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

0:00For those crazy busy, crazy hungry days when cooking family dinner is off the table, there's Applebee's All You Can Eat. A table full of unlimited favorites for just$15.99. You get all the tender signature riblets, all the crispy boneless wings, all the golden brown double crunch shrimp, and endless classic fries at a family-friendly price. Applebee's All You Can Eat for just$15.99 per person, per order. Now that's eaten good in the neighborhood. Limited time only, so hurry into your nearest Applebee's today. Good morning, everyone. I'm Megan Kelly. It's Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026, and this is your AM Update.

0:39Christ is the immigrant deported without due process. Christ is the senior deprived of their social security benefits. Texas Democrat James Tallarico 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 U.S. and Iran appear completely stalled as President Trump tries to downplay the need for further negotiations at all. My cousin got home from work and found all of Melissa's belongings at home. Her car, her keys, everything was at home.

1:23Her phones were factory reset. And the remains of one of the scientists tied to a prominent nuclear facility, whom mysteriously went missing last year, are found in New Mexico. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

1:41In the U.S., 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, U.S.-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.

2:26It'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 slash Megan. That's half off at S-I-M-P-L-I safe.com slash Megan. there is no safe like SimpliSafe. As Texas's U.S. Senate race continues to gain national attention, Democratic candidate James Tallarico coming under fresh scrutiny. New reporting putting a spotlight on Tallarico's church and the various progressive, and in many cases, controversial causes it supports. The Daily Wire uncovering St.

3:11Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Austin directs a portion of its budget annually to, quote, 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. Tallarico 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 Tallarico suggests means Mary became pregnant by consent, intimating that therefore the pro-choice position is biblical.

4:01Tallarico often blending politics with religion both on the campaign trail and in St. Andrew's Church, where he is a seminarian. In a 2025 Easter sermon, Tallarico comparing Jesus Christ to a deported immigrant and a, quote, kidnapped protester. 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.

4:45Tallarico'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. Tallarico 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 statehouse floor.

5:26In one video posted to the church's YouTube channel in September 2024, Tallarico is seen in front of a rainbow curtain speaking about the church's embrace of same-sex marriage and more. 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 In 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. In addition to delivering sermons at St.

6:09Andrews, Tallarico 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 Tallarico's mysterious girlfriend, revealed by Texas outlet Current Revolt as 30-year-old Brianna Menard. Menard, who now works as a lobbyist for the Texas Medical Association, formerly working as chief of staff in Tallarico'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, perfect cat Zia.

6:53Tallarico 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 Tallarico with a slight edge in Texas. The latest survey from Texas Public Opinion Research showing him leading Republican State Attorney General Ken Paxton by three points, 47 to 44 percent 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 Tallarico in November.

7:36In the Real Clear Politics polling average, Tallarico 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.

8:27Scientists 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. 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.

9:06You know, when you make a commitment like that, you really can't step back from it. If it's proven to work and it's going to keep them from breeding more, I guess it could work. 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, quote, quote, 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.

9:42Google'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 nonprofit, not a government, a tech company.

10:23Just 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 a missing Los Alamos National Laboratory employee have been found nearly one year after she went missing.

10:53Think 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.

11:36With an A-plus rating with the 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 U.S.-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.

12:17The 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 True 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.

13:01Prime 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 U.S. official familiar with the conversation telling the outlet, Mr. Trump lashing out at Mr. Netanyahu, telling the Israeli leader, quote, quote, you're effing crazy.

13:38And 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 True 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 reports briefly rattling markets, with oil prices climbing on fears of a wider regional conflict and further potential disruptions to global supplies.

14:22Nearly 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 Casillas, 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.

15:07Investigators 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.

15:46At 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. Casillas' sister explaining how uncharacteristic her disappearance was. All of her friends keep telling us this is not like her. 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.

16:39Many of them, like Casillas, based in New Mexico, and like Casillas, seen leaving their homes on foot with little more than a handgun. Anthony Chavez, who along with Casillas, was connected to the LANL, disappearing in May of last year after also walking away from his home. In August of last year, 48-year-old Stephen 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 Major General William Neal McCasland, a former head of the Air Force Research Laboratory, disappearing from his Albuquerque home, reportedly also leaving on foot with only a handgun.

17:23These 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. 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 now. Hopefully, I don't know, coincidence, 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 week. 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.

18:06And that'll do it for your AM update. I'm Megan Kelly. Join me back here for the MK Show, live on SiriusXM's The Megan Kelly Channel, 111 at noon east, on youtube.com slash Megan Kelly, and on all podcast platforms.

18:22In the U.S., there's a break in every 26 seconds. But when intruders step near, SimpliSafe Home Security steps up. Stop. This is SimpliSafe. Police are on the way. Using AI alerts, U.S.-based live agents help deter break-ins. SimpliSafe, no long-term contracts. Save 50 % on your new system with professional monitoring at SimpliSafe.com slash SXM or with promo code SXM. Outdoor deterrence requires a SimpliSafe Active Guard outdoor protection plan starting at$49.99 a month. Visit SimpliSafe.com slash licenses for alarm license information. Tennessee 2012.