When I started in radio as a part-time announcer, there were only a handful of stations in Peoria. They included WMBD, 1470, the first to go on the air; the “Mighty 1290, WIRL; WAAP, 1350, which later became WXCL; Clear…
Straight Talk
Straight Talk | These tragic child deaths need more investigating
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | These tragic child deaths need more investigating
For the second time, the Peoria area lost another child to physical and mental abuse. For the second time, I fear the deaths will die from lack of attention and meaningful response. While 35-year-old Leslie Jett will die as an…
Straight Talk | Primarily, interesting manuevering; but school names?
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Primarily, interesting manuevering; but school names?
With the filing for the June primary completed by the 5 pm Monday, March 14, deadline, political observers noted some surprises. The biggest was news that Andrew Rand did not seek re-election to the Peoria County Board. Rand represents District…
Straight Talk | Hear about Johns Hopkins COVID study?
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Hear about Johns Hopkins COVID study?
It was shocking to learn the country’s major news networks and newspapers failed to report results of the Johns Hopkins University meta-analysis coronavirus study regarding the effects of the ordered lockdowns. Of course, if the national media doesn’t cover the…
Straight Talk | Journal Star’s Saturday strategy a reason newspapers fading out
by Roger Monroe • • Comments Off on Straight Talk | Journal Star’s Saturday strategy a reason newspapers fading out
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…
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…