(WGME) Sen. Tammy Duckworth, from the state of Illinois, is publicly opposing Dr. Nirav Shah’s run for the U.S. Senate in Maine, citing his past performance as Illinois’ public health director.

Duckworth posted on X Thursday that her opposition is based on Shah’s handling of a 2015 Legionnaires’ outbreak at a veterans home. Duckworth said Shah “put his image before the safety of veterans” during the outbreak, which resulted in the deaths of 13 people.

Shah has previously responded to criticism of how he handled the outbreak. During a debate on CBS13 when he was running for governor, Shah said, “If what we demand are leaders with unblemished records, then what we will get are leaders who have not been tested. I have been tested, I have learned, I am better for it, and that will make me a better governor for every single Mainer.”

Shah also responded directly to Duckworth’s comments, saying he was praised — including by Sen. Susan Collins — for how he handled the COVID-19 pandemic. He also reemphasized his willingness to answer questions in town halls across Maine.

Shah noted most Maine voters will likely not have a say in who gets the nomination, but said they still deserve to hear candidates’ thoughts in debates before taking on Collins.

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.