On this week's episode of Out and About, Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks to Director Jake Van Hoorn about Dracula, on stage Oct. 9-11 and 15-18 at Peoria Players Theatre. In this Steven Dietz adaptation, the play stays close to Bram Stoker’s original novel. Dracula is presented as a charismatic but terrifying predator, embracing some of the darker material often omitted from other versions.

Illinois is facing a diesel-fuel price disaster, according to Gov. JB Pritzker. He’s directed state agencies not to penalize the use of tax-exempt red-dyed diesel on roads. While he calls it a cost-saving measure, the leader of the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association says more clarity is needed.

The move comes months after the Illinois Gaming Board approved Boyd Gaming's plans to redevelop the Par-A-Dice Casino at its existing East Peoria location after Peoria’s attempt to lure the gambling operation across the river. The updated ordinance says video gaming machines in hotels and motels are "disfavored and detrimental" to East Peoria.

Republican Darren Bailey believes his odds of beating Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker are better than his 2022 campaign. Bailey has tried to revamp his image with voters by embracing Chicago and the suburbs, even though he still remains a conservative from southern Illinois.

Council members voted unanimously to approve a five-year contract adding 10 Flock license plate readers in East Peoria, despite opposition in and outside the council chambers.

Changes could be coming to the busy intersection of West Jefferson and Bondurant streets during student arrival and pickup times at Washington Community High School.

The Peoria County coroner’s office is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash in Bartonville.

Officers responded to the 600 block of South Western Avenue on Monday afternoon for reports of shots fired.On the way, they were informed a vehicle struck the City Market building at the Howett Street intersection.

The city council on Tuesday night weighs a decision to add 10 more cameras to the 15 it already has. Opponents from Central Illinois anti-Flock groups hope to press council members by demonstrating in Levee Park before the meeting. The village of Creve Coeur has its own decisions to make.

A capital campaign seeks to raise $3 million to enable the Five Points Washington community center to bolster its aquatics, performing arts and gathering spaces.