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FOIA Request to City of Athens Regarding Newly Registered Businesses on May 7, 2025.
As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability in local government affairs, we at Sangamon Sun have submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the City of Athens. Our request seeks detailed records concerning businesses that registered with the city over the past week. Specifically, we are asking for information including the business name, business number, type, address, issued date, status, and registered agent name.
This request is made under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, and we have requested that the information be provided in electronic format for ease of access and analysis. As members of the media dedicated to providing comprehensive news coverage and holding public institutions accountable, we believe this information is crucial for ensuring transparency in local governmental operations.
Furthermore, as a member organization of The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit corporation committed to leveraging Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws—we aim to illuminate government actions and inform the American electorate. We have also requested a fee waiver in line with our role as media professionals engaged in disseminating public interest information.
We look forward to receiving these records promptly and will continue to keep our readers informed about developments related to this request.
