Illinois quick hits: WIU campuses closed after standoff, shooting; Illinois economy slips for fourth straight month

WIU campuses closed after standoff, shooting

Western Illinois University’s Macomb and Quad Cities campuses were closed Thursday due to a standoff after a shooting that sent two officers to the hospital. The officers were injured while serving a warrant in the area at about 6:45 p.m. Wednesday. According to information released by the Macomb Police Department, two officers are in the hospital in “critical but stable condition.” All morning athletics and team practices were postponed along with other WIU events while the standoff continued.

Illinois economy slips for fourth straight month

Illinois’ economy is slowing down. The Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois measures the economy with the Flash Index, which combines inflation-adjusted rates of corporate earnings, consumer spending and personal income as an economic measure. Numbers out Wednesday show the Flash Index dipped in July for the fourth straight month.

Six Flags to require adult chaperones for Fright Fest

Six Flags Great America in Gurnee has announced adult chaperones will be required to accompany children 15 years and younger for the popular Fright Fest event. Citing increasing incidents of unruly and inappropriate behavior, Six Flags said the chaperone must be at least 21 years old and be required to show a valid photo ID before entering the park. The new policy will go into effect Sept. 14.