Illinois quick hits: Pritzker monitoring federal deployments; IDOT discusses Chicago to Rockford plans

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Pritzker monitoring federal deployments

Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he is closely monitoring federal deployments in the Chicago suburb of Broadview.

Protesters clashed with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials outside ICE’s Broadview facility on Friday and Saturday.

ICE Commander Gregory Bovino announced on X the arrest of a Tren de Aragua gang member in Chicago’s suburbs. Numerous federal agents patrolled downtown Chicago over the weekend.

IDOT discusses Chicago to Rockford plans

The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting in Belvidere from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Monday to share updates on plans to restore passenger rail service between Chicago and Rockford.

An IDOT statement said the project was made possible by $275 million in taxpayer funds from Gov. Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program.

Tentatively scheduled to begin in 2027, the new service will connect Chicago and Rockford, with stops anticipated in Elgin and Belvidere.

Unclaimed life insurance policies returned

The Illinois Department of Insurance has announced that $19.6 million was returned to consumers this year from lost or unclaimed life insurance policies and annuities, thanks to the Life Policy Locator service available to consumers at no charge.

IDOI Director Ann Gillespie said Illinois requires insurance companies to attempt to find the beneficiaries of deceased policyholders when life insurance or annuity proceeds remain unpaid.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners reports that millions of dollars in life insurance benefits remain unclaimed each year.