Feds Shoot Suspected Gang Members in Portland, National Guard To MN, Pratt Running: AM Update 1/9

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show — AM Update 1/9/2026

Episode Title: Feds Shoot Suspected Gang Members in Portland, National Guard To MN, Pratt Running: AM Update 1/9
Air Date: January 9, 2026
Host: Megyn Kelly (SiriusXM)
Summary by Podcast Summarizer

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Episode Overview

This Friday morning AM Update covers a tumultuous 24 hours in American law enforcement and politics: escalating federal/local tensions after shootings in Minneapolis and Portland involving federal immigration agents, National Guard deployment to Minnesota, controversy over federal investigations and prosecutorial jurisdiction, a new DOJ anti-fraud initiative, a Senate war powers resolution regarding Venezuela, and the headline grab of Spencer Pratt launching a run for LA Mayor after the devastating Palisades fire.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minneapolis Shooting and Federal Law Enforcement Backlash

• Event Recap:
  • An ICE agent fatally shot a woman resisting arrest in Minneapolis. National Guard deployed by Governor Tim Walz as protests erupt.
  • “Governor Tim Walz orders the National Guard to Minneapolis as tensions escalate following the shooting death by an ICE agent.” (00:32)
• Law Enforcement Perspective:
  • DHS describes a pattern: over 100 vehicle-ramming attempts targeting immigration officers in recent weeks.
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defends the agent:
    • “This is an experienced officer who followed his training... when they demanded and commanded her to get out of her vehicle several times, she did not.” (07:02)
• Political & Media Reactions:
  • Politicians and media outlets sharply criticize ICE and federal operations; Vice President J.D. Vance rebukes this coverage as misleading and dangerous.
    • “The way that the media by and large has reported this story has been an absolute disgrace and it puts our law enforcement officers at risk every single day.” — J.D. Vance (08:20)
• Jurisdiction Dispute:
  • FBI leads the shooting investigation, denying state access; Minnesota’s BCA withdraws, citing lack of evidence access.
  • Vance clarifies this is a federal case and criticizes local attempts to prosecute the agent:
    • “You have a federal law enforcement official engaging in federal law enforcement action. That's a federal issue. That guy is protected by absolute immunity.” (09:51)
• Ongoing Enforcement:
  • DHS confirms federal operations in Minnesota continue despite local backlash, focusing on a wide-ranging Medicaid fraud probe.

2. Portland Border Patrol Shooting

• Event Recap:
  • Border Patrol agents shot two suspects (connected to Venezuelan transnational gang Tren de Aragua) after one tried to run over agents with a vehicle.
  • “Border Patrol agents shoot two suspects during a vehicle stop in Portland... the driver weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents. An agent then firing on the vehicle in self-defense...” (After 01:14)
• City & Congressional Response:
  • Portland’s Mayor and Congressional Rep. Maxine Dexter demand a halt to federal enforcement, with Dexter mistakenly blaming ICE (it was Border Patrol).
  • Megyn Kelly highlights the omission of crucial facts in their statements:
    • “First of all, Mayor Wilson and Representative Dexter, this did not even involve ICE. It was Border Patrol... she mentions nothing about the fact that these two people are accused gang members or affiliates who allegedly tried to run over the officers. Kind of an important fact, no?” (After 04:40)

3. Political Rhetoric & Escalation

• Escalating Language:
  • National and local leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor and Governor, blame the Trump administration for conducting raids in sanctuary cities.
  • Protesters in Minneapolis become violent, with law enforcement resorting to tear gas.

4. New DOJ Anti-Fraud Initiative

• Announcement:
  • J.D. Vance: New Assistant Attorney General position to combat nationwide fraud, starting in Minnesota due to systemic Medicaid fraud.
    • “We are creating a new Assistant Attorney General position who will have nationwide jurisdiction over the issue of fraud. ...this is the critical piece at the Department of Justice to really ramp this fraud investigation into high gear.” (11:18)
• Scope & Scale:
  • Treasury Secretary reports $300-600 billion annual government fraud (10% of spending), with $10+ billion in social services funds already frozen across five states.

5. Senate War Powers Resolution — Venezuela

• Context:
  • Senate votes to debate restricting military action in Venezuela following a US operation capturing Nicolas Maduro approved solely by the President.
    • “Five Republicans voting with Democrats... The final tally 52–47.” (13:28)
• Debate & Fallout:
  • Republican Senators support operation but want Congressional oversight before further action.
  • President Trump posts criticism, warning this “hampers American self-defense.”

6. Spencer Pratt Runs for LA Mayor

• Candidacy Announcement:
  • Following the loss of his home in the Palisades fire, Spencer Pratt (former MTV “villain”) launches mayoral bid, running on accountability and disaster management reform.
    • “All of this was preventable. The state and local leaders let us burn.” — Spencer Pratt (01:08, 17:49)
    • “It was the cruel incompetence of Mayor Karen Bass who sabotaged this once great agency and left us all to burn.” (17:19)
• Campaign Tone:
  • Pratt promises to “expose the system,” accusing city and state leaders of neglect and scapegoating; insists on running as a nonpartisan, willing to work across the aisle.
    • “As mayor, I will not serve either party. I will work with anyone who wants to help the city. No labels necessary.” (18:48)
• Fire Aftermath:
  • The Palisades and Eaton fires killed 31 people, destroyed thousands of structures. Pratt asserts few homes rebuilt, criticizing slow recovery.
• Support & Outlook:
  • Receives early backing from ex-Trump officials and GOP figures; polling sparse, but Mayor Bass’s approval is low.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “First of all, Mayor Wilson and Representative Dexter, this did not even involve ICE. It was Border Patrol… And she mentions nothing about the fact that these two people are accused gang members or affiliates who allegedly tried to run over the officers. Kind of an important fact, no?” — Megyn Kelly (Approx. 04:40)
• “The way that the media by and large has reported this story has been an absolute disgrace and it puts our law enforcement officers at risk every single day.” — J.D. Vance (08:20)
• “You have a federal law enforcement official engaging in federal law enforcement action. That's a federal issue... He was doing his job. …the idea that a local official can actually prosecute a federal official with absolute immunity. I've never seen anything like that.” — J.D. Vance (09:51)
• “Since Gavin Newsom hasn't given us our Palisades investigation, we are going to get to the bottom of how our town burned down and how 12 senior citizens were killed. It wasn't hurricane winds that screwed these guys. It was the cruel incompetence of Mayor Karen Bass... and left us all to burn.” — Spencer Pratt (17:19)
• “As mayor, I will not serve either party. I will work with anyone who wants to help the city. No labels necessary.” — Spencer Pratt (18:48)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:32 — Megyn Kelly opens on National Guard deployment to MN after ICE-involved shooting
• 01:14 — Spencer Pratt’s first soundbite: “All of this was preventable. The state and local leaders let us burn.”
• 07:02 — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defends ICE agent
• 08:20 — J.D. Vance condemns media coverage of shooting
• 09:51 — Vance decries local efforts to prosecute federal agents, discusses jurisdiction
• 11:18 — Vance introduces new DOJ fraud-hunting AAG
• 13:28 — Senate war powers debate (Venezuela)
• 16:52–18:48 — Spencer Pratt’s statements and campaign launch

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Tone and Delivery

• Unapologetically direct and critical, especially regarding media and local officials’ handling of federal law enforcement.
• Megyn Kelly blends hard news with pointed commentary and sarcasm (“Yes, Whoopi, she could have been anyone in The View’s audience...” [06:42]).
• Political figures (Vance, Noem) adopt a forceful, defensive tone on behalf of federal agents and against what they see as biased reporting or radical local politics.
• Pratt’s remarks are impassioned, dramatic, evoking survivor’s outrage, and promise for radical transparency.

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Takeaway

The episode painted a volatile picture of federal/local relations amid violence and mass protests, the politicization of crime and enforcement, the challenge of rooting out public fraud, and growing anti-establishment instincts, exemplified both by congressional war powers debates and Pratt’s outsider mayoral run. Throughout, Megyn Kelly’s voice remains confrontational but analytic—challenging official narratives and amplifying underreported details.

Transcript

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[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Friday, January 9, 2026 and this is your AM update. Governor Tim Walz orders the National Guard to Minneapolis as tensions escalate following the shooting death by an ICE agent.

[J.D. Vance]

A new Assistant Attorney General position who will have nationwide jurisdiction over the issue of fraud.

[Megyn Kelly]

Vice President J.D. vance announces the creation of a new DOJ position focusing on hunting down fraud. A group of Senate Republicans votes with Democrats to advance legislation aimed at curbing US Military force in Venezuela.

[Spencer Pratt]

All of this was preventable. The state and local leaders let us burn.

[Megyn Kelly]

And one year after losing his home in the Palisades fire, reality TV star Spencer Pratt kicks off a campaign to unseat LA Mayor Karen Bass. All that and more coming up in just a moment. On your AM update. Every new year, people think about what a real fresh start looks like. For many, it begins at home. January is a great time to refresh your space and start the year feeling grounded and cozy. Earth can be your go to for that reset. They just launched their new Baja Bedding set. It's their first fully matching collection sheets, duvet, cover quilt, all inspired by the soothing tones of Baja California. The designs are gorgeous, the fabrics feel premium and it gives your bedroom that elevated resort look. And do not forget the luxe bath towels. These towels are incredible. Made from a cotton and bamboo viscose blend with zero twist technology so they are plush, absorbent and feel like a warm hug when you step out of the shower. Everything comes with a 100 night sleep trial and a 10 year warranty. Start the new year with real comfort. Go to cozyearth.com use my code Megan for up to 20 off cozyearth.com code Megan and if you get a Post purchase survey, tell him you heard about Cozy Earth right here. One day after an ICE agent defending himself shot a woman resisting arrest in Minneapolis, Border Patrol agents shoot two suspects during a vehicle stop in Portland, Oregon yesterday afternoon. It happened at about 2:19pm DHS reporting the passenger of the vehicle and target of the stop is a Venezuelan illegal alien affiliated with the transnational Trenda Aragua prostitution ring and involved in a recent shooting in Portland. DHS believes the driver to be a Trenda Aragua gang member. According to dhs, quote, when agents identified themselves to the vehicle occupants, the driver weaponized his vehicle and attempted to run over the law enforcement agents. An agent then firing on the vehicle in self defense, says dhs. The driver is then said to have driven off with the passenger fleeing the scene. At 2:24pm Portland Police say officers responded to a call seeking assistance. Upon arriving, police finding a male and female with gunshot wounds, the officers providing medical care and calling an ambulance, which then took the wounded suspects to a hospital. Fox 12 reporting. The incident with Border Patrol occurred outside Adventist Medical center with the man and woman then driving to a second location where they placed a call for assistance. Portland City Council President Ilana Pertle guinea saying at a City Council meeting, quote, as far as we know, both of these individuals are still alive and we are hoping for more positive updates throughout the afternoon. Portland Police Chief Bob Day releasing a statement, quote, we understand the heightened emotion and tension many are feeling in the wake of the shooting in Minneapolis, but I am asking the community to remain calm as we work to learn more. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson releasing a statement calling on ICE to end operations in the city. Federal militarization undermines effective community based public safety and it runs counter to the values that define our region. All relatively measured. And then came Congresswoman Maxine Dexter who represents this district in Oregon. ICE has done nothing but inject terror, chaos and cruelty into our communities. Straight out of the authoritarian playbook. ICE must immediately end all active operations in Portland. First of all, Mayor Wilson and Representative Dexter, this did not even involve ice. It was Border Patrol, which is a separate agency. Second, while Ms. Dexter was sure to report that federal officials shot two people in Portland, she mentions nothing about the fact that these two people are accused gang members or affiliates who allegedly tried to run over the officers. Kind of an important fact, no? The FBI is investigating the incident. Protesters in Minneapolis gathering outside the Whipple Federal Building yesterday. CBS News capturing footage of a rowdy crowd directing insults at federal agents after a woman was killed yesterday as she drove her car at an ICE agent. Law enforcement officials deploying tear gas amid escalating tensions. News Nation reporting at least three arrested during the demonstration yesterday afternoon. Governor Tim Walls authorizing the National Guard to assist local officials with crowd control as needed. Video of the Wednesday incident igniting intense national debate. Minnesota officials, including Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry, both Democrats, criticizing the Trump administration for conducting federal immigration operations in the sanctuary city where they have been arresting career criminals, including child molesters. National media and local officials adding fuel to the flames, rushing to judgment about the incident.

[J.D. Vance]

Had this been local police, they would already be in jail. This is shameful what is going on in America. We can prevent ICE agents from further.

[Megyn Kelly]

Terrorizing our civilians by having them leave.

[J.D. Vance]

It is very clear if they don't, they're going to continue their campaign of cruelty.

[Megyn Kelly]

They that young lady could have been.

[J.D. Vance]

Anybody in this audience.

[Megyn Kelly]

It could have been anybody. And if they can do this to.

[J.D. Vance]

Her, they can do it to you, too.

[Megyn Kelly]

That's right. Yes, Whoopi, she could have been anyone in the View's audience. Anyone who blocked traffic, antagonized law enforcement, resisted arrest, and then accelerated their SUV into a cop. Who among us hasn't been there? Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem yesterday, defending the agent and oppressor.

[Kristi Noem]

This is an experienced officer who followed his training and we will continue to let the investigation unfold into the individual and continue to follow the procedures and policies that happen in these use of force cases. But let's remember the events that surrounded what happened yesterday on that tragic situation was that these individuals had followed our officers all day, had harassed them, had blocked them in. They were impeding our law enforcement operations, which is against the law. And when they demanded and commanded her to get out of her vehicle several times, she did not. So we'll continue to allow this process to unfold and recognize that these law enforcement officers every single day put their lives on the line.

[Megyn Kelly]

The secretary previously citing more than 100 vehicle ramming incidents aimed at immigration officers in recent weeks. The officer involved in Wednesday's incident suffering severe injury just last summer while a suspect fled in a car, nearly killing him during the arrest of a convicted child sex offender. The perp attempting to flee the scene in his car, stepping on the gas while this same officer's arm reached for him, dragging the agent down the street while speeding away, resulting in injuries requiring 33 stitches. Vice President J.D. vance at yesterday's press briefing, admonishing media members for their coverage of this story.

[J.D. Vance]

Somebody sent me a photo of a CNN headline about what happened in Minneapolis, and this is the headline. I'm just going to read it. Outrage after ICE Officer Kills US Citizen in Minneapolis. Well, that's one way to put it, and that is the way that many people in the corporate media have put this attack over the last 24 hours. The way that the media by and large has reported this story has been an absolute disgrace and it puts our law enforcement officers at risk every single day. What that headline leaves out is that that woman was there to interfere with a legitimate law enforcement operation in the United States of America. What that headline leaves out is that that woman is part of a broader left wing network to attack, to dox, to assault, and to make it impossible for our ICE officers to do their job.

[Megyn Kelly]

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, or bca, yesterday announcing it had withdrawn from the investigation of the incident due to the FBI denying it access to certain evidence in the case. The BCA calling it a reversal of a previous discussion indicating a joint operation. A statement reading in part, quote, without complete access to the evidence, witnesses and information collected, we cannot meet the investigative standard that Minnesota law and the public demands. As a result, the BCA has reluctantly withdrawn from the investigation. Some in the media portraying the FBI's decision as an effort to box out local investigators. Vice President Vance saying the decision is simply a matter of jurisdiction.

[J.D. Vance]

You have a federal law enforcement official engaging in federal law enforcement action. That's a federal issue. That guy is protected by absolute immunity. He was doing his job. The idea that Tim Walsh and a bunch of radicals in Minneapolis are going to go after and make this guy's life miserable because he was doing the job that he was asked to do is preposterous. The unprecedented thing is the idea that, that a local official can actually prosecute a federal official with absolute immunity. I've never seen anything like that. It would get tossed out by a judge. So what I'd like Minnesota to focus on is the real issue that they're encouraging people, Minneapolis officials are encouraging people to commit violence against ICE officials. It's ridiculous. It's gotta stop.

[Megyn Kelly]

The Hennepin County DA's office saying it does believe it has the authority to bring charges. But Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan telling Ms. Now pursuing charges at the local level would be difficult without cooperation from the FBI. Meanwhile, DHS confirming federal enforcement operations in Minneapolis are continuing as scheduled. Agents seen yesterday morning exiting local businesses carrying out banker boxes as part of a fraud investigation. Accusations of widespread Medicaid fraud among Minnesota's Somali community amounting to at least $9 billion stemming from 14 state run services. Forming the backdrop of a broader White House push. Vice President J.D. vance from the White House yesterday announcing a new team member at the doj.

[J.D. Vance]

We are creating a new Assistant Attorney General position who will have nationwide jurisdiction over the issue of fraud. Now, of course, that person's efforts will start and focus primarily in Minnesota, but it is going to be a nationwide effort because unfortunately, the American people have been defrauded in, in a very nationwide way. This person is going to be part of a very broad interagency White House that's being led from the President of the United States on down, and that's going to give him the resources, the access to material and information to make this person more effective. I think a lot of people have asked, how are you really going to get to the heart of the fraud? We've been asking ourselves that question for the past couple of months and we think this is the critical piece at the Department of Justice to really ramp this fraud investigation into high gear.

[Megyn Kelly]

The new roll will require Senate confirmation. The Vice President stating Majority Leader John Thune has assured the White House the Senate will act swiftly to confirm the nominee who has not yet been named. The White House also recently announcing the DOJ is doubling the number of prosecutors dispatched to Minnesota to focus specifically on fraud. Treasury Secretary Scott Besson in Minneapolis yesterday laying out the scale of fraud facing the federal government nationwide.

[J.D. Vance]

The gao, the General Accounting Office believes that there is somewhere between 3 and 600 billion of annual fraud. Roughly 10% of government spending that disappears due to fraud. If we can recapture that, that is 1 to 2% of GDP.

[Megyn Kelly]

Earlier this week, the administration announcing the freezing of more than 10 billion in federal social services funds across five states. California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York, underscoring the scale of the work ahead for the DOJ's new fraud hunter. Coming up, a handful of Senate Republicans breaking with the party to advance a war powers resolution aimed at curbing military action in Venezuela. And former reality TV villain Spencer Pratt launches a run for LA mayor targeting the officials who let his city burn and promising to, quote, expose the system. If your credit card balance is freaking you out after all the holiday spending, I mean, right? I have something that can save you money right now. You could cut your cell phone bill in half by switching to Pure Talk's saver plan. Just $20 a month for unlimited talk text and 3 gigs of high speed data on PureTalk's superfast nationwide 5G network. And as a veteran led company that cares about giving back to those who serve, if you are active or former military or a first responder, you're gonna save an additional 20% every single month. That's awesome. The easiest way to free up cash flow is to reduce your monthly recurring bills. Start by cutting overpriced wireless and consider switching to PureTalk. Go to PureTalk.com Kelly and make the switch today in as little as 10 minutes. Again, talk text and data for just $20 a month. That's PureTalk.com Kelly and you will save an additional 50% off your first month. Pure Talk, America's wireless company. The Senate yesterday in a procedural vote clearing the way to begin debate on a war powers resolution seeking to limit the use of military force in Venezuela without congressional approval. Yesterday's vote giving the green light to begin debate on the war powers measure. Five Republicans voting with Democrats Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Todd Young of Indiana and Josh Hawley of Missouri. The final tally 52 47. The vote following a DOJ operation carried out by the US military last Saturday to capture and arrest former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife from a Venezuelan military base. The White House ordering the raid without first requesting permission from Congress on the grounds that the operation was a law enforcement action, not a military one. Under the Constitution, only Congress can declare war. But in recent decades, presidents from both parties have increasingly used military force without congressional authorization. Presidents from both sides pointing to the powers granted to them under the Constitution's commander in chief clause. Fox News reports. The Republicans who favored the resolution supported the operation to arrest Maduro, but argue Congress should weigh in before any additional military action is taken. Senator Hawley telling Politico if the president wants to send in the military, quote, congress would have to be on the hook for that. President Trump posting to Truth Social following the vote, quote, Republicans should be ashamed of the senators that just voted with Democrats and attempting to take away our powers to fight and defend the United States of America. This vote greatly hampers American self defense and national security, impeding the president's authority as commander in chief. The final vote on the resolution expected next week. If it passes, the next stop is the House, followed by the White House where it appears quite likely to be vetoed. Overriding a Veto requires a 2/3 majority in both chambers. Former reality TV star sports Spencer Pratt on Wednesday launching a bid for Los Angeles mayor one year after losing his home in the Palisades fire. The fire destroying thousands of structures and taking 12 lives. An additional 19 lives lost in the concurrent Eaton fire. Pratt rising to fame in the late aughts as a villain on MTV's the Hills.

[Spencer Pratt]

So I'm sorry that you're making yourself cry.

[Megyn Kelly]

All right, well, my answer is no, sweet.

[Spencer Pratt]

My answer is get out of my car.

[Megyn Kelly]

Long known for courting controversy on Reality tv. Pratt now channeling that notoriety into a crusade for justice for fire victims. The candidate spending last year waging an online campaign against LA Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing them in social media videos of negligence and mismanagement.

[Spencer Pratt]

Since Gavin Newsom hasn't given us our Palisades investigation, we are going to get to the bottom of how our town burned down and how 12 senior citizens were killed. It wasn't hurricane winds that screwed these guys. It was the cruel incompetence of Mayor Karen Bass who sabotaged this once great agency and left us all to burn.

[Megyn Kelly]

At the Wednesday campaign launch, Pratt, citing examples of incompetence he says contributed to the deadly inferno.

[Spencer Pratt]

I have to tell you, the most heartbreaking part of the past year wasn't being displaced or losing everything I own. And it was the realization that all of this was preventable. We are standing here amongst the ashes of our once beautiful town because the state and local leaders let us burn. Gavin Newsom and the state of California let brush grow wild in Topanga State park for 50 years. With no prescribed burns and no wildfire maintenance, Gavin Newsom and the state of California created an insurance market so hostile that every major carrier stopped writing policies and dropped our families and our neighbors. Just before the sparks flew here in the Palisades, Gavin Newsome and his state park policies actually literally dictated that we let the Palisades burn. And while our lives were literally burned, burning to the ground, Mayor Karen Bass was in Ghana.

[Megyn Kelly]

Pratt promising to, quote, expose the system and displaying a campaign slogan of they let us burn behind him during his speech. To this day, the AP reporting fewer than a dozen homes have been rebuilt in Los Angeles County. According to Mayor bass, only about 400 homes in the Palisades are currently under construction. Pratt joining two other declared challengers against Mayor Bass. With the possibility of the field expanding, the nonpartisan primary is set for June. Yesterday, Pratt ending speculation surrounding his political affiliation with a post on X. I registered Republican in 2020 and never changed it and I wasn't going to change it. Now just to check a different box, this is a nonpartisan race. There will be no D or R next to my name. As mayor, I will not serve either party. I will work with anyone who wants to help the city. No labels necessary. If a candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in June, that person will become the next mayor. If no candidate earns a majority vote, the top two candidates, regardless of party, will compete in a general election set for November. Bass approval rating Sitting in the low 40s polling that indicates Pratt in a hypothetical matchup is not yet available. Mr. Pratt receiving some early support from Trump administration official and LA resident Rick Grinnell and GOP candidate for governor of California Steve Hilton. And that'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the MK show live on SiriusXM's the Megyn Kelly Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megyn Kelly and on all podcast platforms, Choose to show up. With the bold styling of the Mazda CX30 awake up.