By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Charges against protesters dropped

U.S. government attorneys have dropped a criminal complaint against two people who brought guns to a protest outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Illinois last month.

Prosecutors said Ray Collins and Jocelyne Robledo legally carried firearms to the protest.

Charges of assaulting and interfering with federal officers were dropped against Collins, Robledo and a third protester, Hubert Mazur.

ISP crime suppression in Metro East

Illinois State Police conducted a violent crime suppression detail on Oct. 4-5 in St. Clair and Madison counties.

The operation targeted known high crime areas, violent offenders and structured criminal groups in East St. Louis and neighboring Metro East communities.

ISP reported 17 arrests, 23 felony charges and nine firearms seized.

Tourism grants announced

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced that $4.4 million dollars are available in tourism funding through three programs: the Tourism Attraction Grant Program, the Tourism Private Sector Grant Program and the Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program.

The Tourism Attraction Grant Program will provide $1.8 million in state taxpayer funds for the development or improvement of tourism attractions in Illinois, such as museums, recreation areas, amusement parks and more.