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Urbana Loses FOIA Lawsuit, Judge Rules Improper Denial of Public Records

At a FOIA lawsuit hearing on December 9th, 2020, Champaign County Judge Jason Bohm ruled that Urbana had incorrectly withheld public records and documents related to the alleged retail theft by Illinois State Representative and Chair of Champaign County Democratic Party Carol Ammons. On January 10th, 2020, Urbana Police Department…

Urbana City Clerk Resigns Amidst Storm of Misconduct Allegations

Just two days after being publicly criticized by residents at an Urbana City Council meeting on May 18th, 2020, City Clerk Charlie Smyth informed the Mayor of his intent to resign. Mayor Diane Marlin and Smyth did not inform the public of this decision until May 30th. Charlie Smyth spent…

Urbana City Clerk Charlie Smyth Violates Open Meetings Act in Locked Meeting

On March 23rd, 2020, the Urbana City Council held a meeting that brought scrutiny from citizens. Urbana City Clerk Charlie Smyth took part in violating the Illinois Open Meetings Act by arranging a meeting that did not allow for public access or public input. The meeting was held behind locked…

Champaign County Executive Darlene Kloeppel Violates Open Meetings Act at Virtual Board Meeting

On March 19th, 2020, the Champaign County Board attempted to hold their first electronic board meeting in an effort to promote social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. District 4 County Board Member Jim McGuire called the virtual meeting an “utter failure”, due to constant audio feedback and distortion, disconnections, and…

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