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FPF sues DOJ for Trump memo on Qatari jet
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Today, Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF), represented by nonpartisan watchdog American Oversight, filed a Freedom of Information Act suit against the Department of Justice in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for failing to release a legal memorandum that reportedly justified the Trump administration’s acceptance of a $400 million jet gifted by the Qatari government in May.
The luxury aircraft — set to be retrofitted for use as Air Force One to the tune of hundreds of millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars and later transferred to President Donald Trump’s private foundation — has raised serious legal and ethical concerns. Multiple experts and lawmakers from both parties have raised questions about whether accepting such a gift from a foreign government violates the Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause and federal ethics rules. Additionally, while Trump claims Qatar reached out and offered the jet as a “gift” to him, media reports the opposite is true — his administration approached Qatar.
“It shouldn’t take 620 days to release a single, time-sensitive document,” said Lauren Harper, Freedom of the Press Foundation’s Daniel Ellsberg chair on government secrecy. “How many flights could Trump have taken on his new plane in the same amount of time it would have taken the DOJ to release this one document? The government’s inability to administer FOIA makes it too easy for agencies to keep secrets, and nonexistent disclosure rules around donations to presidential libraries provide easy cover for bad actors and potential corruption.”
“President Trump’s deal to take a $400 million luxury jet from a foreign government deserves full public scrutiny — not a stiff-arm from the Department of Justice,” said Chioma Chukwu, executive director of American Oversight, which is representing FPF in its litigation. “This is precisely the kind of corrupt arrangement that public records laws are designed to expose. The DOJ cannot sit on its hands and expect the American people to wait years for the truth while serious questions about corruption, self-dealing, and foreign influence go unanswered.”
The May 2025 memorandum, reportedly signed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who previously lobbied on behalf of the Qatari government, purportedly concluded that the Trump administration’s acceptance of the jet was legally permissible. The administration accepted the jet just days later. The circumstances surrounding the jet deal, including reports that the transaction may have been initiated by the Trump administration and that it followed a lucrative Trump private business arrangement in Qatar, have only heightened calls for transparency.
News that the luxury jet will be donated to Trump’s private presidential library foundation after he is no longer in office follows reports that ABC News and Paramount, which was seeking government approval for a merger with Skydance, resolved litigation with President Trump by agreeing to multimillion-dollar payouts to the foundation.
FPF submitted its FOIA request for the Bondi memo on May 15. Although the DOJ granted expedited processing, the department informed FPF that the estimated time for fulfilling the request was more than 600 days. As of today, the DOJ has failed to release any responsive records or provide a further timeline for production.
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Clydesdale VIP Experience
Anheuser-Busch has a storied history. With a legacy that transcends beer, the company takes particular pride in its team of Clydesdales. On this one-hour tour, you can get up close […]
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St. Louis Riverfront Cruise
All aboard! The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch provide an unparalleled experience on the Mississippi River. The one-hour St. Louis Riverfront Cruise is narrated by a captain from the National […]
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SIUE Earns 2025-26 Military Friendly® School Gold Status
EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has once again earned Gold Tier recognition as a 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School, placing the University among the top 10% of institutions nationwide for its commitment to serving military-affiliated students, including active-duty service members, veterans, and military-connected families. The prestigious designation is awarded by VIQTORY, publisher of G.I. Jobs® Magazine, and is based on a rigorous, data-driven evaluation process. More than 1,800 institutions participated in the 2025-2026 survey, with 537 receiving special awards for exceeding Military Friendly® standards. SIUE was evaluated in the small public institution category and also earned the designation of Military Spouse Friendly® School, reflecting its broad support for military families. “This designation reflects our deep commitment to serving those who have served,” said Kevin Wathen, EdD, director of Military and Veteran Services.
TODAY IN SPRINGFIELD: Congresswoman Budzinski to Host Roundtable on Strengthening Postal Service in Central and Southern Illinois
SPRINGFIELD — On Monday, July 28, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) will convene a roundtable discussion in Springfield focused on improving mail delivery and protecting postal services across Central and Southern Illinois. Local leaders, postal workers, and community stakeholders from across downstate Illinois will join the conversation. The discussion will cover key issues impacting mail service in the region including efforts to improve on-time delivery, protect local postal jobs, oppose privatization, and stop harmful facility consolidations that reduce access in rural and underserved areas. WHAT: Congresswoman Budzinski to Host Roundtable on Strengthening Postal Service in Central and Southern Illinois WHO: U.S. Congresswoman Budzinski, Illinois’ 13th District State Senator Doris Turner State Representative Mike Coffey Springfield Chamber President Mike Murphy Barbara Bridges, Champaign Postal Worker and Activist President Pam Shumard, Illinois Rural
Suspect Arrested: Mount Vernon Police Identify Two Victims in July 27, 2025, Shooting
MOUNT VERNON — The Mount Vernon Police Department, in coordination with Mayor John Lewis, has identified the victims of a shooting that occurred on July 27, 2025, and announced the arrest of one suspect in connection with the incident. The victims have been named as Zomarrius Williams, a 20-year-old male from Mount Vernon, and Demonta Woodward, a 26-year-old male from Mounds, Illinois. Authorities have arrested 22-year-old Jerria J. Smith of Mount Vernon, charging her with reckless discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice. Officials stated the investigation is in its early stages and that additional arrests and charges are expected as they continue to gather evidence and develop leads related to the shooting, which resulted in multiple casualties and injuries. The Mount Vernon Police Department is urging anyone with information who has not yet spoken with investigators to come forward. Witnesses or those with video evidence can contact the department at 618-242-2132,
Attorney General Raoul Releases Statement On Agreement To Pause Federal Restrictions On Public Benefit Programs
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today released a statement after the federal government agreed to temporarily halt implementation of harmful new restrictions on access to public benefit programs. “I am glad that the administration agreed to pause its notices prohibiting state safety net programs from serving all residents, regardless of immigration status, to allow time for the court to hear from both parties in this case. These burdensome rules would endanger some of Illinois’ most crucial social service programs, including preventative health care and maternity care from community health centers, violent crime victim counseling and legal services, Head Start early education and adult literacy education. I will continue to work to defend these programs from unlawful requirements.” Earlier this week, Attorney General Raoul and 20 other attorneys general filed a lawsuit opposing the federal government's attempt to change how eligibility for federally
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CHAMPAIGN — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) convened a roundtable with Uniting Pride in Champaign, to address the ongoing attacks facing the LGBTQ+ community and listen to local leaders on how they can work together to protect this community. “Since taking office, the Trump administration has launched relentless attacks on the LGBTQ+ community – such as eliminating suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth and attempting to ban transgender servicemembers from the military. These actions send a dangerous message—that LGBTQ+ people are not welcome or valued. That is wrong,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I will continue to fight for safety, dignity, and equity of the LGBTQ+ community in the Halls of Congress, and I am committed to convening with the community regularly to listen and learn from their lived experiences.” "We appreciate Congresswoman Budzinski taking the time to visit Uniting Pride and see firsthand the work being
Ozzy Osbourne best-of compilation jumps to top 10 on ‘Billboard’ 200
The Ozzy Osbourne best-of compilation The Essential Ozzy Osbourne has jumped into the top 10 on the Billboard 200 following the metal icon's death on July 22.The set, which debuted and peaked…
Donations spike in St. Charles County executive race, 1 year before primary
No Democrat or third-party candidate has started fundraising for the race, according to Missouri Ethics Commission.
Attorney General Raoul Issues Statement After Dismissal Of Lawsuit Challenging Trust Act
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following statement after a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Illinois’ TRUST Act that was filed by the Trump administration: “I am pleased with today’s decision, which follows the 7th Circuit’s dismissal of a similar lawsuit filed during the first Trump administration. “Today’s decision could not have been possible without the dedicated team of lawyers and staff who have worked tirelessly defending this latest attempt by the Trump administration to dismantle the TRUST Act. “Illinois’ TRUST Act acknowledges that civil immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government, and that state and local law enforcement resources are most appropriately utilized protecting the communities in which they serve. “I will continue to defend the constitutionality of the TRUST Act against the Trump administration’s cruel and draconian immigration activities.”
In Chicago, Duckworth Convenes Quantum Manufacturing & Research Leaders to Discuss Illinois's Quantum Future
CHICAGO – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today convened more than a dozen leaders across Illinois’s burgeoning quantum sector, manufacturing and research institutions to learn more about how Illinois can harness quantum advancements to bolster our state’s manufacturing power. Today’s meeting comes on the heels of this week’s Global Quantum Forum in Chicago which brought together leaders in quantum from around the globe. Photos from today’s meeting are available on the Senator’s website. “Illinois is already a hub of agriculture, manufacturing and transportation, and we’re becoming a national and international leader for quantum technology,” Duckworth said. “As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I’m committed to promoting Illinois on a global level to help bring home investments, especially in our growing quantum industry, and making sure Illinois’s quantum projects have the federal
Patching of I-57/72 Ramps Begins July 28
CHAMPAIGN – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that pavement patching of ramps at the Interstate 57/72 interchange in Champaign begins July 28. Beginning at 9 a.m., the southbound I-57 ramp to eastbound I-72 will close for patching for one to two days and then move on as follows (with one or two days at each location): Southbound to westbound Northbound to eastbound Eastbound to southbound Westbound to northbound Additionally, patching in the 1-57 mainline lanes will require lane closures for approximately two weeks. Current lane and ramp closures will be unaffected by this work. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For more information
Looming Medicaid work requirements could worsen Missouri backlogs in social services
Kevin Wehner has been there for Missourians as they have dealt with unanswered questions, long wait times and the confusion as they enrolled for government insurance. He was there as the Affordable Care Act marketplace came online, and as Missouri slowly expanded its Medicaid program, known as MO HealthNet. He’s witnessed Missouri struggling for years […]
Charles Houska: Master of Play
Now open at the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries, Charles Houska: Master of Play is a retrospective of the St. Louis artist’s work over his impressive 25-plus-year career, […]
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Beer Master Tour
The biggest fans of Budweiser must book a Beermaster Tour while they’re in St. Louis. The two-hour tour gives guests an all-access look at how the King of Beers is […]
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Day Fresh Tour
The most popular tour at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis explains the life of an Anheuser-Busch beer from seed to glass. Along the way, you’ll visit the Clydesdales Paddock […]
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Budzinski Holds Field Hearing on Rural Veterans' Issues
URBANA, Ill. - Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) held a House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) Subcommittee on Technology Modernization field hearing on rural veterans’ issues. The hearing, titled “Beyond the City Limits: Delivering for Rural Veterans,” included testimonies from a diverse panel of local witnesses representing VA leadership, Veterans Service Organizations, county and state programs, and veterans themselves. “Rural veterans face unique challenges accessing the care and benefits they have earned, whether it’s driving hours to the closest VA medical center, or even farther for a compensation and pension exam,” said Congresswoman Budzinski, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization. “I was thrilled to bring the Veterans Committee to the 13th District today to underscore the need to shore up our rural healthcare system – a lifeline to veterans –
Battlehawks' Nick Whiteside to leave STL for the NFL
Battlehawks cornerback Nick Whiteside will be hanging up the St. Louis jersey and trading it for an NFL uniform, officials announced Monday morning.