update 5/8

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show — AM Update: May 8, 2026

Episode Theme:
A fast-paced briefing covering breaking developments: the unsealing of Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged suicide note, a deadly hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, the abrupt resignation of Charlotte’s mayor, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s notable Vatican visit amid US–Vatican tensions.

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1. Epstein’s Alleged Suicide Note Unsealed

[00:32–06:48]

• Background

  • The alleged handwritten note, said to have been penned by Jeffrey Epstein after an earlier suicide attempt in July 2019, was unsealed by a federal judge after a New York Times request.
  • The note was found by Nicholas Tartaglione, Epstein’s former cellmate, inside a graphic novel in their shared cell. Tartaglione turned it over to his lawyers as proof he hadn’t attacked Epstein after Epstein accused him of assaulting him in jail.
  • The note remained secret for years in Tartaglione's case file.

• Content and Authenticity

  • Epstein appears to deny allegations, lament his fate, and refer to the “no fun” line from The Little Rascals—a phrase he’d previously used in correspondence.
  • “They investigated for months, found nothing so 16 year old charges results. It is a treat to be able to choose one's time to say goodbye. Whatcha wants me to do bust out cryin' no fun, not worth it.”
    — (Epstein’s alleged note, [04:25])
  • Officials note the handwriting hasn’t been authenticated, and there’s some uncertainty about its legitimacy. The DOJ and others emphasize it’s only now being seen officially.

• Condition Behind Bars

  • Bill Mercy, a former MCC inmate and Epstein’s assigned suicide watch companion, spoke to TMZ, describing Epstein’s psychological descent:
    • “He was probably very stressed being in the special housing unit because that's a really bad environment. … I think that he was probably very stressed at that moment and was just scribbling.”
      — Bill Mercy ([05:49])
    • “[Epstein] confessed that he'd been bullied by black kids when he was growing up and he was afraid of black inmates... Most of his conversations centered around how am I going to deal with this place? He was, he was really apprehensive.”
      — Bill Mercy ([06:24])
  • After bail was denied, Mercy observed a marked emotional decline in Epstein.

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2. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles Abruptly Resigns

[06:48–10:37]

• Resignation and Context
  • Mayor Vi Lyles, 73, resigns just months into her fifth term, citing a desire to spend more time with her grandchildren after “missing some moments.”
  • Her statement: “Serving as Charlotte’s mayor has been the honor of my life. Now it is time for the next phase... Simply put, I am going to spend time with my grandchildren.”
    — Vi Lyles ([06:59])
  • The announcement follows a WFAE article raising questions about her recent absences from zoning meetings and concerns raised privately about her engagement and communication skills.
  • At a recent meeting, she appeared confused:
    • “Good afternoon everyone. Good morning and good afternoon everyone. Thank you for being here. Good evening. I think it's evening, but you never can tell in this weather.”
      — Vi Lyles ([08:00])
• Controversies
  • Faced criticism for her initial response to the murder of Irina Zyrutska, a Ukrainian refugee killed on city transit by a repeat offender. Lyles’ original statement focused on the attacker’s mental health rather than naming the victim.
  • She controversially said the experience “has made me a better mayor for the people of the city.”
    — Vi Lyles ([10:16])
• Political Aftermath
  • Despite backlash, Lyles won reelection by a wide margin.
  • City council will appoint an interim mayor.

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3. Deadly Cruise Ship Hantavirus Triggers Global Health Alert

[10:37–15:55]

• Outbreak Overview
  • An outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus on the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius expedition cruise ship: three confirmed deaths and at least five infected; dozens left the ship and returned internationally before realizing exposure risk.
  • Andes virus is uniquely dangerous: ~40% fatality and only hantavirus strain transmissible person-to-person.
• Timeline & Spread
  • First known case: 70-year-old Dutch passenger died April 11; wife also fell gravely ill and died in Johannesburg; a KLM flight attendant who had contact with the wife now in isolation in Amsterdam.
  • Suspected exposure originated from a birdwatching tour at a landfill before cruise departure.
  • Medical team assessing all aboard as ship sails to the Canary Islands—Spanish citizens and symptomatic passengers will be quarantined.
  • International effort underway to trace 30+ passengers who left before outbreak was identified. First “home country” case surfaced in Zurich, Switzerland.
  • US passengers being monitored in several states; none symptomatic as of broadcast.
• Risk Perspective
  • Dr. Maria Van Kerkove of the WHO reminds the public:
    • “This is not SARS-CoV-2, this is not the start of a COVID pandemic. This is an outbreak we see on a ship… It doesn’t spread the same way like coronaviruses do... It’s very different. It’s that close intimate contact that we’ve seen.”
      — Dr. Maria Van Kerkove ([15:55])

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4. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Vatican Visit Amid Middle East Tensions

[16:48–19:52]

• Diplomatic Context
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets Pope Leo XIV in Rome, following a year of heightened US–Vatican strains over Middle East policy, specifically Iran.
  • Trump has publicly rebuked Pope Leo for his call for a ceasefire:
    • “The Pope would rather talk about the fact that it's okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon. And I don't think that's very good... I guess if it's up to the Pope, he thinks it's just fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”
      — Donald Trump ([17:24])
  • Pope Leo responds:
    • “The Church has for years spoken out against all nuclear weapons... I simply hope to be heard for the sake of the word of God.”
      — Pope Leo XIV (via Reuters, [17:46])
  • Trump reiterates US stance:
    • “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon...if that happened, the entire world would be hostage and we're not going to let that happen.”
      — Donald Trump ([18:10])
• The Meeting
  • Despite recent rhetorical clashes, the Pope personally welcomes Rubio; Rubio’s motorcade uses the prestigious Arch of Bells entrance.
  • Gifts exchanged: Rubio presents a crystal football; Pope bestows an olive wood pen symbolizing peace.
  • Rubio meets with Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Middle East and humanitarian efforts, notably in Cuba.

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5. Notable Quotes

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:25 | Epstein (alleged note) | “They investigated for months, found nothing...Whatcha wants me to do bust out cryin' no fun, not worth it.” | | 05:49 | Bill Mercy | “He was probably very stressed being in the special housing unit...just scribbling.” | | 06:24 | Bill Mercy | “[Epstein] confessed he'd been bullied...he was afraid of inmates...He was, he was really apprehensive.” | | 08:00 | Vi Lyles | “Good afternoon everyone. Good morning...Thank you for being here Good evening. I think it's evening, but you never can tell in this weather.” | | 10:16 | Vi Lyles | “...has been something that difficult for me, but also something that has made me a better mayor for the people of the city.” | | 15:55 | Dr. Maria Van Kerkove | “This is not SARS-CoV-2, this is not the start of a COVID pandemic...It doesn’t spread the same way like coronaviruses do.” | | 17:24 | Donald Trump | “The Pope would rather talk about the fact that it's okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon...I guess if it's up to the Pope, he thinks it's just fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.” | | 17:46 | Pope Leo XIV | “The Church has for years spoken out against all nuclear weapons...I simply hope to be heard for the sake of the word of God.” | | 18:10 | Donald Trump | “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon...the entire world would be hostage and we're not going to let that happen.” |

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6. Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:32] — Episode open & Epstein story intro
• [04:25] — Epstein note excerpt
• [05:33–06:24] — Bill Mercy on Epstein’s jail mental state
• [06:48] — Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles resigns
• [10:07–10:16] — Vi Lyles on tragedy making her a “better mayor”
• [12:15–15:55] — Cruise ship hantavirus outbreak
• [15:55] — Dr. Maria Van Kerkove on hantavirus risk
• [16:48] — Marco Rubio meets Pope as US–Vatican tension flares
• [17:24–18:10] — Trump–Pope war of words
• [18:58] — Gift exchange at the Vatican, foreign policy wrap-up

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7. Episode Tone

Maintaining Megyn Kelly’s signature: direct, brisk, occasionally sardonic; probe for facts, highlight controversy, and provide multi-perspective reporting. Features a balance of newsy urgency with dry commentary, especially around the Epstein saga and Charlotte politics.

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For listeners seeking an update on high-profile investigations, global health scares, urban political shakeups, and simmering diplomatic drama, this episode rounds up the week’s most provocative headlines with analysis and revealing direct quotes from key players.

Transcript

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[Bill Mercy]

Foreign.

[Megyn Kelly]

I'm Megan Kelly. It's Friday, May 8, 2026 and this is your AM update.

[Bill Mercy]

He was facing life behind bars for the rest of his life and he was not ready for prison.

[Megyn Kelly]

Jeffrey Epstein's alleged jailhouse note, now unsealed as a former inmate, describes him unraveling behind bars. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles abruptly stepping down just months into her fifth term after a local outlet raised new question about whether she remains competent to fully do the job.

[Dr. Maria Van Kerkove]

This is not the same situation we were in six years ago. It doesn't spread the same way like coronaviruses do.

[Megyn Kelly]

A deadly cruise ship hantavirus outbreak is now triggering an international contact tracing effort. And Secretary of State Marco Rubio receiving a notably warm welcome at the Vatican meeting with the Pope and top officials amid tensions over US Policy in the Middle East. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

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[Megyn Kelly]

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[Bill Mercy]

Does that ring true to the person you interacted with for so many hours in terms of just the way he speaks? It seems to me he was probably very stressed being in the special housing unit because that's a really bad environment. That's the worst of the worst in the prison. If you want protective custody, you don't. You're with the bad boys and they yell and scream all night and it's just harrowing to be in the shoe is what I understand. But I think that he was probably very stressed at that moment and was

[Megyn Kelly]

just scribbling mercy telling TMZ Epstein's mental condition worsened after a judge denied him bail.

[Bill Mercy]

I watched him ratchet down emotionally after he couldn't get bail from the judge. He couldn't give up his island and his airplane and get out as he had before. And he was facing life behind bars for the rest of his life and he was not ready for prison. He confessed that he'd been bullied by black kids when he was growing up and he was afraid of black inmates. He was afraid of inmates. I mean, most of his conversations centered around how am I going to deal with this place? He was, he was really apprehensive.

[Megyn Kelly]

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, a Democrat, announcing yesterday she will resign at the end of June, cutting short her fifth term. Just months after winning reelection in a landslide. 73 year old Lyles releasing a statement, quote, serving as Charlotte's mayor has been the honor of my life. Now it is time for the next phase of my life to spend more time with my grandchildren and for someone new to lead us forward. The mayor adding, quote, as in all things politics, I am sure there will be speculation as to why I'm making this decision now. Simply put, I am going to spend time with my grandchildren. Like many of us, I have missed some moments with them and intend not to miss any more. The announcement coming hours after local outlet WFAE published an article headlined, quote, charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles has stopped attending zoning meetings. Will she finish her term? The outlet reporting Lyles has not attended a zoning meeting since November, the issue reportedly starting two years ago when she began to leave some of those meetings early before eventually turning them over entirely to a Republican council member. WFAE reporting the mayor still attends and presides over most regular weekly council meetings, but often relies on others to help navigate the process of motions and votes. According to the outlet. Several council members, business leaders and community leaders have privately raised concerns about whether Lyles communicates as clearly as she once did and whether she has become less engaged on key issues. At one meeting last month, WFAE reporting, Lyles appeared confused while calling the meeting to order, saying, good afternoon everyone. Good morning and good afternoon everyone. Thank you for being here Good evening. I think it's evening, but you never can tell in this weather. Lyle's becoming the target of national outrage last year after the murder of 23 year old Irina Zyritska, the young Ukrainian refugee brutally stabbed to death on Charlotte's light rail system by a career criminal. The mayor criticized for her initial response, which did not name Zyrutska, referring to her only as, quote, the young woman, while focusing much of the statement on the attacker's reported mental health struggles, homelessness, and what Lyles called failures in society's safety nets. Lyles writing, quote, tragic incidents like these should force us to look at what we are doing across our community to address root causes. We will never arrest our way out of issues such as homelessness and mental health. Irina's alleged killer, Decarlos Brown Jr. Arrested many times before, 14 times in fact, including for felony larceny, robbery and assault. He was known by local law enforcement to have schizophrenia. But despite the long criminal record, the documented mental health concerns, and the obvious warning signs, Brown was still free to board Charlotte's light rail in August, where police say he stabbed Zyrutska to death in an unprovoked attack. Brown now facing state and federal charges, including first degree murder, though the case has been delayed after psychiatric evaluations found him mentally incompetent to stand trial. Just weeks after the killing, Mayor Lyles bizarrely suggesting to local outlet WBTV that the horrific slaying made her a better mayor.

[Vi Lyles]

I know what loss is about, and so sometimes we have to remember that even though when we're working together that there's a lot more to do and to work around and get done. And I will never forget this loss. I will never forget has been something that difficult for me, but also something that has made me a better mayor for the people of the city.

[Megyn Kelly]

Despite the backlash, Lyles faced little political consequence at home, easily winning reelection in November with more than 70% of the vote. The Charlotte city council will now appoint an interim mayor to finish the term. Coming up, a deadly hantavirus on board a cruise ship, triggering a global race to track passengers who left the vessel before they knew they may have been exposed. And Secretary of state Marco Rubio receives a warm welcome at the Vatican meeting with the pope and senior officials as tensions linger over the Middle East. What does it feel like when your clothes actually feel good this spring? Cozy Earth makes a strong case that what you wear at home matters just as much as what you wear outside of the house. Maybe more. Let me tell you about the brushed bamboo jogger set. Made from viscose from bamboo, it's lightweight, breathable and unbelievably soft with enough structure to feel put together and even at home. And then there are their lakehouse clogs. Designed for everyday home life. They feature a cushioned footbed, ultra soft interior and easy slip on design. They are supportive enough to stand in all day, yet cozy enough to forget you are even wearing them. And with easy returns and a lifetime warranty, it's comfort worth upgrading to this spring. Give yourself the kind of comfort that lives with you all day, not just the moment you get home. Head to cozyearth.com use my code Megan for an exclusive 20% off. That's code Megan for an exclusive 20% OFF. And if you see a post purchase survey mention that you heard about Cozy Earth right here on the MK Show, Health officials racing to track passengers across multiple countries as a deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard an Expedition cruise ship leaves three people dead and at least five more infected, with dozens of travelers already disembarking the vessel and flying home before they knew they may have been exposed. Hantavirus spreads primarily through contact with infected rodent waste on Wednesday, officials confirming the particular strain in this outbreak is the Andes, one of the deadliest variants with about a 40% fatality rate and the only known strain that can pass from person to person. The Dutch flagged MV Hondius, departing April 1 on a weeks long excursion starting in Argentina at the southern tip of the continent, sailing north up the Atlantic Ocean, stopping at some of the world's most remote island destinations. Trouble beginning aboard the ship on April 6 when a 70 year old Dutch passenger fell ill and died five days later of respiratory distress, according to the WHO. His wife also becoming severely ill, leaving the ship in late April and later dying in Johannesburg where officials confirmed she had hantavirus. She had briefly boarded a flight in Johannesburg but was removed from the aircraft before takeoff due to her condition. A KLM flight attendant who had brief contact with her on the plane, now in isolation at a hospital in Amsterdam with mild symptoms and is being tested for hantavirus. Argentine officials believe the couple may have contracted the virus prior to the cruise during a bird watching tour that stopped at a landfill where they may have encountered infected rodents, according to the ap.

[Bill Mercy]

Ugh.

[Megyn Kelly]

Several more passengers contracting the virus, including a third who died on board earlier this week. A medical team dispatched to the ship. The doctors now conducting medical assessments on everyone on board as the ship sails to the Canary Islands, expected to arrive by Sunday once The MV Hondius arrives at its destination. Spanish citizens and anyone showing symptoms will be quarantined. According to Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia. Everyone else will be allowed to return home. The World Health Organization holding a press conference yesterday, its Director General informing reporters that none of the remaining passengers on the ship is currently symptomatic. But it is possible more cases could develop because it can take up to six weeks for symptoms to develop in the infected. An international effort is now underway to trace and monitor at least 30 passengers from multiple countries who left the ship in late April before any of the cases had been confirmed as hantavirus. Swiss officials confirming a man who had been on the earlier leg of the voyage now hospitalized in Zurich with hantavirus, marking the first known case tied to the ship where symptoms developed after the traveler had already returned home. In the U.S. health officials in at least five states are now monitoring passengers who were aboard the MV Hondias, including two Texas residents, one in Virginia, two in Georgia, one in Arizona and at least one in California, with none so far reporting symptoms. Despite the deadly nature of the outbreak. Dr. Maria Van Kerkove, the WHO's director of epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness, urging the public to keep the risk in perspective.

[Dr. Maria Van Kerkove]

This is not coronavirus. This is a very different virus. We know this virus. Hantaviruses have been around for quite a while. But I want to be unequivocal here. This is not SARS cov2, this is not the start of a COVID pandemic. This is an outbreak that we see on a ship. There's a confined area. We have five confirmed cases so far. We completely understand why these questions are coming and we are trying to provide all of the information that we can. But this is not the same situation we were in six years ago. It doesn't spread the same way like coronaviruses do. It's very different. It's that close intimate contact that we've seen. And again, I want to reiterate the actions that are being taken on board are precautionary to prevent any onward spread. And so there's a lot that is being done right now to be able try to minimize the risk even further.

[Megyn Kelly]

Secretary of State Marco Rubio meeting Pope Leo XIV yesterday at the Vatican. Vice President J.D. vance and Secretary Rubio meeting with the pontiff nearly one year ago after attending the Pope's inaugural Mass today, marking one year since Pope Leo's election. Yesterday's closed door meeting lasting about 45 minutes. It comes on the heels of the recent public clash Between President Trump and the first US Born head of the Catholic Church. Pope Leo on multiple occasions calling for a ceasefire on U. S. Iranian hostilities in a Monday appearance on the Hugh Hewitt show. President Trump responding.

[Donald Trump]

The Pope would rather talk about the fact that it's okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon. And I don't think that's very good. I think he's endangering a lot of Catholics and a lot of people. But I guess if it's up to the Pope, he thinks it's just fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.

[Megyn Kelly]

Pope Leo responding the following day. This video translated by Reuters the church's

[Pope Leo XIV]

mission is to preach the gospel, to preach peace. If anyone wishes to criticize me for proclaiming the gospel, let them do so with truth. The Church has for years spoken out against all nuclear weapons, so there's no doubt about that. And so I simply hope to be heard for the sake of the word of God.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump on Wednesday asked by a reporter what message he hopes Secretary Rubio will deliver.

[Donald Trump]

As far as the Pope is concerned, it's very simple whether I make him happy or I don't make him happy. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. And he seemed to be saying that they can and I say they cannot because if that happened, the entire world would be hostage and we're not going to let that happen.

[Megyn Kelly]

Tensions between the two leaders aside, Secretary Rubio's meeting appearing notably cordial. Vatican officials also allowing Rubio's motorcade to enter through the Arch of Bells, an entrance typically reserved for heads of state, in what appeared to be a special gesture of respect for Secretary Rubio. The secretary is a devout Catholic. Mr. Rubio and Pope Leo exchanging gifts. Before the meeting, the Pope presented with a crystal football.

[Bill Mercy]

It has the seal of the State Department. So okay, what to get someone who has everything?

[Megyn Kelly]

The Pope presenting Rubio with a symbolic olive wood pen, noting its symbolism as the plant of peace. Secretary Rubio also meeting with his Vatican counterpart, Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, in a separate meeting, reportedly discussing the Middle east as well as humanitarian efforts in the Western Hemisphere and in Cuba in particular. Mr. Rubio set to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Maloney today before returning to the US and that'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the MK show. We've got Maureen Callahan on Today. We are live on Sirius XM's the Megyn Kelly Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megyn Kelly and on all podcast platforms what would you do if

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[Vi Lyles]

Fantastic.

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[Megyn Kelly]

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