It came as a surprise when the once great Peoria Journal Star newspaper announced it was eliminating home and business delivery of its Saturday edition. Time was when the Saturday paper was the most popular of the week, though it’s…
Author Archive for Roger Monroe
Straight Talk | Strange announcement: Unity Point negotiating with Carle Health
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Strange announcement: Unity Point negotiating with Carle Health
In a letter to employees and a news release to the media, Unity Point Health CEO and President Clay Holderman, announced that the Iowa-based health system had entered into discussions with officials at Carle Health that could see Peoria’s Methodist…
Straight Talk | Giving thanks
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Giving thanks
As the year comes to an end, I want to take this opportunity to thank the people who’ve made it possible for our program, “Breakfast with Roger and Friends,” to become the fastest growing morning show on Peoria radio. Royce…
Straight Talk | Peoria County Auditor: To be or not to be?
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Peoria County Auditor: To be or not to be?
By a vote of 15 to 2, the Peoria County Board Thursday evening, Oct. 14, approved its 2022 budget. That budget was controversial to some because it reduced the operating budget for the office of County Auditor Jessica Thomas by…
Straight Talk | Honoring Tami Lane
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Honoring Tami Lane
Hollywood could not have created a better setting for the ceremony honoring Peoria’s Academy Award winner Tami Lane. City of Peoria and Peoria Public School officials, along with family and friends, gathered Thursday, Sept. 9, near the entrance to Hines…
Straight Talk | Bad proposal by Peoria Park
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Bad proposal by Peoria Park
The decision by Peoria Park District Executive Director Emily Cahill and her staff to recommend the demolition of the historic Glen Oak Amphitheater in order to construct toilets, a basketball court, playground, and shelter is puzzling, if not ridiculous. The…
Straight Talk | Where are the people?
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Where are the people?
It appears the long-term effects of the pandemic are creating problems beyond the retail and hospitality industries. Much has been written and spoken about labor shortages in restaurants and stores. However, there are difficulties for other businesses and events. Fans…
Straight Talk | Not good “news”
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Not good “news”
A number of incidents in the local media prompts me to focus on Peoria’s broadcasting industry. Let’s start with the dismissal of WEEK TV’s talented meteorologist, Jesse Guinn. Guinn reportedly was unceremoniously fired without notice or any kind of preliminary…
Straight Talk | Tami Lane to be recognized
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Tami Lane to be recognized
Plans are underway to recognize the only Peoria person to receive a Hollywood Oscar, movie industry’s highest award. Tami Lane, a graduate of Woodruff High School and Bradley University, received the 2005 Academy Award for Best Makeup in the movie…
Straight Talk | Congratulations to Rita Ali!
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Congratulations to Rita Ali!
Peoria has a new mayor. After a short stint as a member of the City Council, Ali was elected mayor, defeating fellow Councilman Jim Montelongo. It was a close race. At the end of election day, Tuesday, April 6, Montelongo…