A new wave of tools, based on generative AI, aims to go beyond
sorting papers and to automate various stages of the reviewing process. Some
products, such as Elicit and SciSpace, feel like the chatbots we are
so accustomed to: users can type a question, and the system returns a summary
of the research (with sources). Effectively, these tools are trying to handle
all aspects of the review—the search, inclusion, and synthesis. Others, like Nested
Knowledge, are more constrained, and look more like the specialized
software reviewers already trust, just with AI features layered in. In both
cases, the promise is that work that currently takes months could soon be done
in minutes or hours.
Now, a process typically filled with red tape feels like a
scientific wild west. Generative AI-based tools are being heavily marketed,
while strict guidelines for how to integrate them into the review pipeline have
lagged behind. “Everything is moving very, very fast” said Kristen Scotti, STEM
Librarian at Carnegie Mellon. “A lot of the recommendations are not out yet, so
people are just kind of flopping around.”
An increasing number of reviews are being conducted with these new
tools. So far, these haven’t been published in the most prestigious journals,
where they are likely to make the most impact, partly because there were no
widely accepted standards for what responsible AI use looks like.
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NPR Music has officially launched the 2026 Tiny Desk Contest, marking 12 years of providing a global stage for the next generation of independent talent. The annual competition invites unsigned artists to submit a video of an original song for the chance to perform on the legendary Tiny Desk series and receive major industry backing. This program has become a proven pipeline for success, with past winners like Fantastic Negrito and Tank and the Bangas going on to secure Grammy awards and massive career growth.
The stakes for this year’s winner are incredibly high, including a headlining 10-city national tour and direct mentorship from industry veterans. The submission window is currently open as of January 13 and will remain active until February 9 at 11:59 p.m. ET. To enter the mix, musicians must upload a performance video to YouTube and complete the official entry form via NPR.
The selection process is handled by a heavy-hitting panel of judges that blends NPR Music’s seasoned producers with influential artists. This year’s lineup features Bobby Carter, Robin Hilton, and Anamaria Sayre alongside creative powerhouses like Tierra Whack, Madison McFerrin, and Katie Crutchfield of Waxahatchee. Robin Hilton expressed his excitement about the incoming talent, noting that it is a sincere joy to connect with the creative energy of the artists who submit their work each year.
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While there is only one grand prize winner, the contest serves as a massive discovery tool for many participants. Standout artists often receive looks across NPR’s social media, YouTube, and broadcast platforms. The “Top Shelf” livestream series will also return to spotlight favorite entries, and fans will have the opportunity to get involved through public voting later this spring.
The long-term impact of a Tiny Desk win is undeniable in the current music landscape. Recent champions like 2024’s The Philharmonik have already successfully transitioned to international touring, while 2025 winner Ruby Ibarra is currently leveraging her momentum to drop a new album this year.
Eligibility is open to unsigned artists aged 18 and older based in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. With the 2026 contest being presented by Capital One and Rivian, the platform continues to be one of the most respected gatekeepers for authentic, underground music looking to break into the mainstream.
The Mediterranean diet is tied to an array of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, cholesterol, weight management, and blood sugar control. The diet focuses on rich sources of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, with foods like vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, olive oil, seafood, and fruits, and limited use of red meat.
These nutrient-dense foods provide increased satiety, which means you’ll feel fuller for longer. Many people notice that they get fewer cravings and have less hunger between meals because of this, says Simran Malhotra, MD, a triple board-certified physician who has a telehealth micropractice in the Maryland and Washington, DC, area. If you are snacking, Dr. Malhotra suggests focusing on pairing whole foods that are rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. “It is important to focus on foods that are minimally processed, low in added sugars, refined carbs, sodium, and preservatives,” she says.
Here’s a list of expert-approved snacks that fit into the Mediterranean diet and will keep you full, healthy, and energized.
1. Pistachios
“Pistachios are a complete source of plant-based protein, meaning that they provide all of the amino acids that our bodies need,” says Lauren Manaker, RDN, a registered dietitian focusing on women’s health, based in Charleston, South Carolina. Pistachios are a great snack option when following the Mediterranean diet because they contain a healthy dose of antioxidants and fiber, which can help you feel full longer.
A 1-ounce serving of pistachios, which is approximately 49 nuts, contains about 3 grams of fiber, which provides around 12 percent of the daily recommended intake for women and about 8 percent for men.
Pistachios are also a good source of protein, with about 6 grams per serving. But keep in mind that while nuts are nutrient dense, their calories can quickly add up. One serving of pistachios contains 159 calories, so stick to about one serving per day.
While you can certainly eat pistachios on their own, they taste delicious in yogurt, salads, trail mix, or oatmeal.
2. Olives
Extra-virgin olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet. Its high healthy fat and antioxidant content mean it’s tied to health benefits like supporting healthy digestion and protection against cell damage.
“Eating the whole olive gives even more of the anti-inflammatory, heart, and brain boosting benefits,” Malhotra says. She encourages choosing varieties that are low in sodium. Many olives are preserved in a salty solution, and the high sodium content can take away from their overall nutritional value.
3. Lentil Chips
Lentils are a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, valued for their nutritional density. Lentil chips are a healthier alternative to traditional chips because they’re packed with fiber and plant-based protein.
“These are a great option for dipping into hummus or guacamole,” Manaker says. Both of these dips also fit into the Mediterranean diet, as hummus is made from nutrient-dense chickpeas and guacamole is packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Although lentil chips are a healthier option than processed potato chips, Manaker suggests checking the labels for ingredients such as added sodium and hydrogenated oils.
4. Avocado
Following the Mediterranean promotes cardiovascular health. Avocados are particularly heart-healthy due to their high concentrations of healthy fats, which help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and other nutrients.
“This snack has many great benefits, such as fiber, potassium, and vitamin E,” Manaker says. Half of an avocado contains 160 calories, 2 grams of protein, and nearly 7 grams of fiber. Eat it alone with a sprinkle of salt (and chili flakes for a kick), or add it to other dishes like salads or eggs to make a complete meal.
“Avocados also count as a fruit, so this can help people meet their produce quota for the day,” Manaker says.
5. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt can be a wonderful addition to the Mediterranean diet, and is also a gut-friendly food, due to its calcium, probiotics, and B vitamins. Collectively, these vitamins and minerals are known to improve nutrient absorption, balance the microbiome, strengthen the gut barrier, and reduce inflammation. Greek yogurt is also rich in protein, containing just under 20 grams per serving.
While Greek yogurt itself is a healthy choice, added ingredients and sweeteners can quickly add up, Malhotra warns. “Yogurts can be a sneaky source of added sugars,” she says. She recommends choosing plain or unsweetened vanilla flavors to reduce added sugars. Topping Greek yogurt with fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, or nut butter are great options to get more nutrients while feeling satisfied.
6. Natural Peanut Butter
Many natural peanut butters have just two ingredients: peanuts and salt. “This is great because it fits in the diet’s focus on minimally processed, plant-based foods,” Manaker says.
Peanut butter is also packed with healthy fats, some protein, and fiber, helping you stay fuller longer and providing an energy boost. “This is a great snack that pairs perfectly with fresh fruit or whole-grain bread,” Manaker says.
7. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a tasty treat and a great mood-boosting snack, if you indulge in small portions. With antioxidants, flavanols, iron, fiber, and magnesium, dark chocolate has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, increased bone health, and enhanced brain function.
“Pair dark chocolate with fiber and protein-rich snacks such as fruits, vegetables, or Greek yogurt,” Malhotra says. She also suggests choosing dark chocolate that has minimal added ingredients and at least 70 percent cocoa content (this amount and higher has been linked to health benefits). However, calories can quickly add up if you’re not careful, so be sure to stick to one serving or less. A half bar of some dark chocolate varieties can be more than 200 calories.
8. Sunflower Seeds
This quick snack is packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats.
They can be eaten alone, or added to other snacks or dishes. “You can add sunflower seeds to oatmeal, yogurt, salads, or a smoothie bowl,” Manaker says. “They can also be used as a topping for soups, roasted vegetables, or blended into a homemade pesto.”
When choosing sunflower seeds, she recommends looking for reduced-sodium or unsalted varieties. Keep the portions small, since they are calorie-dense. “The suggested serving size is approximately 1 ounce, or 2 tablespoons, which is about 160 to 170 calories,” Manaker says.
Eating sunflower seeds may also help reduce inflammation, support thyroid and heart health, and reduce muscle cramps, thanks to their plentiful vitamins and minerals.
9. Dried Apples
Dried apples are a naturally sweet and fiber-rich snack that can satisfy sweet cravings without the unnecessary added sugars. Just be sure to read nutrition labels for any extra ingredients.
“When choosing a dried fruit snack, look for options with no added sugars,” Manaker says. She recommends this brand, as it doesn’t contain added sugars and is made with real fruit, making it a healthy and satisfying snack.
10. Hummus
Hummus is a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that will keep you full and satisfied, Malhotra says.
The main ingredient in hummus is chickpeas, which are packed with nutrients and known for their anti-inflammatory properties, as well as benefits for bone strength, the nerves and brain, and cardiovascular health. Malhotra suggests enjoying this snack with veggies or lentil chips.
11. Berries (Fresh or Frozen)
This sweet treat is a wonderful option to add to Greek yogurt or nuts. It’s also a perfect snack to eat on its own. “Berries are antioxidant powerhouses, as a source of vitamin C, fiber, and natural sweetness,” Manaker says.
Research has also found that berries can help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost heart, brain, and skin health.
The Takeaway
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes whole, plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes and is associated with health benefits like improved blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar control, as well as reduced waist circumference.
Many healthy snack options fit into the Mediterranean diet, including pistachios, Greek yogurt, lentil chips, and hummus, which will keep you full while satisfying cravings.
Be sure to read nutrition labels and avoid snacks that are processed or have added sugars or sodium.
Before you start a new diet, or if you have any questions about the Mediterranean diet, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.
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Apple’s next front-facing redesign may hinge less on the Dynamic Island and more on where the selfie camera finally lands. According to a growing pile of leaks, the iPhone 18 Pro could move its front camera to a small punch-hole cutout in the top-left corner of the display, a noticeable break from Apple’s centered approach over the past few years.
As first reported by The Information, Apple is expected to introduce under-display Face ID on the iPhone 18 Pro models, allowing the TrueDepth sensors to sit invisibly beneath the screen. That would leave only the selfie camera visible, no longer requiring the pill-shaped cutout we know as the Dynamic Island.
Instead of centering that punch-hole, the leak suggests Apple may tuck the selfie camera into the top-left corner, where the clock currently sits. This aligns with earlier reporting that notes that leaker Digital Chat Station claims only the Pro models will receive this new under-display cutout area, while standard iPhone 18 models keep the existing Dynamic Island
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MacRumors adds that if the selfie camera moves, the Dynamic Island may follow it. In a video from Jon Prosser, the Dynamic Island appears shifted to the top-left, expanding outward when needed for Live Activities, calls, or navigation.
If the rumors hold, the iPhone 18 Pro’s most visible change won’t be flashy software tricks, but a quieter repositioning of the selfie camera itself. We’ll likely find out which rumor wins when Apple officially unveils the iPhone 18 Pro later this year.
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San Antonio, a city where Black residents make up just about 7% of the population, marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with an annual march that’s grown from humble origins into one of the country’s largest. Hundreds of thousands marched nearly three miles on the East Side of San Antonio on Monday to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy.
The first march took place in 1968, just days after King’s assassination. Organized by Reverend Raymond Aaron Callies Sr., it drew just 10 people, who walked about a mile and a half from Trinity Baptist Church to what is now the Martin Luther King Plaza, where they laid a wreath in his honor.
Over time, the march took on added significance for San Antonio’s East Side. Rev. Callies continued the event as a way to draw attention to neighborhood needs in an area where most residents are Black or African American. The city eventually began supporting the march, and after nearly four decades of city backing, it now honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while also advocating for broader civil rights.
This year’s theme was “Diversity unites us, love leads us, and action propels us.”
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People came out to the march despite the chilly weather in the morning.
Ivanna Bass Caldera / TPR
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Other civil rights activists like Rosa Parks were commemorated alongside MLK during the march.
Ivanna Bass Caldera / TPR
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The MLK march is an opportunity for people to practice MLK’s nonviolent act of protest.
Ivanna Bass Caldera / TPR
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Marchers at the MLK march in San Antonio, TX
Ivanna Bass Caldera / TPR
The march itself was loud and lively. Participants walked, biked, and roller skated along the route. Music blasted every few blocks, as marchers danced and carried signs quoting King’s words.
March attendee Kristina Welzien rode the VIA bus with her eight-year-old son, his friend, and his friend’s mom to be dropped off near the start of the march at 10 a.m.
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VIA helped transport thousands of people attending the MLK march.
Ivanna Bass Caldera / TPR
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A line of VIA buses line up to transport marchers.
Ivanna Bass Caldera / TPR
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Kristina Welzien and her son attend their first MLK march.
Ivanna Bass Caldera / TPR
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VIA busses drop off riders near the MLK freedom bridge to start the march at 10 a.m.
Ivanna Bass Caldera / TPR
“My son was actually born in Uganda, and so this walk is very special to me,” Welzien said. “And if it weren’t for fighters like MLK, our sons wouldn’t be able to be friends, and they wouldn’t be in school together. And times are really scary. And just, you know, grateful for the good people.”
The Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers were among the many groups taking part. Their president, Larry Carter, said the march is a reminder of national unity.
“It shows that we are still together — that Washington doesn’t run the whole country. The people run the country. Simple as that,” Carter said.
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The Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers attend the MLK March year after year in full attire.
Ivanna Bass Caldera / TPR
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Horseback rider waits for the march to start.
Ivanna Bass Caldera / TPR
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Two community members pose to show off their t-shirts featuring MLK and other civil rights leaders including Malcom X.
Ivanna Bass Caldera / TPR
Those who didn’t march lined the route to cheer on participants. Norma Crawford stood with a group from Message Church, handing out bottled water from a delivery truck. Within the first hour, they had already given out more than 20 cases. Crawford said she was there using language popularized during the Trump campaign to describe her view of the country’s ideals.
“(I am here to) make America great again. His ‘make America great’, not the one they got now,” Crawford said. “(King) had a dream that all people are created and treated the same.”
Kenneth Bell has attended the march with his twin sister, Karen Leija, since they were children. He said their parents taught them the importance of honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s roots and legacy within the Black community — and of remembering the rights King fought for.
Bell said losing sight of that history risks losing hard-won progress.
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Kenneth Bell and Karen Laija are twins who have been attending the MLK march since they were kids.
Ivanna Bass Caldera / TPR
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Community organizations such as Moms Demand Action joined the march.
Ivanna Bass Caldera / TPR
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MLK marchers amplified their desire for peace in the country.
Ivanna Bass Caldera / TPR
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People brought unique signs to celebrate MLK’s legacy.
Ivanna Bass Caldera / TPR
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The two and a half mile march starts at the Martin Luther King Junior Academy and ends at Pittman-Sullivan park.
Ivanna Bass Caldera / TPR
“Equity and inclusion, that’s the roots of everything. And in the Black community, we’re still not a majority. We are a minority. And if we forget about equity inclusion, we’re generally the first ones to get left behind,” Bell said. “When you look at moving forward with generations, I have kids, I want to see them grow up in a world where they don’t have to worry about the things I had to worry about. As I didn’t have to worry about the things that my parents had to worry about. And it should keep getting better and better. If that happens, it gets better for everybody.”
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St. Philip’s college marched together at the MLK march wearing blue and spelling out education.
Ivanna Bass Caldera / TPR
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Trinity University brings students to the MLK march every year.
Ivanna Bass Caldera / TPR
Many schools such as Trinity University, St. Phillips College, and San Antonio Community College took part in the march. Student Sarah Sanchez was there with Alamo Colleges. She lives in New Braunfels and made sure to drive down for the march.
“This march matters to me to show the community that we are really here, that we understand, and that we are here to support one another,” Sanchez said.
Organizations such as the Students of Service were there as well. Josh Duelm had been to the MLK march several times over the years, but this was his first time as an employee of Students of Service, a nonprofit that fosters youth civic engagement.
“I’m out here today to show my support for freedom and my love for San Antonio. I think the march is great because it’s inclusive of everyone,” Duelm said. “It lifts up all of our voices, and we’re stronger together, and we need that in this time of division. As MLK said, ‘only light can drive out darkness.'”
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AUSTIN, Texas – Records reveal the city of Austin has paid millions in police-related lawsuits over the past five years.
Some of the largest payouts stemmed from APD’s response to the 2020 George Floyd protests.
The backstory:
Records show the city has settled almost 80 civil lawsuits involving Austin police officers in the past five years. Those settlements range from $2,000 to $8 million, the largest ever paid by the city in an excessive force case.
That record-breaking settlement went to Justin Howell, who was critically injured during the 2020 George Floyd protests. Howell was hit in the head by a police bean bag round, leaving him with a skull fracture, brain damage, and in a coma.
“Less lethal munitions are only less lethal by technicality,” Justin Howell’s brother, Josh Howell, told FOX 7 in June 2020.
Howell is one of at least seven protesters who received settlements tied to APD’s response to the 2020 demonstrations.
“When the people who are supposed to protect you are the ones who hurt you, and they treat you like an enemy of war, the damage is long-lasting and even borders on permanent,” Attorney Jeff Edwards, representing many 2020 protesters, told FOX 7 in October 2020.
APD has since vowed to stop using the bean bag rounds.
Dig deeper:
In total, the city has paid more than $37 million in police-related lawsuit settlements over the past five years, including cases involving excessive force, wrongful death, and dozens of car wrecks.
“Settlements are not solutions, but what settlements do is offer an opportunity to the city and its policymakers to reflect on what they have been doing,” Edwards told FOX 7 in May 2025.
The money comes from the city’s liability reserve fund, which city budget documents show is running low.
Officials said higher-than-expected claim payouts are the reason, and the city may be out of compliance with its own policy through at least 2029 or 2030.
The Source: Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin’s Meredith Aldis
Google has rolled out a critical security update for its Chrome browser, urging users to install the patch as soon as possible to stay protected from newly identified vulnerabilities. The update addresses multiple security flaws that could potentially be exploited by attackers, underscoring the importance of keeping browsers up to date in an evolving threat landscape.
What the latest Chrome security update is about
According to Google, the new patch fixes several weaknesses discovered in recent Chrome builds. While the company has not shared full technical details publicly, it confirmed that some of the issues were classified as high severity. Such vulnerabilities, if left unpatched, can allow malicious actors to execute harmful code, crash systems, or gain unauthorised access through specially crafted web pages.
Google follows a standard security practice of limiting technical disclosures until a majority of users have updated their browsers. This approach helps reduce the risk of bad actors reverse-engineering the flaws before fixes are widely deployed.
Why Chrome users should update immediately
Chrome is the world’s most widely used web browser, powering billions of devices across desktops, laptops, and smartphones. Because of its massive user base, Chrome is a frequent target for cybercriminals looking to exploit weaknesses at scale. High-risk browser vulnerabilities can expose users to threats such as data theft, account compromise, and malware infections without requiring obvious user interaction.
Over the past few years, Google has increasingly issued urgent patches for Chrome after discovering vulnerabilities that were either actively exploited or posed a significant security risk. The latest update continues that trend, reinforcing Google’s message that delaying browser updates can leave devices exposed.
How to check if your Chrome browser is updated
Updating Chrome is simple and usually automatic, but users are encouraged to confirm they are running the latest version:
Open Chrome on your device
Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner
Select Help, then About Chrome
Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them
Restart the browser to apply the patch
Users on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS should all ensure they have restarted Chrome after the update downloads, as security fixes only take effect once the browser relaunches.
A reminder on browser security
The latest Chrome patch serves as a reminder that web browsers sit at the centre of most online activity, from banking and shopping to work and communication. As attacks become more sophisticated, browser vendors must release frequent updates to stay ahead of potential exploits.
Security experts consistently advise users to enable automatic updates, avoid suspicious links, and install extensions only from trusted sources. While no browser is immune to vulnerabilities, prompt updates significantly reduce the risk of exploitation.
With this new update, Google aims to close potential security gaps and keep Chrome users protected. For individuals and organisations alike, staying current with browser updates remains one of the simplest and most effective steps toward better online safety.
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Heim Barbecue will close its West Magnolia Avenue restaurant in Fort Worth, transfer the Dallas location to a longtime employee-turned-franchisee, and focus on two other locations and startup of a prix-fixe concept called Heim Pig Stand, co-owner Will Churchill confirmed Monday.
Churchill cited the high cost of a planned smokehouse teardown and rebuild at the West Magnolia location, as well as “slipping” sales at that restaurant. Churchill, his sister Corrie Fletcher, and minority owners and founders Travis and Emma Heim will instead lean into operating the Heim location in the westside River District, a newly opened restaurant in Weatherford and the Pig Stand.
Heim’s food truck will be rebranded Heim Pig Stand, an incarnation that will be tested at a number of locations beginning March 4, with the ultimate goal of opening a number of small brick-and-mortar restaurants, Churchill said in an interview. The first test spot will be on 3.5 acres that Churchill and his group purchased last year on Camp Bowie West Boulevard in Westland, across from the JD’s Hamburgers and Margie’s Italian Gardens restaurants and west of The Patch Cafe. Churchill now leases the site to the “Landman” television series for shoots.
Heim Barbecue sells its pulled pork sandwich for $13.49. (Scott Nishimura | Fort Worth Report)
Pig Stand will sell a choice of pulled pork or chopped beef sandwiches, one of two sides and banana pudding for $12-$15, Churchill said. By contrast, Heim locations sell just the pulled pork sandwich for $13.49.
The West Magnolia store’s last day of operation will be Feb. 1, Churchill said. After that, the owners will sell the location or lease it to another operator, he said. They have signed broker Sarah LanCarte of LanCarte Commercial to handle the property, he said.
“We were going to have to put a lot of money into Magnolia, and we began to have conversations about whether we wanted to continue” there, Churchill said. “We’re one of the highest-price non-white tablecloth meals you can have. If you play in that space, you usually have one location in Fort Worth, not two.”
He said availability of labor — the popular Terry Black’s Barbecue raided Heim for employees when opening in Fort Worth in 2024, Churchill has said — was no longer an issue.
The River District location also is home to Heim’s catering and food preparation operations, Churchill noted.
“If we can maintain 25% of the people that would come to Magnolia, I think that helps (the River District store) significantly,” he said.
Churchill also cited the recent shutdowns of Brix Barbecue on the Near Southside and a barbecue-selling food truck as evidence that Fort Worth may have too much barbecue.
“It has been a little bit of a struggle,” he said. “Maybe this is a greater good for everybody.”
Churchill said the owners notified the West Magnolia restaurant’s 30 employees on Monday. He said he expects to be able to hire some number of them for Heim’s other operations.
“No idea,” he said, when asked how many Heim expects to be able to take. “We’ll see what the take rate is. Our catering business is growing, Weatherford is growing.”
Churchill and Fletcher opened the West Magnolia restaurant in August 2016, purchasing the real estate and going into partnership with the Heims. They opened the River District restaurant in April 2019, the Dallas location off of Dallas Love Field in October 2020, and the Weatherford store last year. The employee who’s taking over the Dallas restaurant will become a franchisee, Churchill said.
Heim Barbecue will rebrand its food truck as Heim Pig Stand and begin testing locations in March for future small-format, low-priced restaurants. (Courtesy image | Heim Barbecue)
Heim Pig Stand will have a limited daily inventory of sandwiches and sell 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday-Friday at the test locations, Churchill said.
“You’ll be able to drive up, walk up, order your sandwich and the side you want, and it’ll be one low price,” he said. “We think that addresses the prices associated with barbecue.”
Churchill said his group will test Heim Pig Stand in different locations for three weeks to a month.
The Westland site is near a shopping center where Dayne’s Craft Barbecue operated a well-subscribed food truck before moving to a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Aledo. The road is also close to the cluster of auto dealerships that Churchill and Fletcher, the great-grandchildren of the longtime Cadillac dealer Frank Kent, have divested.
“I really like this strip from Camp Bowie to 820, Spur 580,” Churchill said. “It’s an underserved market out there. There’s not much. There’s plenty of parking. I think there’s plenty of restaurant growth that could happen out there.”
Churchill said his group acquired the land 13 months ago.
“Our long-term goal is to put these Heim Pig Stands in 600- to 900-square-foot (brick-and-mortar) footprints and have three, four, five of these in Tarrant County and see how it goes,” Churchill said. “We want to make sure we can service it from our centralized commissary” at the River District store.
Scott Nishimura is senior editor for local government accountability at the Fort Worth Report. Reach him at scott.nishimura@fortworthreport.org.
At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem clashed sharply with CBS News anchor Margaret Brennan during a tense “Face the Nation” interview on Sunday, bristling at questions about immigration enforcement data and snapping when Brennan referred to a federal agent by name in connection with the fatal shooting of Renee Good.
The exchange, which aired as protests and scrutiny intensified around Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minnesota, drew swift backlash online and renewed questions about transparency, accountability and the administration’s handling of the case.
Donald Trump’s Mar-a-lago party went viral after social media users noticed the women shared an eerily similar Mar-a-lago Face aesthetic, sparking widespread mockery. (Photo by Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images)
The most heated moment came when Brennan asked about the condition of ICE agent Jonathan Ross, who fired the shots that killed Good on Jan. 7.
Noem cut her off mid-question. “Don’t say his name, for heaven’s sakes,” Noem said. “We shouldn’t have people continue to dox law enforcement.” When Brennan pointed out that Ross’ identity was already public, Noem doubled down. “I know but that doesn’t mean it should continue to be said,” she replied, adding that Ross and his family had faced attacks, without specifying by whom.
Ross has been repeatedly identified as the agent who shot into Good’s vehicle following a verbal confrontation involving another agent. Police officers involved in shootings are typically named as part of public records and court proceedings, but administration officials have framed the public release of names as “doxxing,” particularly amid anti-ICE protests.
The exchange capped a combative interview in which Noem accused Brennan and CBS News of misleading the public.
Pressed on the scope of the administration’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota, Noem said the deployment of nearly 3,000 federal agents would continue until “all the dangerous people are picked up.” She blamed former President Joe Biden’s border policies for what she described as an influx of “up to 20 million people unvetted into this country.”
When Brennan asked for a breakdown of how many detainees had committed violent crimes versus civil immigration violations, Noem claimed that every person detained had committed a crime and that 70 percent had been charged with or convicted of violent offenses.
Brennan pushed back, citing DHS’s own data, showing that only 47 percent had criminal convictions.
“It’s not 70%,” Brennan said.
“Yes, it is. It absolutely is, Margaret,” Noem insisted, adding: “You keep changing your percentage. You pick and choose what numbers you think work … no matter how much you guys keep lying and don’t tell the public the truth.”
Brennan later cited polling showing a majority of Americans believe the shooting of Good was unjustified and that the administration’s response was unfair.
Noem rejected those findings, insisting Good had “weaponized her car” and that the agent acted according to his training. “Everybody can watch the videos and see that,” she said, even though the circumstances of the shooting remain disputed.
As Brennan attempted to pin down whether Ross had been placed on administrative leave or was under investigation, Noem repeatedly deflected.
“I’m not going to talk about his medical records,” she said when asked about his condition, even though administration officials had recently claimed Ross suffered internal bleeding after being struck by Good’s SUV. Asked directly whether there was any review of the agent’s actions, Noem eventually answered, “There always is,” while attacking Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s credibility and accusing state leaders of tolerating fraud and disorder.
The interview sparked a wave of reaction on social media, much of it focused on Noem’s accusation that Brennan had endangered the agent by saying his name.
Critics accused Noem of hypocrisy and deflection.
“She’s the one who doxxed him originally by pointing out a previous incident. She’s so unserious and blatantly stupid,” one person wrote. Another replied, “Thank you!! We wouldn’t know who he is if it wasn’t for her. She’s a complete moron.”
Others were angrier, questioning Noem’s immediate defense of the agent after the shooting. “Someone needs to threaten her lying a*s!! Did you do a thoughtful investigation when you immediately called Ms. [Good] a damn domestic terrorist right after she was murdered?” one comment read. Another accused the administration of shielding Ross: “Meanwhile, by hiding him, she is an accessory to murder.”
Some observers framed Noem’s performance as part of a broader pattern under President Trump.
“Because that’s the playbook. Just say anything is anything and their supporters accept that as reality,” one commenter wrote. Another agreed, saying, “Yes this is spot on. If their idols tell them to be aggrieved, they will be outraged no matter the absurdity. This age of alternate facts has no guardrails to keep people tethered to, or even interested in reality.”
Criticism also landed on CBS News, with some arguing Brennan should have pressed harder. “Why bother having her on if you’re not going to stop the gaslighting?” one viewer asked. Another added: “100%. Get in front of the message, don’t repeat it. CBS is now an arm of MAGA.”
The interview unfolded against a volatile backdrop in Minneapolis, where federal immigration raids and the killing of Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, have fueled more than a week of protests and clashes between demonstrators and federal law enforcement.
Noem repeatedly portrayed Minneapolis as uniquely dangerous, claiming ICE agents there face organized and “funded” protesters and levels of violence not seen in other cities. She dismissed calls to expand crowd-control and de-escalation training for ICE agents, insisting they are already “highly trained” and rejecting criticism from local leaders.
Brennan cited multiple incidents, including the detention of a U.S. citizen on her way to a medical appointment and a family with six children who said they were tear-gassed during an ICE operation. Noem blamed protesters for those encounters and defended the use of chemical agents despite a recent federal court order limiting their use.
By the end of the interview, little new information emerged about the investigation into Good’s death or Ross’s medical status. What did come through clearly was the administration’s posture: an aggressive defense of federal agents, an insistence that critics and the media are distorting the facts, and a growing willingness to frame routine questions as personal or physical attacks.
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U.S. stock futures dropped late Monday after global equities sold off as President Donald Trump launches a trade war against NATO allies over his Greenland ambitions.
Futures tied to the Dow Jones industrial average sank 401 points, or 0.81%. S&P 500 futures were down 0.91%, and Nasdaq futures sank 1.13%.
Markets in the U.S. were closed in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Earlier, the dollar dropped as the safe haven status of U.S. assets was in doubt, while stocks in Europe and Asia largely retreated.
On Saturday, Trump said Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland will be hit with a 10% tariff starting on Feb. 1 that will rise to 25% on June 1, until a “Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.”
The announcement came after those countries sent troops to Greenland last week, ostensibly for training purposes, at the request of Denmark. But late Sunday, a message from Trump to European officials emerged that linked his insistence on taking over Greenland to his failure to be award the Nobel Peace Prize.
The geopolitical impact of Trump’s new tariffs against Europe could jeopardize the trans-Atlantic alliance and threaten Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
But Wall Street analysts were more optimistic on the near-term risk to financial markets, seeing Trump’s move as a negotiating tactic meant to extract concessions.
Michael Brown, senior research strategist at Pepperstone, described the gambit as “escalate to de-escalate” and pointed out that the timing of his tariff announcement ahead of his appearance at the Davos World Economic Forum this week is likely not a coincidence.
“I’ll leave others to question the merits of that approach, and potential longer-run geopolitical fallout from it, but for markets such a scenario likely means some near-term choppiness as headline noise becomes deafening, before a relief rally in due course when another ‘TACO’ moment arrives,” he said in a note on Monday, referring to the “Trump always chickens out” trade.
Similarly, Jonas Goltermann, deputy chief markets economist at Capital Economics, also said “cooler heads will prevail” and downplayed the odds that markets are headed for a repeat of last year’s tariff chaos.
In a note Monday, he said investors have learned to be skeptical about all of Trump’s threats, adding that the U.S. economy remains healthy and markets retain key risk buffers.
“Given their deep economic and financial ties, both the US and Europe have the ability to impose significant pain on each other, but only at great cost to themselves,” Goltermann added. “As such, the more likely outcome, in our view, is that both sides recognize that a major escalation would be a lose-lose proposition, and that compromise eventually prevails. That would be in line with the pattern around most previous Trump-driven diplomatic dramas.”
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