Inside Talarico's Progressive Church, Google’s Mosquito Plan, Scientist Remains Found: AM Update 6/2

Summary

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The Megyn Kelly Show: AM Update 6/2/2026

Episode Title: Inside Talarico's Progressive Church, Google’s Mosquito Plan, Scientist Remains Found
Host: Megyn Kelly, SiriusXM
Date: June 2, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this AM Update, Megyn Kelly delves into three key stories shaping national headlines:

1. New scrutiny facing Texas Senate candidate James Talarico and his deeply progressive church.
2. Google’s controversial proposal to release millions of lab-bred mosquitoes in Florida and California.
3. The ongoing mystery—and recent break—surrounding scientists connected to U.S. nuclear research facilities, including the recovery of a missing Los Alamos employee’s remains.

Kelly presents the stories with her trademark directness, blending critical reporting, selected quotes, and audience-focused commentary.

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Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. James Talarico and St. Andrew’s Progressive Church

[00:24 - 05:52]

• Scrutiny of Talarico’s Church:

  • Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, currently leading (narrowly) in polling, faces increasing attention for his affiliation with St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin.
  • The church donates funds to progressive organizations, including Planned Parenthood, the Lilith Fund, and Jane’s Due Process—groups that support or facilitate abortion access, including for minors seeking out-of-state services.
  • The church also supports Out Youth Austin, which organizes summer camps for LGBTQ youth, and provides children’s access to a library with “banned books” covering sexuality and gender identity.

• Religious & Political Blending:

  • Talarico blends theology and progressive politics—sparking controversy within and beyond his congregation.

  • His 2025 Easter sermon drew national attention for radical comparisons, such as likening Christ to modern marginalized groups.

    Notable Quote:

    “Christ said what we do for the least of these, we do for him. So where is Christ today? Christ is the immigrant deported without due process. Christ is the senior deprived of their Social Security benefits. Christ is the protester kidnapped in an unmarked vehicle by plainclothes officers. Christ is the student sitting in an overcrowded classroom in a defunded school.”
    — James Talarico, [04:03]

  • Talarico has publicly argued for a biblical justification for pro-choice positions and has supported non-binary and LGBTQ rights from the pulpit and the legislature.

• Personal Life in the Spotlight:

  • Recent reporting identifies Talarico’s “mysterious” girlfriend as Brianna Menard, a lobbyist and former staff member, who is described as a vegan who enjoys Austin nightlife and cats.

• Polling Update:

  • Talarico leads Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton by 3 points (47%–44%) in latest polls, though the margin of error keeps the race competitive.

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2. Google’s “Debug” Mosquito Project

[06:51 - 08:59]

• What’s Happening:

  • Google’s parent company, Alphabet, seeks federal approval to release up to 32 million genetically altered mosquitoes in Florida and California over two years.
  • The goal: curb diseases like dengue fever and Zika using male mosquitoes carrying a bacterium (Wolbachia) that renders their offspring nonviable, reducing native mosquito populations.
  • Google frames this as a safer, non-pesticide solution.

• Public & Official Response:

  • Mixed public reaction, ranging from “Why not? We’ll help the human race,” to concerns about backyard safety and unintended consequences.

    Notable Quote:

    “I think it’s interesting. I’m not sure about whether I want it in my backyard because there could be a lot of things that go wrong. You know, when you make a commitment like that, you really can’t step back from it.”—Unidentified Resident, [08:46]

  • The EPA, led by Lee Zeldin, clarifies that no such release has been approved under President Trump’s administration; decision under review and open to public comment.

  • Critics warn against tech companies’ expanding roles in public health and the environment.

    Notable Quote:

    "I want everyone to stop and ask what interest Google has in releasing mosquitoes. They're a tech company, not an environmental group, not a nonprofit, not a government... I don't want them anywhere near our wildlife or nature."
    — Robbie Starbuck, Filmmaker, [08:59]

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3. US-Iran Negotiations Stalling

[09:47 - 11:37]

• Updates on Diplomatic Tension:
  • U.S.-Iran nuclear talks have stalled, with President Trump downplaying the need for negotiations, stating, “I couldn't care less if negotiations with Iran end. If they're over, they're over. They started to get very boring.” [10:19]
  • Recent escalation follows increased Israel–Hezbollah tension.
  • Trump states he had a productive call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and that “there will be no troops going to Beirut.”
  • Reports indicate a heated private conversation in which Trump told Netanyahu, "you're effing crazy... you'd be in prison if it weren't for me. I'm saving your ass. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this."

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4. Missing Nuclear Scientists and the Casillas Case

[11:38 - 17:39]

• Discovery of Remains, Persistent Mysteries:

  • The remains of Melissa Casillas, a Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) employee missing for nearly a year, are found in a remote New Mexico forest.

  • Circumstances puzzle investigators: all her belongings, phone and car were left at home; phone was factory reset; found near a handgun. Family says area was previously searched.

    Notable Quote:

    “My cousin got home from work and found all of Melissa’s belongings at home. Her purse, her phones, her car, her keys, everything was at home. Her phones were factory reset.”
    — Melissa's Relative, [01:10]/[15:31]

    Notable Quote:

    “This is not like her... she would not leave her daughter. She adores her daughter. She would not leave her.”
    — Casillas’s Sister, [15:56]

• Pattern of Disappearances:

  • Casillas is one of at least eleven government employees or scientists (many in nuclear/defense roles) who’ve disappeared or died since 2022 under mysterious circumstances—often after leaving home on foot with little more than a handgun.
  • Other cases: Anthony Chavez and Steven Garcia, both with nuclear facility ties, and retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland.

• Government Response:

  • The FBI, Department of Energy, and the new Department of War—recently established—are now jointly investigating the pattern.
  • President Trump, addressing the matter, called the situation “pretty serious stuff,” adding, “some of them were very important people and we’re going to look at it.” [17:20]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Talarico on Christ’s Modern Relevance:
  “Christ is the immigrant deported without due process... Christ is the protester kidnapped in an unmarked vehicle...”
  — James Talarico, [04:03]

• Public Skepticism on Google’s Debug Project:
  “I want everyone to stop and ask what interest Google has in releasing mosquitoes... I don’t want them anywhere near our wildlife or nature.”
  — Robbie Starbuck, [08:59]

• President Trump on Iran Talks:
  “I couldn't care less if negotiations with Iran end... They started to get very boring.”
  — Donald Trump, [10:19]

• Family on Missing Scientist:
  “This is not like her... she would not leave her daughter. She adores her daughter.”
  — Casillas’s Sister, [15:56]

• Presidential Concern:
  “Well, I hope it's random, but we're going to know in the next week and a half... some of them were very important people and we're going to look at it.”
  — President Trump, [17:20]

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Important Timestamps

• [00:24] – Kelly lays out the episode’s main stories: Talarico’s church, Google’s mosquitoes, missing scientist found.
• [04:03] – Talarico’s 2025 Easter sermon quotes.
• [05:52] – News on Talarico’s personal life and polling.
• [06:51] – Google’s mosquito plan explained.
• [08:46] – Resident commentary on the debug project.
• [09:47] – Iran nuclear negotiations update and presidential remarks.
• [11:38] – Discovery of Melissa Casillas’ remains.
• [15:31] – Family statements about Casillas’ disappearance.
• [17:20] – Trump addresses the string of missing scientists.

---

Summary

This AM Update stands out by balancing urgent politics, the intersection of faith and progressive activism, big tech’s foray into public health, and a mysterious pattern of disappearances in America’s scientific elite. Megyn Kelly brings clarity, skepticism, and emotional resonance through direct reporting and use of sourced voices, making this a compelling episode for listeners keen on the evolving interplay of politics, technology, and national security.

Transcript

[Uncrustables Host]

It's the Smuckers Uncrustables Radio hour with round, soft pillowy bread filled with delicious PB and J. Here's your host, Uncrustables. Call her on line three. What's eating you? No one Crust.

[Melissa's Relative]

Is that you? Ugh.

[Uncrustables Host]

Uncrustables are the best part of the sandwich. Sorry, crust.

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Tuesday, June 2, 2026 and this is your AM update.

[Uncrustables Host]

Christ is the immigrant deported without due process. Christ is the senior deprived of their Social Security benefits.

[Megyn Kelly]

Texas Democrat James Talarico finding himself under more scrutiny as new details emerge about his very progressive church in Austin. Tech giant Google seeking federal approval to release millions of lab raised mosquitoes in Florida and California. Talks between the US And Iran appear completely stalled as President Trump tries to downplay the need for further negotiations at all.

[Melissa's Relative]

My cousin got home from work and found all of Melissa's belongings at home. Her car, her keys, everything was at home. Her phones were factory reset.

[Megyn Kelly]

And the remains of one of the scientists tied to a prominent nuclear facility who mysteriously went missing last year are found in New Mexico. All that and more coming up in just a moment. On your AM Update. In the US a break in happens every 26 seconds. Most systems only alert you after an intruder is inside and by then the damage is done. But there's Simplisafe. With their new outdoor camera series 2 and advanced AI. SimpliSafe does not just watch, it actually will act if a threat is detected. US based live agents can intervene to deter intruders before they cross the threshold. Going on vacation, you can check your feed and know that professionals are monitoring your home. Plus, the setup is a breeze. Get your system running in under 30 minutes. No long term contracts. Simplisafe earns your business every day rather than locking you into a trap. It's an elite protection unit that will fit your life, not the other way around. Simplisafe has an exclusive discount for you right now. You can get 50% off your new system by visiting simplisafe.com Megan that's half off at S I M p l I safe.com Megan There is no safe like SimpliSafe. As Texas's US Senate race continues to gain national attention. Democratic candidate James Talarico coming under fresh scrutiny. New reporting putting a spotlight on Talarico's church and the various progressive and in many cases controversial causes it supports. The Daily Wire uncovering St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Austin directs a portion of its budget annually to support community organizations that share our vision and goals for the world, including abortion provider Planned Parenthood and also a project called Field of Hope, which directs funds to groups like the Lilith Fund and Jane's Due Process, both of which pay to help facilitate out of state travel for women, many of whom are minors, to get abortions. Talarico previously speaking about how his support for the issue is grounded in the biblical account of an angel visiting the Virgin Mary and telling her that she would miraculously conceive and give birth to Jesus Christ, which Talarico suggests means Mary became pregnant by consent, intimating that therefore the pro choice position is biblical. Talarico often blending politics with religion both on the campaign trail and and in St. Andrew's Church where he is a seminarian. In a 2025 Easter sermon, Talarico comparing Jesus Christ to a deported immigrant and a quote, kidnapped protester.

[Uncrustables Host]

Christ said what we do for the least of these, we do for him. So where is Christ today? Christ is the immigrant deported without due process. Christ is the senior deprived of their Social Security benefits. Christ is the protester kidnapped in an unmarked vehicle by plainclothes officers. Christ is the student sitting in an overcrowded classroom in a defunded school.

[Megyn Kelly]

Talarico's congregation also backing a group called Out Youth Austin, which offers a summer camp for kids between the ages of 11 and 17 who identify as gay or transgender. The organization saying that recent unspecified quote, political actions in Texas have quote, caused distress for quote, trans and non binary youth and points to a number of radical groups that support transgender medical procedures on children. Talarico advocating for so called trans kids over the course of his career. In 2021, the Democrat making his now infamous comments about God being non binary while speaking on the Texas State House floor. In one video posted to the church's YouTube channel in September 2024, Talarico is seen in front of a rainbow curtain speaking about the church's embrace of same sex marriage and more.

[Uncrustables Host]

This church showed me what democracy looks like. This church showed me what that commitment looks like. In the 1990s, this church risked everything to bless same sex marriages. In the 2000s, this church sparked controversy by allowing an atheist to join our congregation. As we speak, this church is providing sanctuary to a mother and son seeking asylum from violence in Guatemala.

[Megyn Kelly]

In addition to delivering sermons at St. Andrews, Talarico was also baptized there as a toddler. Today, children have access to a library stocked with quote, banned books, including titles that address sexuality, gender identity and LGBTQ experiences. Also making headlines is Tallarigo's mysterious girlfriend revealed by Texas Outlet Current revolt as the 30 year old Brianna Menard. Menard, who now works as a lobbyist for the Texas Medical association, formerly working as chief of staff in Talarigo's Texas House office. The New York Post discovering she is a self described quote committed vegan who enjoys dancing at an Austin gay bar known as Cheer Up Charlie's and also snuggling with her quote purr fect cat Zia Talarico recently describing Menard as his quote rock, crediting her with helping him navigate the demands of a high profile Senate campaign without identifying her by name. With November inching closer, new polling showing Talarico with a slight edge in Texas. The latest survey from Texas Public Opinion Research showing him leading Republican state Attorney General ken Paxton by 3 points 47 to 44% among likely voters. The margin of error for the poll is plus or minus 2.8 points. That poll being conducted days after Paxton defeated longtime Senator John Cornyn in the GOP primary last week. Also finding some Cornyn supporters remain undecided or are considering backing Talarico in November. In the Real Clear Politics Polling average, Talarico holding a slight 1.5 point lead. Although those polls contain data going back to January, the general election in this hotly contested race is November 3rd. When you hear the word debugging from a tech company, you probably think of software, not physical bugs. But Google's parent company Alphabet, has something completely different in mind. The tech giant seeking federal approval to release up to 32 million mosquitoes in Florida and California over a two year period as part of its debug program. The effort hoping to curb the spread of diseases like dengue fever, Zika and chikungunya. The plan relying on male mosquitoes infected with a naturally occurring bacteria called Wolbachia. Scientists saying these males cannot produce viable offspring with wild females, causing mosquito populations to decline over time. Google saying the approach offers an alternative to pesticides which can lose effectiveness and may pose environmental concerns because only female mosquitoes bite. Who knew? Researchers say the released mosquitoes would not spread disease among humans. Residents in Florida with mixed reaction on 10 Tampa Bay News mosquitoes are the number one cause of death of humans. I mean, why not? We'll help the human race.

[Uncrustables Host]

I think it's interesting. I'm not sure about whether I want it in my backyard because there could be a lot of things that go wrong. You know, when you make a commitment

[Megyn Kelly]

like that, you really can't step back

[Uncrustables Host]

from it if it's proven to work and it's going to keep those wrong breathing more. I guess it could work.

[Megyn Kelly]

Meanwhile, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin last week taking to social media to refute claims that his agency had authorized the release of mosquitoes. Zeldin writing on X entirely fake news. At no point since President Trump was sworn back into office has the Trump EPA authorized the release of any genetically modified mosquitoes into Florida or anywhere else for that matter. The EPA currently reviewing Google's proposal and accepting public comment before making a final decision. Google's debug project was originally part of Google's Moonshot factory programs aimed at solving some of the world's most pressing problems. Among the technologies to come from this program? Google's self driving cars. Given the distrust many Americans have for big tech and its growing intrusions into American life, many expressing concerns with letting Google send insects into our backyards. Filmmaker and heritage fellow Robbie Starbuck writing on X quote, I want everyone to stop and ask what interest Google has in releasing mosquitoes. They're a tech company, not an environmental group, not a non profit, not a government, a tech company just like Bill Gates. I don't want them anywhere near our wildlife or nature. Coming up, negotiations with Iran coming to a complete standstill as President Trump says he quote couldn't care less if they end and New Mexico State Police say the remains of missing Los Alamos National Laboratory employee have been found nearly one year after she went missing. Think about this. In 2006, 20,000 bucks equaled roughly 33 ounces of gold at spot price. At today's prices, those 33 ounces would be worth about $165,000. Smart Americans should consider diversifying a portion of their savings into precious metals. So let me tell you about Birch Gold Group. For thousands of years gold has been a store of wealth and today it can be a crucial part of any balanced strategy. Birch Gold can help you convert an existing IRA or 401k into a tax sheltered retirement account in gold. Just text MK to the number 989898 to receive your free info kit on gold. There's no obligation, just useful information with an A plus rating. With a Better Business Bureau and tens of thousands of happy customers, let Birch Gold help you diversify with gold. For peace of mind, text MK to the number 989898 now President Donald Trump delivering mixed messages yesterday about the future of US Iran nuclear negotiations, saying he would not be concerned if the talks collapsed while later insisting they remain on track. Mr. Trump telling CNBC in a phone interview that he, quote, couldn't care less if negotiations with Iran end saying, quote, if they're over, they're over. The president going on saying he thought, quote, they started to get very boring. The president's comments coming after reports that Iran is suspending indirect communications with Washington following renewed tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. President Trump holding a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday which went well, we report, you decide. President Trump writing on Truth Social quote, I had a very productive call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu of Israel and there will be no troops going to Beirut and any troops that are on their way have already been turned back. Likewise through highly placed representatives. I had a very good call with Hezbollah and they agreed that all shooting will stop, that Israel will not attack them and they will not attack Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu countering with his own statement, writing on X quote, I spoke with President Trump and told him that if Hezbollah does not cease attacking our cities and citizens, Israel will attack terror targets in Beirut. The stance of ours remains unchanged. In parallel, the IDF will continue to operate as planned in southern Lebanon. Axios reporting. The phone call between President Trump and the Israeli prime minister got quite heated. A US official familiar with the conversation telling the outlet, Mr. Trump lashing out at Mr. Netanyahu, telling the Israeli leader, quote, you're effing crazy and later reportedly telling him, quote, you'd be in prison if it weren't for me. I'm saving your ass. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this. Meanwhile, President Trump insisting that talks with Iran are still moving forward despite reports of a diplomatic freeze and his quote, boredom with them. Writing on Truth Social quote, talks are continuing at a rapid pace with the Islamic Republic of Iran Irania linked media suggesting Tehran could seek to completely close the already severely restricted Strait of Hormuz. The report's briefly rattling markets with oil prices climbing on fears of a wider regional conflict and further potential disruptions to global supplies. Nearly a year after vanishing without a trace, New Mexico state police say the remains of Melissa Casillas have been found. Casillas, a longtime employee at Los Alamos National Laboratory, or lanl, among a growing number of employees connected to nuclear research, national laboratories or advanced space and propulsion work who have died or disappeared since 2022. LANL has long been tied to nuclear weapons research. Police say 54 year old Cassillas, who disappeared in June of 2025, was found by a hiker in a remote area of Carson National Forest, roughly six miles from where Casillas was Last seen walking alone along a state highway. Investigators say a handgun also discovered nearby, though the cause of death remains unknown. As we await a determination from the state medical investigator, her family issuing the following statement, quote, we confirm that the remains found in Rio Chiquito are Melissa. There will be more information to come, but what we can tell you now is she was located in an area previously searched. This is a lot to process. Our hearts are heavy and we fully intend to continue to pursue answers for justice. Casillas disappearance baffling both investigators and her family. Her niece detailing her behavior to local outlet Koat last year.

[Melissa's Relative]

At some point she took a break and picked up subway and dropped it off for her daughter, my cousin Sierra at the coffee shop where she works in the Taos Plaza area. My cousin got home from work and found all of Melissa's belongings at home. Her purse, her phones, her car, her keys, everything was at home. Her phones were factory reset.

[Megyn Kelly]

Casillas's sister explaining how uncharacteristic her disappearance was. All of her friends keep telling us this is not like her. Yeah, first of all, she wouldn't leave her daughter. Absolutely. She loves, adores her daughter. She would not leave her. Of the at least 11 government employees or scientists found dead or missing since 2022, certain cases drawing extra scrutiny due to overlapping details, many of them like Cassillas, based in New Mexico and like Cassillas, seen leaving their homes on foot with little more than a handgun. Anthony Chavez, who along with Casillas was connected to the lanla, disappearing in May of last year after also walking away from his home in August of last year. 48 year old Steven Garcia, a contractor working at an Albuquerque facility producing components for nuclear weapons, vanishing after leaving his home on foot. And earlier this year, retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland, a former head of the Air Force Research Laboratory, disappearing from his Albuquerque home, reportedly also leaving on foot with only a handgun. These cases and more, garnering lots of attention from the public and even drawing the attention of government officials, including President Trump, who recently weighed in to reporters outside the White House.

[Uncrustables Host]

Well, I hope it's random, but we're going to know in the next week and a half. I just left a meeting on that subject. So pretty serious stuff. But we're going to be hopefully, I don't know, coincidence if you want it, whatever you want to call it. But some of them were very important people and we're going to look at it over the next.

[Megyn Kelly]

The FBI, the Department of Energy and the Department of War announcing in April they are now jointly investigating the cases and any connections they may have. And that'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the MK show live on Sirius XM's the Megyn Kelly Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megan Kelly and on all podcast platforms. In the US there's a break in every 26 seconds, but when intruders step near Simplisafe, home security steps up.

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[Uncrustables Host]

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