SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois State Board of Elections said it is “reviewing” a letter it received from the Department of Justice — a letter that is a thinly veiled threat to prosecute them for allegedly allowing noncitizens to vote.

The letter, addressed to Executive Director Bernadette Matthews, comes from the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ. It does not make any specific allegations that noncitizens are registered to vote in Illinois, and it does not allege that Matthews or anyone else is doing something illegal.

Instead, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, who signed the letter, said the letter serves as a “notice of federal laws applicable to state and local officials,” citing multiple laws that make only citizens of the United States eligible to vote.

However, Dhillon also mentioned laws that make it a criminal offense for not only noncitizens to register to vote and actually cast a ballot, but also for election officials to “knowingly and willfully” allow it to happen.

“Any election officer, including the chief election officer of the state, who knowingly retains noncitizens on the state’s voter registration list or facilitates noncitizens in receiving and casting ballots could be subject to criminal liability,” Dhillon said. “We encourage you to contact us to discuss what steps your state should take to maintain clean voter lists as required by law. The Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, would like to assist your state in complying with these federal laws.”

The letter appears to be part of the Trump administration’s efforts to crack down on what it alleges to be widespread voting by noncitizens. Every other state in the country, plus Washington, D.C., reportedly received similar letters.

The Illinois State Board of Elections confirmed to WCIA that it received the letter and provided a copy but could not comment on it besides to say officials are “reviewing” it.

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. (HEARTLAND NEWS) – Officials are reminding residents to take lightning safety seriously following a recent strike that sent a Franklin County man to the hospital.

Lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from the storm itself, whether you’re at the pool, lake or courts. Emergency management officials say the biggest mistake people make is waiting until the rain starts before heading inside.

“Lightning often strikes outside the area of the heaviest rainfall, and if you can hear thunder, you’re in danger,” said Brian Burgess, director of the Williamson County Emergency Agency.

Scott Radecki teaches tennis lessons at Herrin City Park and constantly monitors weather conditions as part of his outdoor job. He tracks weather on his phone, especially on days with uncertain conditions.

“I’ve had lessons later in the day, had to go back to Marion, drive to courts, a popup storm came, started raining, so it’s just kind of part of the job and you just try to deal with it the best you can,” Radecki said.

Burgess said people need to know where they’ll go if storms develop before heading outdoors. The National Weather Service says you need to stay inside a safe building for at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder because all thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous.

If you’re caught outside and can’t immediately find shelter, stay away from isolated tall trees, towers and utility poles. If you are in a group of people, make sure you spread out.

Lightning can also be dangerous inside buildings as well.The National Weather Service says Electricity travels through anything that’s metal or any medium, including electronics.

“Lightning will travel through wiring and plumbing if your building is struck, so don’t take a bath or a shower or wash dishes during the storm,” Burgess said.

Official organizations like the CDC offer a simple reminder: when thunder roars, go indoors.

(WIFR/WREX) – Illinois leaders announce disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses in 11 counties affected by severe thunderstorms earlier this year.

The relief waives penalties and interest for taxpayers who cannot file returns or make payments on time because of the severe weather. It covers income, withholding, sales, specialty and excise taxes.

The tax relief applies to any area included in Gov. JB Pritzker’s state disaster proclamation.

Locally, this includes Stephenson and Winnebago Counties. Other counties across the state included in the proclamation are:

• Coles
• Cook
• Effingham
• Jefferson
• Kankakee
• LaSalle
• McLean
• Warren
• Woodford

The proclamation covers severe weather in these counties between March 10 and June 21.

“In the wake of these devastating storms, my administration is ensuring that impacted residents and businesses have the support they need to recover,” Pritzker said. “By offering temporary tax relief to individuals and businesses in 11 counties, we’re giving impacted communities the time and breathing room necessary to focus on recovery.”

Individuals and businesses located in those counties qualify for state tax relief. Any counties added later will also be eligible, according to the governor’s office.

Taxpayers seeking a waiver of penalties and interest should send a brief written explanation to the Illinois Department of Revenue regarding why they cannot file timely or pay. They should provide their full name, account number, mailing address and an estimate of when they believe they can file or pay their taxes. If using a Social Security number, include only the last four digits.

Requests may be submitted electronically to REV.DisasterRelief@illinois.gov or by postal mail using the address on the return. When submitting by mail, taxpayers should write “Severe Storms – Summer 2026” at the top of the return in red ink and attach or include the explanation for requesting abatement of penalties and interest.

Taxpayers who have already been billed for penalties should email REV.DisasterRelief@Illinois.gov and provide their name, business name, account numbers and the periods for which they filed late due to the storms to request penalty abatement. Taxpayers should also include “Severe Storms – Summer 2026” in any communications with the department when requesting relief.

Property owners who experienced damage should contact their county supervisor of assessments if they wish to apply for reassessment due to any property damage. The Motor Fuel Use Tax is not included in this disaster tax relief.