WASHINGTON -- Donald Trump said he can't guarantee that his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won't raise prices for American consumers and he suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" that aired Sunday, also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning "things do change." A look at some of the issues covered: Trump has threatened broad trade penalties, but said he didn't believe economists' predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher domestic prices for consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. an households won't be paying more as they shop. "I can't guarantee anything. I can't guarantee tomorrow," Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market. That's a different approach from Trump's typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign, when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying that tariffs are "going to make us rich." He has pledged that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada unless those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also has threatened tariffs on China to help force that country to crack down on fentanyl production. "All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field," Trump said. He offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning election despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. "Honestly, they should go to jail," Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot by his supporters who wanted him to remain in power. The president-elect underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the case on Trump's role in the siege on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot, saying he would take that action on his first day in office. As for the idea of revenge driving potential prosecutions, Trump said: "I have the absolute right. I'm the chief law enforcement officer, you do know that. I'm the president. But I'm not interested in that." At the same time, Trump singled out lawmakers on a special House committee who had investigated the insurrection, citing Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. "Cheney was behind it ... so was Bennie Thompson and everybody on that committee," Trump said. Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration to pursue cases, he said, "No," and suggested he did not expect the FBI to quickly undertake investigations into his political enemies. But at another point, Trump said he would leave the matter up to Pam Bondi, his pick as attorney general. "I want her to do what she wants to do," he said. Such threats, regardless of Trump's inconsistencies, have been taken seriously enough by many top Democrats that Biden is considering issuing blanket, preemptive pardons to protect key members of his outgoing administration. Trump did seemingly back off his campaign rhetoric calling for Biden to be investigated, saying, "I'm not looking to go back into the past." Trump repeatedly mentioned his promises to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally through a mass deportation program. "I think you have to do it," he said. He suggested he would try to use executive action to end "birthright" citizenship under which people born in the U.S. are considered citizens - although such protections are spelled out in the Constitution. Asked specifically about the future for people who were brought into the country illegally as children and have been shielded from deportation in recent years, Trump said, "I want to work something out," indicating he might seek a solution with Congress. But Trump also said he does not "want to be breaking up families" of mixed legal status, "so the only way you don't break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back." ___ Barrow reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writers Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Jill Colvin and Michelle L. Price in New York contributed to this report. The video in the player above is from a previous report.
Five companies and two individuals were honoured yesterday at the ninth edition of the BRAC Bank-The Daily Star ICT Awards in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the advancement of Bangladesh's information and communication technology sector. Selim RF Hussain, managing director and chief executive officer of BRAC Bank, along with Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, handed over the awards to the winners at a ceremony held at Le Meridien Dhaka, the hospitality partner for the event. The event, which was organised in association with BRAC Bank and Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services, began with a minute's silence paying tribute to the martyrs and injured of the mass uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League regime. Afeef Zaman, founder and CEO of ShopUp, was recognised as the ICT Business Person of the year, while Sadia Haque, co-founder and CEO of ShareTrip, was awarded as the ICT Woman of the year. Logic Software won the ICT Solution Provider of the year award in the local market focus category and The Kow Company in the international market focus category. Software Shop (SSL Wireless) was awarded the Digital Commerce of the year, while Shikho and Instasure were the ICT start-ups of the year. Although ICT has been regarded as the future, it has not been given due importance in Bangladesh, Anam said. "We haven't given the ICT sector enough support, enough importance, enough legal supportive environment, enough financial incentives for it to flourish." Only through ICT can Bangladesh catch up with the developed world. "The application of ICT can advance our health to a much higher standard, provide access to global experts in Bangladesh and connect experts in Dhaka with patients in rural areas. Similarly, in the education sector. Whatever we try, whatever money we spend, we cannot keep our education aligned with the evolution of education in the world except through technology." Besides, the digitisation of the government system could decrease corruption overnight, Anam added. There are many who feel that the banking sector should be investing much more in ICT and perhaps there is something to be said about that, said BRAC Bank MD Selim RF Hussain. "The future does belong to ICT usage and we are confident that banks in Bangladesh will continue to invest in and expand their digital banking capabilities in areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve customer service, become cost-efficient and fraud detection and prevention." Going forward, banks will increasingly partner with fintech companies to gain access to new technologies and services to stay competitive in the rapidly changing digital landscape. "Obviously, this is also an exciting time for banks and financial institutions -- many of them have already significantly upgraded themselves with their digital-first strategies to serve the customers." The adoption of digital banking channels, implementation of digital onboarding processes (eKYC), use of advanced analytics, development of digital products and services and automation of back-office processes are taking place with great momentum, Hussain added. Founded in 2010, Logic Software is a leader in providing customised ERP solutions for industries like textiles, garments and leather. By addressing inventory, production and financial challenges, the company helps businesses streamline operations. The company has processed more than $15 billion in transactions, boosting Bangladesh's economy. The KOW Company excels in content post-production and 3D innovation. With over 500 professionals and AI-driven technology, the company processes 32,000 to 35,000 assets daily. Partnering with global brands like Adidas, it delivers exceptional visual content across industries, setting new standards in media production and creative solutions. Under Sadia Haque's leadership, ShareTrip has revolutionised travel services in Bangladesh, generating more than $100 million in gross merchandise value. Her vision has made ShareTrip a leader in the travel industry and digital commerce. Under Afeef Zaman's leadership, ShopUp raised $174 million in South Asia's largest Series B funding round, driving ShopUp's success. By focusing on digital credit, logistics and business management, he has transformed the country's e-commerce landscape. Founded in 2019, Shikho is transforming Bangladesh's edtech landscape by offering localised, interactive educational content in Bengali. With its mobile app, Shikho provides engaging learning tools for students, addressing education gaps and enabling better retention. The company has secured $6.5 million in funding, expanding its reach and impact. Founded in 2022, Instasure has pioneered Bangladesh's first embedded insurance platform. With strategic partnerships and an innovative approach, it offers insurance products at the point of purchase. By making insurance accessible, particularly for underserved communities, Instasure is reshaping the industry and addressing low penetration rates. SSL Wireless, founded in 1999, has become a leader in Bangladesh's ICT sector, specialising in digital commerce solutions. The company's flagship product, Hercules One, integrates over 250,000 merchants, improving business efficiency. SSL Wireless is also driving Bangladesh's digital transformation and advancing a cashless economy through its innovative offerings. Ahmed Kamal Khan Chowdhury, group adviser of SSL Wireless; Shahir Chowdhury, founder and CEO of Shikho; Rafel Kabir, managing director of Instasure; Kowser Ahmed, MD and CEO of The KOW Company; Rumana Ahmed, director at Logic Software; Afeef Zaman and Sadia Haque received the award. Five companies and two individuals were honoured yesterday at the ninth edition of the BRAC Bank-The Daily Star ICT Awards in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the advancement of Bangladesh's information and communication technology sector. Selim RF Hussain, managing director and chief executive officer of BRAC Bank, along with Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, handed over the awards to the winners at a ceremony held at Le Meridien Dhaka, the hospitality partner for the event. The event, which was organised in association with BRAC Bank and Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services, began with a minute's silence paying tribute to the martyrs and injured of the mass uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League regime. Afeef Zaman, founder and CEO of ShopUp, was recognised as the ICT Business Person of the year, while Sadia Haque, co-founder and CEO of ShareTrip, was awarded as the ICT Woman of the year. Logic Software won the ICT Solution Provider of the year award in the local market focus category and The Kow Company in the international market focus category. Software Shop (SSL Wireless) was awarded the Digital Commerce of the year, while Shikho and Instasure were the ICT start-ups of the year. Although ICT has been regarded as the future, it has not been given due importance in Bangladesh, Anam said. "We haven't given the ICT sector enough support, enough importance, enough legal supportive environment, enough financial incentives for it to flourish." Only through ICT can Bangladesh catch up with the developed world. "The application of ICT can advance our health to a much higher standard, provide access to global experts in Bangladesh and connect experts in Dhaka with patients in rural areas. Similarly, in the education sector. Whatever we try, whatever money we spend, we cannot keep our education aligned with the evolution of education in the world except through technology." Besides, the digitisation of the government system could decrease corruption overnight, Anam added. There are many who feel that the banking sector should be investing much more in ICT and perhaps there is something to be said about that, said BRAC Bank MD Selim RF Hussain. "The future does belong to ICT usage and we are confident that banks in Bangladesh will continue to invest in and expand their digital banking capabilities in areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve customer service, become cost-efficient and fraud detection and prevention." Going forward, banks will increasingly partner with fintech companies to gain access to new technologies and services to stay competitive in the rapidly changing digital landscape. "Obviously, this is also an exciting time for banks and financial institutions -- many of them have already significantly upgraded themselves with their digital-first strategies to serve the customers." The adoption of digital banking channels, implementation of digital onboarding processes (eKYC), use of advanced analytics, development of digital products and services and automation of back-office processes are taking place with great momentum, Hussain added. Founded in 2010, Logic Software is a leader in providing customised ERP solutions for industries like textiles, garments and leather. By addressing inventory, production and financial challenges, the company helps businesses streamline operations. The company has processed more than $15 billion in transactions, boosting Bangladesh's economy. The KOW Company excels in content post-production and 3D innovation. With over 500 professionals and AI-driven technology, the company processes 32,000 to 35,000 assets daily. Partnering with global brands like Adidas, it delivers exceptional visual content across industries, setting new standards in media production and creative solutions. Under Sadia Haque's leadership, ShareTrip has revolutionised travel services in Bangladesh, generating more than $100 million in gross merchandise value. Her vision has made ShareTrip a leader in the travel industry and digital commerce. Under Afeef Zaman's leadership, ShopUp raised $174 million in South Asia's largest Series B funding round, driving ShopUp's success. By focusing on digital credit, logistics and business management, he has transformed the country's e-commerce landscape. Founded in 2019, Shikho is transforming Bangladesh's edtech landscape by offering localised, interactive educational content in Bengali. With its mobile app, Shikho provides engaging learning tools for students, addressing education gaps and enabling better retention. The company has secured $6.5 million in funding, expanding its reach and impact. Founded in 2022, Instasure has pioneered Bangladesh's first embedded insurance platform. With strategic partnerships and an innovative approach, it offers insurance products at the point of purchase. By making insurance accessible, particularly for underserved communities, Instasure is reshaping the industry and addressing low penetration rates. SSL Wireless, founded in 1999, has become a leader in Bangladesh's ICT sector, specialising in digital commerce solutions. The company's flagship product, Hercules One, integrates over 250,000 merchants, improving business efficiency. SSL Wireless is also driving Bangladesh's digital transformation and advancing a cashless economy through its innovative offerings. Ahmed Kamal Khan Chowdhury, group adviser of SSL Wireless; Shahir Chowdhury, founder and CEO of Shikho; Rafel Kabir, managing director of Instasure; Kowser Ahmed, MD and CEO of The KOW Company; Rumana Ahmed, director at Logic Software; Afeef Zaman and Sadia Haque received the award.New Collaboration with Green Dot Enables Cash Deposits at Over 7,500 CVS Pharmacy Locations , /PRNewswire/ -- , the first all-digital nationally chartered bank in the U.S., today announced a collaboration with (NYSE: GDOT) and (NYSE: CVS) to enable deposits for no fee for millions of Varo Bank customers at over 7,500 participating CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide. Utilizing Green Dot's embedded finance platform (Arc) and expansive money movement network, the "Green Dot Network," Varo customers can now deposit cash at participating CVS Pharmacy locations with zero fees. For customers who deposit cash regularly, this means saving or more per year. Traditional banks often charge fees unless customers maintain specified minimum balances in their accounts or meet monthly direct deposit requirements. In addition, unlike fintech companies that must work through partner banks to set their fee policies, Varo's charter enables the bank to offer preferential fees and products to its customers. "As an all-digital bank, Varo is creating low-cost financial solutions designed specifically for the needs of everyday Americans," said , Chief Executive Officer at Varo Bank. "This Green Dot collaboration at participating CVS Pharmacy locations eliminates cash deposit fees, making basic banking more convenient and affordable." Varo customers have access to a suite of primary banking products that support their financial stability and wellness, including: "We are thrilled to work with Varo and CVS Pharmacy to make banking accessible to millions of American consumers," said , SVP, Money Movement at Green Dot. "With more than 20 years' experience delivering seamless banking and payment solutions to consumers and businesses, Arc by Green Dot powers some of the world's most trusted brands and thousands of other businesses at all stages of growth with seamless, secure and useful financial tools and experiences." Varo Bank is a new kind of bank - the first nationally chartered consumer tech bank in the U.S., built from the ground up with a focus on the needs of Americans striving to get ahead. From credit building to savings to faster payments, Varo has a complete solution to help everyday Americans make progress in their financial lives. Varo combines the capabilities and nimbleness of a technology company with the security and oversight of a regulated financial institution, enabling agile product design that provides technology-first solutions such as Varo Believe, a secured card to help build credit; Varo Advance, to help stretch hard-earned dollars between paychecks; and a high-yield savings account, offering one of the nation's highest APYs. Varo has been named as one of the Inc. 5000 2023 fastest growth companies in the U.S., CNBC's 2023 list of the World's Top Fintech Companies, one of Forbes' World's Best Banks, and Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies. For more information on Varo Advance, Varo Believe, and other offerings such as Perks, visit , like Varo Bank on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @varobank. ©2024 Varo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Arc is the embedded finance platform of services featuring all of Green Dot's secure banking and money processing capabilities designed to fuel value, loyalty and growth for consumers and businesses. Arc by Green Dot powers some of the world's most trusted brands and thousands of other businesses with seamless, secure and useful financial tools and experiences. Integrated with Green Dot Bank Arc provides partners with leading FDIC-insured banking products and tools, plus regulatory and compliance expertise, oversight and support. The Arc platform is cloud-based, modular and scalable by design – configurable to meet a wide range of business needs and goals, and flexible to adapt as our partners grow. Arc's end-to-end banking services are powered by enterprise-grade APIs and offer partners access to comprehensive customer support, protection, the largest retail deposit and ATM network in the U.S., and much more. For more information, visit . Fees for optional service may apply Cash deposit is available at all stand-alone CVS locations (through Green Dot Network®) with a cashier in the U.S. except those located within hospitals, on military bases, or in Target. You can deposit between - per transaction. A fee may apply for depositing cash at other Green Dot Network® locations. Green also operates under the following registered trade names: GO2bank, GoBank and . All of these registered trade names are used by, and refer to, a single FDIC-insured bank, Green Dot Bank. Deposits under any of these trade names are deposits with Green Dot Bank and are aggregated for deposit insurance coverage up to the allowable limits. Green Dot Corporation NMLS #914924; Green Dot Bank NMLS #908739. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Varo BankPaul McCartney shares emotional reason why performing final Beatles track solo is so hard
WASHINGTON -- Donald Trump said he can't guarantee that his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won't raise prices for American consumers and he suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" that aired Sunday, also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning "things do change." A look at some of the issues covered: Trump has threatened broad trade penalties, but said he didn't believe economists' predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher domestic prices for consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. an households won't be paying more as they shop. "I can't guarantee anything. I can't guarantee tomorrow," Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market. That's a different approach from Trump's typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign, when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying that tariffs are "going to make us rich." He has pledged that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada unless those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also has threatened tariffs on China to help force that country to crack down on fentanyl production. "All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field," Trump said. He offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning election despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. "Honestly, they should go to jail," Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot by his supporters who wanted him to remain in power. The president-elect underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the case on Trump's role in the siege on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot, saying he would take that action on his first day in office. As for the idea of revenge driving potential prosecutions, Trump said: "I have the absolute right. I'm the chief law enforcement officer, you do know that. I'm the president. But I'm not interested in that." At the same time, Trump singled out lawmakers on a special House committee who had investigated the insurrection, citing Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. "Cheney was behind it ... so was Bennie Thompson and everybody on that committee," Trump said. Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration to pursue cases, he said, "No," and suggested he did not expect the FBI to quickly undertake investigations into his political enemies. But at another point, Trump said he would leave the matter up to Pam Bondi, his pick as attorney general. "I want her to do what she wants to do," he said. Such threats, regardless of Trump's inconsistencies, have been taken seriously enough by many top Democrats that Biden is considering issuing blanket, preemptive pardons to protect key members of his outgoing administration. Trump did seemingly back off his campaign rhetoric calling for Biden to be investigated, saying, "I'm not looking to go back into the past." Trump repeatedly mentioned his promises to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally through a mass deportation program. "I think you have to do it," he said. He suggested he would try to use executive action to end "birthright" citizenship under which people born in the U.S. are considered citizens - although such protections are spelled out in the Constitution. Asked specifically about the future for people who were brought into the country illegally as children and have been shielded from deportation in recent years, Trump said, "I want to work something out," indicating he might seek a solution with Congress. But Trump also said he does not "want to be breaking up families" of mixed legal status, "so the only way you don't break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back." ___ Barrow reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writers Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Jill Colvin and Michelle L. Price in New York contributed to this report. The video in the player above is from a previous report.
'Relish the opportunity': Jets' Connor to don the Stars and StripesAirbnb has announced it’s deploying “anti-party technology” to prevent “unauthorized and disruptive parties” from happening at homes on its platform for New Year’s Eve. If you were planning on hosting a get-together, start thinking of a Plan B. The company says it’s using machine learning to identify and block high-risk, whole-home bookings in advance based on a variety of criteria. Airbnb’s assessment takes into account things like the length of a trip, how far a listing is from your current location, and when you’re trying to book to weed out potentially disruptive parties. If you’re booking a two-night stay a week before New Year’s Eve, you’re likely to tingle Airbnb’s anti-party senses. The company will either block your reservation entirely or direct you to different accommodations. Party detection technology will be used in countries and regions globally, according to Airbnb. If you’re trying to book an entire home in “the US, Puerto Rico, Canada, the UK, France, Spain, Australia and New Zealand,” you’ll also have to be willing to stay for more than three days and agree to a “mandatory anti-party attestation” to be allowed to book. Airbnb’s transformation into the party police has been happening for a few years at this point. The company claims that it blocked 74,000 people globally from booking an entire home listing for a party in 2023. It’s also deployed its machine learning tech to weed out unauthorized events before. Airbnb’s stricter stance towards events started in earnest during 2019, when it banned “party houses” after five people died in a shooting at an Airbnb listing. Airbnb banned all parties outright in 2020, and the company now offers hosts multiple tools for tamping down noise complaints, including a free sensor that can be placed in homes to detect noises over a certain volume.
CLEVLEAND (AP) — Shane Bieber's comeback with Cleveland has double meaning. And deeper meaning. The former Cy Young winner re-signed with the Guardians on Wednesday, a reunion that seemed unlikely when he became a free agent following last season. However, the 29-year-old Bieber decided to stick with the AL Central champions after making just two starts in 2024 before undergoing Tommy John surgery. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a week
After Iranian arrest tied to U.S. military murders, town advances sanctuary policiesSt. Petersburg backs a new $1.3B ballpark for the Rays. Now it's up to Pinellas County
What makes a good leader? Being able to listen, say young people
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N isn’t a normal electric car. While the standard Ioniq 5 is intended (and quite successful) at being a Tesla Model Y competitor, the 5 N employs a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from the rest of the range, making it feel . Its sporty aesthetic is matched by how fast and fun it is to drive. This is the most expensive car Hyundai has ever sold anywhere in the world ( ) and, perhaps surprisingly, it’s quite comfortable in the company of similar high-performance EVs, such as the . But the Ioniq 5 N is different to most EVs because, realistically, it’s a toy. As far as the 5 N is concerned, it’s not enough to be a simple start-and-stop EV – you need to bring the highs and lows of a combustion engine track toy to the electric world. And practicality be damned, Hyundai has actually aced this. Configuring the settings of the Ioniq 5 N will put the car into ‘N’ mode, allowing for a fake engine noise that revs up and down depending on acceleration. This mode reconfigures the paddle shifters (located behind the wheel and normally used for adjusting braking intensity) so that they can be employed for upshifting and downshifting an artificial gearing system. Does an EV need gears? Absolutely not, there’s no gearbox needed in an electric design. Is this system that mocks a combustion engine car useful in any way? Not in the slightest. Does it make the car even more of a joy to drive? Definitely – and when you’re driving a sports car, you can’t discount the fun element. Full speed ahead Electric cars aren’t known for being particularly amusing to drive. Very little motor noise is produced by the electric components inside an EV, though some models include artificial sounds for added flavor (there’s also a safety argument to be made for it). Without gears, EVs also lack an element of interactivity that traditional manual cars have by default. It’s part of why the insistence of many traditional car companies to resurrect old model names as EVs is so confusing – they’re typically not anything like their petroleum-powered forebears, spiritually or otherwise. But the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is, from the ground up, electric, without a petrol engine variant ever being released as a part of the Ioniq 5 model range. The Ioniq 5 N, with the ‘N’ added to indicate Hyundai’s performance car category, is the first electric sports car the South Korean company has put out, and it means business. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N reaches 100km/h from a full stop in just 3.4 seconds, an extremely competitive speed that puts it in competition with the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT (3.7 seconds) and the Tesla Model Y (also 3.7 seconds). The ‘NGB’ button on the steering wheel readies the motors for a rapid burst of acceleration, allowing for a quick takeoff at a set of lights or fast merging onto a highway. The 5 N is also immensely more powerful than its standard trim sibling, packing a total power of 478kW versus 239kW. The car feels brilliant on the road, going around corners or accelerating to full speed. The is fast and responsive, with Hyundai’s designers having successfully avoided the temptation to drop an overwhelming touchscreen in the middle, and integrating fairly strong and useful safety features such as lane assistance and a 360 birds-eye camera. The car splits its basic performance options into Eco, Normal and Sport (ascending based on speed and road feel, descending on projected battery range), but the Ioniq 5 N also includes ‘N’ mode. A dedicated button on the steering wheel enables N mode quickly, which can be used to enable track-specific settings, launch controls, lap tracking, and an assortment of other features (some of which come with safety warnings that they should be used on a track). It also changes the UI of the LCD instrument cluster to look more like the HUD from a racing game. Besides all of this, N mode also comes with two features that are intended to lasso in revheads. The first is the artificial engine noise; with N mode activated, you can have the artificial engine noise emit a purr to match when your car is accelerating and decelerating. It’s a gimmick that’s delivered via the vehicle’s internal speakers (and can therefore only be heard on the inside of the car), and there are three sound options available (the first sounding like a petrol car and the other two sound much more akin to a futuristic car in a sci-fi movie). The sound can be turned up and down, or you can have it disabled completely if you so wish. The second N mode revhead feature is an artificial gearing system, dubbed e-shift, which will likely have auto enthusiasts and EV lovers equally puzzled, but I confess that it is fun. This setting is off by default but can be activated and deactivated anytime. When you enable the artificial gearing system, the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel will be reassigned. Previously they’d be used to adjust automatic braking intensity, but with gearing enabled, they’ll take the car up from first to eighth (fake) gear. On the road, it serves no practical purpose, but it’s such a thrill. Upshifting and downshifting on the winding roads to the west of Newcastle NSW, Australia was some of the most fun that I’ve ever had driving a car. That, mixed with Hyundai’s brilliant layout of buttons, dials and settings across the steering wheel and center console, absolutely made this the most exciting car I’ve ever driven at the luxury level. But it’s not all acceleration Waxing lyrical about the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s fake gearing will only get me so far. Sure, it’s got some fun but gimmicky features, but is it a good Despite the sportiness, it’s remarkably easy to drive – although there’s no huge surprise there, as most EVs are pleasantly simple. Vision in the front seat is satisfying, the moonroof is gorgeous and the customizable interior lighting adds a nice layer of personalization, though you’ll only really notice the RGB changes across the trim at night time. One of the criticisms that I have is that it’s strange to have a car without power-adjustable seats in the front. While it’s probably arguable that manual adjustments give the 5N a more sporty feeling, I feel like this is one area where the cost should have spoken for itself. The back seats can also be manually brought forward or back, which I liked about the original Ioniq 5. The criticism that the Ioniq 5 N is most deserving of is its range estimate. The car is rated at 448 km on the WLTP cycle, or 221 miles EPA. Those estimates for my mixed modes of use (going from inner-city driving to highway driving to suburban driving) seemed fairly accurate to me, but will likely be unsatisfying to somebody wanting to road trip. It’s certainly not the battery range estimation for a car this expensive, but when Ford, Tesla and Polestar are offering luxury sports cars that can best this range (but perhaps not the sporty feel), it’s a stat that might have some buyers turning away. Alleviating this is the phenomenal charging capacity that Hyundai’s high-end EVs are capable of. Newer members of the Ioniq family of cars can charge at a capacity of up to 350kW in the right conditions. That capacity is well above the maximum that most public EV chargers are capable of, so don’t worry about sticking around at a charger for too long (in my time with the 5 N, I only spent about 15 minutes max at a public charger). You’ll likely be doing most of your charging at home anyway, and I’m happy to report that the car does in fact come with an emergency wall plug charger; many of the cars I’ve reviewed recently have axed this feature entirely. You’ll want to consider installing a more powerful charger in your garage if you want a quicker top-up at home, but I know households that get by fine with included emergency chargers. Finally, the car is just gorgeous. I’m so happy that the Ioniq 5 body exists; it’s not really an SUV as it’s commonly designated, it’s more of a hot hatch. Slightly larger than your average hatchback, the Ioniq 5N adds three inches of length to the standard body and some additional details around the chassis, including air vents for the rear wheel trim. Aesthetically, N decals are pasted around the car, including orange-red tones to the underside of the panels and a red stripe on the grille. Color options for the Ioniq 5 N are vastly different to those available with the standard car, being much sportier and eye-catching. It’s not a car for everyone, but those who want it will love it Priced prohibitively for many ($66,100 / £65,000 / AU$111,000 + additional costs and on-roads) and equipped with features that may confuse most drivers, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is for a strange subsection of auto enthusiasts. I’m not confident that a market for track-loving EV drivers is too big, but this is for them. Fast, sporty and fun to fling around, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is an over-the-top mix of practicality and performance. Rivals to the Ioniq 5 N in most markets include the Tesla Model Y Performance and the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, but the 5N exists on its own terms. This car craves the track, and Hyundai has built a phenomenally fun EV here.Balancing work deadlines with the needs of her five and eight-year-old boys isn't easy for Terri Huggins. Then the holiday season rolls in, with a slew of performances, parties, gift obligations, and questions about which family members they'll visit this year and whether to let the kids use screens during winter break. "How many events can I even physically show up to when you have work and other responsibilities?" asked Huggins, an editorial consultant in West Windsor, New Jersey. "And is it going to scar my child if I go to the two chorus things and not the holiday pageant or the holiday party? And then am I going to scar my child if I give them too few gifts or not enough gifts?" There's also the consideration of gifts or cards for classroom teachers, music and art instructors, lunch aides and case managers. When it comes to gifts, people often don't see "the mental aspect," Huggins said. "I want to show them that I appreciate them. You don’t want to give them junk. Then there’s the shipping deadlines, making sure that it’s in your budget." Like Huggins, many parents are up against the "mother lode" of stress way before the holiday season adds extra demands. What should parents do when even more is piled on for the holidays? Experts say parents can try to make the season more manageable by rethinking expectations, asking for help, handling family drama strategically and giving themselves something to look forward to in January. Do you feel jolly and bright? To start, how do you want to feel during this holiday season? That's an important question parents can consider, said Anna Seewald, a Princeton, New Jersey-based psychologist and host of the "Authentic Parenting" podcast. "It could be cozy and warm," Seewald said. "So everything you do during the holiday season — the shopping, the cooking, the getting together — you can always pause and ask yourself this question: Is this making me feel cozy and warm? Is this aligned with my intention?" The answer, she noted, can help you say yes or no to an invitation. Who insisted on these cookies? Parents can also consider the source of their expectations, said Kimberly Solo, a Medfield, Massachusetts-based therapist who treats adult women. Parents may feel pressure to get matching family pajamas because they see others doing it on social media. But doing so may be too expensive or even just annoying. Instead, she suggested parents ask: "What’s our bandwidth? How much do we have to give this holiday season?" Seewald also recommended parents reconsider past traditions to see if they still suit you. "Give yourself permission to do it differently, because you are in a different place today," she said. "Just because for the past 10 years you’ve done it that way doesn’t mean you have to continue at the cost of your mental health or sanity." Time to unload the mental load Women are often the "default parents" who take on most of the planning and organizing in their families, Solo noted. When workloads increase dramatically around the holidays, it’s especially important to delegate or ask the family to pitch in and split up the duties. To cut down on cooking responsibilities, Seewald suggested catering dishes or asking everyone to bring something. "It doesn’t have to be all homemade, all from scratch," she said, "maybe not this year, if you have a toddler and a sick child, and some other things going on in your life." Limit excessive gift giving For some families, the presents just pile up , but Seewald said it is possible to cut down on the number of gifts without being a grinch. She suggested parents ask for donations to a charity — which they could select with their kids. Or, if a large family is getting together, each family member could pick one kid to buy for and invest in a meaningful gift. Another option is enlisting kids to choose some of their presents to donate in January. It will feel good to reduce household clutter and give to others. If your finances are tight during the holidays, the pressure can be hard. "Buy nothing" groups can help, and it’s OK to ask for basic needs. (And remind yourself that children will remember the hot chocolate and movie nights more than the latest electronic gadgets they did not get when they're older.) Cut down on family drama Many people have colorful characters in their families whom they get together with during the holidays. Solo said it’s important to have reasonable expectations and not assume relatives will change. A get-together doesn’t feel cozy or warm if certain kids tend to bully their younger cousins. So don’t go or plan to stay for a short time and have an exit plan. And leave if you don’t like the mood. Solo also recommended parents practice self-care before those events — such as getting enough rest and visiting with supportive friends — so they’re better equipped to manage the stress. Planning for January After the holidays are over, a phone-free family night — playing a game or watching a movie — is a great way to bring people together without creating extra work for anyone. Solo also tells her clients to make plans to do something for themselves in January. If a trip is outside of their budget, she said, maybe a friend can take their kids one night, and another night they can take care of the friend’s children. "Plan something for January to look forward to that doesn’t involve taking care of other people," she said. That’s another way parents can make a frenetic season feel a little more calm and bright.
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