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FOIA Request to City of Sparta Regarding Newly Registered Businesses on May 7, 2025.
As part of our commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, SW Illinois News has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the City of Sparta. The request seeks access to records detailing businesses registered with the city from the previous week. Specifically, we have asked for information in electronic format that includes the following fields:
– Business Name
– Business Number
– Business Type
– Business Address
– Issued Date
– Status
– Registered Agent Name
Access to these public records is crucial for us as members of the media to fulfill our professional responsibilities. Our role involves holding public institutions accountable and ensuring transparency for the public. Given this context, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.
We are also affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Missouri Corporation. This organization supports news media companies, publications, and public advocacy groups in investigating state and federal governmental agencies. By leveraging Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws, we aim to shed light on government actions and help inform the American electorate.
For more information about our mission and efforts, please visit [https://stopsecrecy.org/about/](https://stopsecrecy.org/about/).
