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FOIA Request to City of Anna Regarding Newly Registered Businesses on May 7, 2025.
As part of our commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, Southern Illinois News has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the City of Anna. The request seeks access to records concerning businesses registered with the city in the past week. Specifically, we have requested information in electronic format that includes the following fields: Business Name, Business Number, Business Type, Business Address, Issued Date, Status, and Registered Agent Name.
Our role as members of the media involves gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.
This request is also supported by The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Missouri Corporation that assists news media companies and public advocacy groups in investigating state and federal governmental agencies. By leveraging Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws, we aim to pull back the curtain on government actions and help inform the American electorate.
We look forward to receiving the requested information promptly and will continue our efforts to ensure transparency in local governmental affairs.
