Fort Worth Weekly Classifieds // April 8-14, 2026

FEATURE

The Foilies 2026

Recognizing the worst in government transparency.

STORY BY THE ELECTRONIC FRONTIER FOUNDATION AND MUCKROCK, ILLUSTRATIONS BY SHELBY CRISWELL

For the last six years, a class of journalism students at the University of NevadaReno has kicked off each semester by filing their first Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

The assignment: Request copies of complaints sent to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) about their favorite TV show, a local radio station, or a major broadcast event, such as the Grammys or the Super Bowl halftime show. The students are learning that the federal government and every state have laws establishing the public’s right to request and receive public records. It’s a bedrock principle of democracy: If a government belongs to the people, so do its documents.

In the past, the FCC always provided records within a few weeks, if not days, but that changed in September, when students requested consumer complaints filed against NPR and PBS stations to see if there was absolutely anything at all to merit defunding public media. Seven months later — crickets.

Now the students are learning to persevere even when public officials demonstrate an utter disdain for transparency. And The Foilies are here for it.

Established in 2015, The Foilies are an annual project by the Electronic Frontier Foundation and MuckRock to recognize the agencies, officials, and contractors that thwart the public’s right to know. We give out these tongue-in-cheek “awards” during Sunshine Week (March 15-21), a collective effort by media and advocacy organizations to highlight the importance of open government.

This year, we’ve got a few “winners” whose behavior defies belief.

But it’s not all negative. Those same Reno students are also assigned to file public records requests for restaurant health inspections. This semester, the records started to show up in their inboxes within 20 minutes.

If every agency followed Northern Nevada Public Health’s example, we could sunset this Sunshine Week project.

The Love Letters Award — Gov. Greg Abbott

Last spring, the office of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott withheld communications between himself and one of the state’s most powerful business figures, Elon Musk. The office claimed that the communications were exempt from public records law because they would reveal confidential legal and policy discussions, including how the state entices private companies to do business in Texas or “intimate and embarrassing” information.

The claims were unelaborated boilerplate language based on exemptions in Texas’ public records law, but if you’re wondering what “intimate” and “embarrassing” exchanges Abbott and Elon Musk shared over email, you may be waiting a while.

Last fall, the Office of the Texas Attorney General ordered Abbott’s office to release nearly

1,400 pages of communications between Abbott and Musk. About 1,200 of those pages were fully redacted — just sheets of gray obscuration. The records that were released don’t reveal much more than an invitation to a happy hour or a reminder of the next SpaceX launch.

The Shady Screenshot Award — Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The Department of Homeland Security’s banner year of lawlessness included backsliding on its transparency obligations.

In response to a request from the nonprofit American Oversight, DHS stated that it was no longer automatically archiving text messages sent between officials. The department clarified that it had a new, and much worse, records retention policy. Instead of archiving officials’ text

messages as the agency had done before, DHS now asks officials to take screenshots of any text messages conducting government business on their work phones.

It’s hard to see the change as anything more than a giant middle finger to the public, especially because the Federal Records Act requires agencies to retain all records officials create while conducting their public duties, regardless of format. We won’t hold our breath waiting on DHS officials to dutifully press the volume and power button on their phones to record every text message they send and receive.

The Discardment of Government Efficiency Award — DOGE

As the Trump administration took over last year, there was a looming threat over government transparency: the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE.

Billionaire Elon Musk, soon to be the de facto leader of DOGE, proudly claimed “there should be no need for FOIA requests” and “all government data should be default public for maximum transparency.” What quickly became apparent was there may be no need for FOIA requests because there may be no FOIA officers to fulfill those requests.

DOGE quickly went to work slashing through the federal government, including seizing control of the U.S. Institute of Peace. Part of the takeover included restricting access to the agency’s FOIA system and firing the employees responsible for fulfilling FOIA requests, according to a letter sent to Bloomberg reporter Jason Leopold. Meanwhile, when CNN filed a FOIA request with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for information about Musk and DOGE’s security clearance, they were told: “Good luck with that,” because the FOIA officers had been fired.

DOGE also argued that its own records are exempt from FOIA under the Presidential Records Act, meaning records cannot be accessed until five years after Donald Trump is out of office.

While DOGE “doesn’t exist” anymore according to the OPM, there remains a lasting continued on page 7

MEL GARSEK

FRIDAY, APRIL 10th 7PM - 9PM

DALLAS BURROW

Come break the rules and say “yes!” to new art experiences at the Carter’s Second Thursdays!

Every Second Thursday is different than the last. You’ll never think of museums in the same way again.

THURSDAY APR 9 | 5–8 P.M.

LANDSCAPES & LEGENDS

Explore new interpretations and stories of the American West for a night focused on the exhibition New Horizons: The Western Landscape.

dark mark on the state of FOIA and records management.

The Secret Eyes in the Sky Award — Chula Vista Police Department, California

In 2021, Arturo Castañares at La Prensa San Diego filed a request with the Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) for copies of videos taken by drones responding to 911 calls as part of the city’s “drone as first responder” program. One of the goals was to evaluate the technology’s efficacy and risks to civil liberties.

The city worked overtime to maintain the secrecy of the footage at the same time officials publicly touted the drones as a revolution in policing. That’s some impressive trust-us-butdon’t-verify chutzpah.

The city argued that every second of every video recorded by its drones was categorically off limits because they were law enforcement investigative records. They even got a trial court to initially buy the argument, but an appellate court ruled that the investigatory records exemption is more limited, shielding only drone footage that is part of a criminal investigation or evidence of a suspected crime. Footage of wildfires, car wrecks, wild animal sightings, and the like are not criminal investigations and must be disclosed.

The California Supreme Court rejected both of CVPD’s appeals, and a trial court bench slapped the city for inaccurate and incomplete court filings. In the end, the city had to shell out north of $400,000 to its outside lawyers, then paid Castañares’ lawyers more than $500,000 when he prevailed.

So, what were Chula Vista police hiding? A bunch of routine service calls, such as unverified reports of a vehicle fire and a vehicle collision.

Now, according to La Prensa’s reporting, officials are trying to raid a public safety fund created by voters to reimburse the city for the cost of its ill-advised secrecy.

The Flock You Awards — Taunton Police Department, Massachusetts

If you live in one of the 5,000 cities where surveillance vendor Flock Safety claims to have established relationships with local cops, you may have noticed the sudden installation of little black cameras on poles by the side of the road or at intersections. These are automated license plate readers (ALPRs), which document every vehicle that passes within view, including the license plate, color, make, model, and other distinguishing characteristics. The images are fed to Flock’s servers, and the company encourages police to share the images collected locally with law enforcement throughout the country.

continued on page 9

In 2025, journalists and privacy advocates started filing public records requests with agencies to get spreadsheets called a “Network Audit,” which shows every search, including who ran it and why. Accessing these audits uncovered abuse of the system, including: investigating a woman who received an abortion, targeting immigrants, surveilling protesters, and running racist searches targeting Roma people.

In response, some cities have terminated their contracts with Flock Safety. Other law enforcement agencies, and Flock itself, have gone a different direction.

The police department told the ACLU of Massachusetts to cough up $1.8 million if the organization wanted its network audit logs — the highest public records fee we documented this year. The civil liberties group filed requests with agencies throughout the state for the audits, and most agencies handed over the spreadsheets for free and with little fanfare. Taunton, however, said it would take 20,000 hours to process the request at $86.57 an hour.

Flock Safety responded to criticisms of its ALPR network by sending legal threats aimed at trying to silence its critics. First, the

The police department told the ACLU of Massachusetts to cough up $1.8 million if the organization wanted its network audit logs — the highest public records fee we documented this year.

company used a bogus trademark claim to threaten DeFlock.me, a crowdsourced map of ALPR. (EFF represented its creator.) Then it hired a company to try to get the hosts of HaveIBeenFlocked.com, which hosts an interface for searching these network audits, to remove the site from the internet. l

The Foilies were written by EFF’s Beryl Lipton, Dave Maass, and Aaron Mackey and MuckRock’s Dillon Bergin, Kelly Kauffman, and Anna Massoglia.

EATS & drinks

New Ballpark Food

The $40 Rally Sombrero leads the way through a trove of culinary adventures at Rangers home games this season.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY OZZIE GARZA

Bring your appetite and your wallet if you’re coming to Texas Rangers home games this year. The team officially unveiled their new food menu for the 2026 season, and it’s hats above other teams.

The season’s headliner is the $40 9th Inning Rally Sombrero, a nine-layer dip served inside a

26-inch fried tortilla shell filled with refried beans, cheddar cheese, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, black olives, jalapeños, and shredded lettuce, plus tortilla chips. It’s a special treat for vegetarians.

For fans preferring meat and a different kind of hat, there is the Chicken Tender Helmet. Filled with 12 tenders and two pounds of fries, it comes in a full-size souvenir batting helmet.

For those wanting sweets instead of meat in their souvenir helmet, there is the Churro Helmet Sundae, filled with scoops of Blue Bell ice cream, warm churros, and classic sundae toppings.

Globe Life Field Cuisine is in a league of its own. It’s the place where you can basically sample some of the best food in all of North Texas. While the main attraction will be on the diamond, the concessions stands will come a close second. continued on page 16

Eats & Drinks

Fans are definitely thrilled about the new menu.

“I see a new ballpark tradition of a few beers and 9th Inning Sombrero Rally Hats everywhere,” said Randi Thraves of Arlington. “Just watch out for flying guacamole.”

While there is supposedly no crying in baseball, fans will be crying for mucho mas sombrero food.

Other menu items include:

* Texas Ribeye Sandwich —grilled Nolan Ryan Beef ribeye steak topped with chimichurri, sliced tomato, and fresh arugula on a soft roll, served with French fries.

* Texas Tenderloin Sandwich — sliced Nolan Ryan Beef tenderloin served on a brioche bun with Gouda cheese, Dijonnaise, and balsamic-dressed arugula, served with French fries.

* High Steaks Nachos — crispy tortilla chips topped with white queso, chopped Nolan Ryan Beef tenderloin, pico de gallo, salsa, and sour cream.

* Grilled Chicken Sandwich — juicy grilled chicken breast on a brioche bun with provolone cheese, Dijon honey mustard, lettuce, and tomato, served with French fries.

* Pork Wings — smoky, succulent pork “wings” tossed in Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce and finished

with a peppery seasoning blend.

* The Pig Kahuna — teriyaki-glazed pork patty topped with sweet and salty peanut butter sauce and a grilled pineapple ring on a four-inch bun, served with potato chips.

* Elote Dawwg — Texas chili jumbo all-Angus beef hot dog topped with roasted corn, chili lime crema, and cotija cheese.

* Hawwt Dawwg Biscuits & Gravy — double-battered and deep-fried Texas chili jumbo all-Angus beef hot dog served on a split buttermilk biscuit and smothered in country gravy.

* Texas Tamale Torta — soft bolillo roll spread with refried beans and filled with pork tamales, salsa verde, chili-lime crema, and cotija cheese.

* Classic Garlic Fries — fresh fries tossed in garlic butter and topped with shaved Parmesan cheese.

* Loaded Pretzels — jumbo Bavarian pretzels available in jalapeño cheddar, everything seasoned, or cinnamon sugar varieties.

* Captain Kids Meal Box — hot dog or chicken tenders served with fries and a drink in a Texas Rangers Captain lunch box.

* Mocktails — a selection of nonalcoholic specialty beverages.

* Dirty Sodas — bringing the viral drink to the ballpark. Fans will have the ability to create their own dirty soda with their choice of fountain soda syrup flavor and various sundae toppings choices.

Chef Chris Vasquez said they began planning the food menu as soon as the final out was made in the previous season. The culinary team came up with a wide variety of winning creations that are sure to leave fans craving more. It is truly a home run in creativity and taste.

For those unable to meet the cost of the new

menu delicacies, there will be, once again, the ever-popular dollar hot dogs every Wednesday night.

As a lifelong baseball fan and ballpark food aficionado, let me just say that a hot dog at Globe Life Field beats a steak at The Lonesome Dove. l

Ozzie Garza has been writing about the Rangers for more than 25 years. He is a frequent contributor

NIGHT & DAY

Star Struck: Arts, Astronomy & All That Jazz The stars align for some great events this week.

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra is bringing another video game music experience to life at Bass Performance Hall (525 Commerce St, Fort Worth, 817-212-4280) Fri-Sat at 7:30pm. The Music of SQUARE ENIX: Magic, Memories, and Melodies features a full orchestra and chorus performing themes from the games, including CHRONO TRIGGER, FINAL FANTASY, KINGDOM HEARTS, Legend of Mana, NieR, Octopath Traveler, and more, accompanied by video game footage. Tickets start at $54 at FWSymphony.org.

The moon is getting a lot of attention this week thanks to Artemis II, but the Fort Worth Astronomical Society invites you to a special solar event. Join them at TX Whiskey Ranch (2601 Whiskey Ranch Rd, Fort Worth, 817840-9140) for the Solar Gazing Party 6pm-9pm. Using specialized solar telescopes, guests will safely gaze at the sun while guides talk them through what they’re seeing and answer all their burning questions. Tickets are $11.99 and include a 30-minute guided solar viewing experience and one TX Whiskey cocktail. Reserve a spot at TXWhiskey.com.

Speaking of Artemis II, on Monday, the four astronauts aboard NASA’s test flight around the Moon made history when they reached 248,655 miles from Earth — surpassing the farthest distance ever traveled by humans, a record previously set by Apollo 13 in 1970. Their mission is more than halfway through, and they are scheduled to splash down off the coast of San Diego at approximately 6pm CST

today. Live and original programming is available on the agency’s free streaming platform, NASA+ Programming is also available on the NASA App, third-party streaming services, and social media platforms. See what’s what at NASA.gov/ways-to-watch.

Comedians Magen King and Donna Lee have back-to-back dates in Fort Worth and Irving. They’ll be at Big Laugh (604 Main St, Ste 100, Fort Worth, 512-817-9535) on Saturday and Punchline (310 W Las Colinas Blvd, Ste 130, Irving, 469-262-0130) on Sunday, each at 7:30pm. The organizers of the double-headliner show starring King and Lee promise it will deliver real stories, real perspectives, and the kind of humor that hits a little too close to home — in the best possible way. “If you’ve ever balanced family, work, relationships, stress, or just tried to survive modern life without losing your mind,” they say, “this show is for you.” For pricing and ticket info, visit FortWorth. BLComedy.com and PunchlineIrving.com.

Winner of four Tony Awards, including Best Choreography and Best Costumes, and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, Some Like It Hot opens tonight at Bass Performance Hall (525 Commerce St, Fort Worth, 817-212-4280) and runs thru Sun, Apr 19. Set in Chicago during Prohibition, this musical tells the story of two jazz musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their heels, they catch a cross-country train for the life-chasing, life-changing trip of a lifetime. Tickets start at $44 at BassHall.com.

The world is coming to see us this summer as the FIFA World Cup hits several major U.S. cities, including Arlington from Thu, Jun 11, thru Sun, Jul 19. To help you get in on all the local action, we’re launching a weekly Big Ticket column featuring watch party info and more. This is where you’ll hear about Rex’s Bar & Grill (1501 S University Dr, Fort Worth, 817-968-7397) as a watch-party location for fans of Japan. There will be a giant soccer ball. The world’s biggest inflatable soccer ball? Perhaps. Meet me back here next week, and I’ll tell you more. Meanwhile, keep an eye on our sports columns in Stuff at FWWeekly. com. We’ll have sports coverage throughout the festivities, starting, well, now. For example, even as the tournament expands to 48 teams, many terrific players will still be missing out. Read all about it in Kristian Lin’s recent Stuff piece (“The Best Players Who Won’t Be at World Cup 2026,” Apr 1). In short, our summer of soccer starts now! Read Big Ticket every week for watch-party info and Stuff for our #HotSportsOpinions.

By Elaine Wilder

BULLETIN BOARD

ADVERTISE HERE!

Email Stacey@fwweekly.com today.

Are You Road-Trip Ready?

CALL COWTOWN ROVER!

With our handy pick-up and drop-off services, having your car checked out could not be easier. www.CowtownRover.com

3958 Vickery | 817.731.3223

BCI BATH SHOWER

The bathroom of your dreams in as little as 1 day. Limited Time Offer: $1000 off or No Payments/No Interest for 18 months for customers who qualify. Many options available. Quality materials, professional installation. Senior and military discounts available. Call 1-855-659-5784 today! (MB)

DENTAL INSURANCE

Coverage for 400 plus procedures available from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Real dental insurance, NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now and get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! Call 1-888-361-7095 or visit Dental50plus. com/fortworth. #6258

EMPLOYMENT

American Airlines, Inc. has openings in Ft. Worth, TX for: Analyst/Sr. Analyst, Sales Business Intelligence (Ref. 2303): Resp for communicating directly w/ biz units to understand their biz probs; Analyst/Sr. Analyst, Strategic Planning & Analysis (Ref. 2181): Resp for forecasting rev & capacity to analyzing & optimizing the needs & deployment of strategic assets, analyzing airline alliances, solving complex rev & loyalty analysis projects, & working on a variety of initiatives; Sr. Analyst, Global Sales (Ref. 2041): Dev & impl go-to-mkt strategies tailored for corp accts designed for mkt share growth; Analyst / Sr. Analyst, Sales Business Intelligence (Ref. 2320): Resp for communicating directly w/biz units to understand their biz problems, dev creative proof-of-concept solutions; Analyst/Sr. Analyst, Commercial Planning & Analysis (Ref. 2444): Resp for communicating directly with biz units to understand their biz problems, dev creative proof-of-concept solutions; Analyst/Sr. Analyst, Strategic Planning and Analysis (Ref. 2325): Resp for communicating directly w/biz units to understand their bus probs. To apply, send resume to Gene Womack at Gene.Womack@aa.com. Put reference number in the subject line. #LI-DNI

EMPLOYMENT

Weaver Consultants Group seeks Sustainability Project Manager in Fort Worth, TX: Req’s: MS or equiv. & 2 yrs exp or BS or equiv. & 5 yrs. Coordinate w/ senior leadership & marketing to develop sustainability service offerings; develop carbon footprints, sustainability plans & carbon reduction plans. Occasional travel to client sites & national conferences. Must be legally authorized to work in US w/out sponsorship. Send resume to: hr@wcgrp.com

HAVE YOU MET EMMA?

“As an independent insurance broker, I will shop the market for YOU and make sure you’re paying the least amount possible for the best coverages. I guarantee you’re over-paying for your home, auto, renter’s, and all other policies. Let me take a look for you!”

Call or text today: 682-312-2566

HUNGRY HOUND HUSTLE!

Saturday, April 25

Join us at Trinity Trails @ Clear Fork for this annual dog-friendly 5K/1K fun run benfitting Don’t Forget to Feed Me, North Texas’ only pet food bank (DontForgetToFeedMe.org). Not a runner? There’s also a Catnap for Hunger! Register today at: HungryHoundHustle.org

JACUZZI BATH REMODEL

We can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 12/27/26.) Call 1-877-5930683. (MB)

LIFE INSURANCE

Up to $15,000.00 of GUARANTEED Life Insurance!

No medical exam or health questions. Cash to help pay funeral and other final expenses. Call Physicians Life Insurance Company at 844-782-2870 or visit Life55plus. info/ftworth. (MB)

NEED A FRIEND?

Ronnie D. Long Bail Bonds

Immediate Jail Release 24 Hour Service. City, County, State and Federal Bonds. Located Minutes from Courts. 6004 Airport Freeway.

817-834-9894

RonnieDLongBailBonds.com

OLSHAN Foundation Solutions

Your trusted foundation repair experts since 1933. Foundation repair. Offering crawl space recovery, basement waterproofing. water management, and more.

Limited time special: up to $250 off foundation repair. Call Olshan for a FREE evaluation: 1-844-991-1445. (MB)

OMAHA STEAKS

Wait until you taste it! 100% guaranteed and delivered to your door! Our Butcher’s Savory Collection is only $129.99 and comes with 8 FREE Omaha Steaks Classic Burgers. Call 1-888-703-0342 and mention code 81305BKM or visit OmahaSteaks.com/Savory3110. (MB)

PORTABLE OXYGEN NOW

Portable Oxygen Concentrators may be covered by Medicare! Help your loved ones reclaim their independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Call 833-349-2089 for a free information kit. (MB)

PREPARED for OUTAGES?

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-844-614-2556 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator, it’s a power mov. (MB)

SAFE STEP:

North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub

Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Financing available. Call Safe Step at 1-877-578-6218 today! (MB)

SPRING BREAK 2026!

If spring break comes and goes, and you still haven’t used that timeshare, it’s time to call Wesley Financial Group. These “Timeshare Cancellation Experts” have 450+ positive reviews and over $50 million in successful timeshare debt/fees cancellations. Get a free consultation, a free info package, and learn how to get rid of your timeshare. Call 833-665-3513 today. (MB)

WINE by OMAHA STEAKS!

Receive 12 world class wines (and bonus gifts) for ONLY $79.99 (plus s/h) and save $160! That’s 12 new wine selections plus a FREE $25 Omaha Steaks E-reward card every three months. Cancel anytime. 100% guarantee! Call 1-855-275-7565 and mention code AGJF002 or visit GetOSWine.com/sip275. (MB)

VETERAN CAR DONATIONS: Increase Your Tax Deductions!

Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction. Call 1-844-450-1590 today!

YOU NEED A VACATION!

With over 50 guided tours available, YMT Vacations has affordable, social, and stress-free travel designed for mature travelers. Tours include accommodations, transportation, baggage handling, sightseeing, entrance fees, a professional Tour Director and select meals. For a limited time, SAVE $250 on all tours. Call 1-833-9844155 today! (MB)

ZZZ ... Don’t Sleep on This!

Do you own a service-oriented business? Cleaning Services, Handymen, Haulers, Landscapers, Painters, and other service companies, how are you reaching new customer? We’d love to feature you here! Reach out for some affordable options.

Stacey@fwweekly.com