Running theory on balloon over IL is that since it was launched from a rural area off a major highway, Chinese (or just bad guys generally) know they will be caught the second they enter our air space, so to maximize time they launch them within US, even though they know they'll get popped fast. Like one time use satellites, or to drop and dispurse payloads and have enough time to leave the area. I'd be watching traffic on all IL highways for Chinese nationals or others. Reason they would transpond is because it gives more time before balloon gets popped because "hey maybe this is just a normal one we need to spend time checking with all institutions that may have done this before taking action."
Military would benefit from me lol