Riley O'Neil

I consider myself lucky to have been born and raised right here in the Rock River Valley, a place that my family and my wife Amy's family have called home for generations. I was first hired at WROK in 1983, and except for a short departure, I've spent my entire career right here in Rockford. Halloween of 2019 will mark my 18th anniversary of hosting the WROK Morning Show, making me the longest-serving morning show host in the station's nearly 100-year history. Amy and I have been happily married for 28 years, with two (now grown) children, Spencer (who does voice-overs for audio books and commercial voice-over work, too), and Molly (a graduate of Rock Valley College who also dazzles with service at a popular local restaurant). I'm luckier than I ever thought possible. When I'm not here at the station, I can usually be found at one of Rockford's many great, local events, either as host/master of ceremonies, or as an attendee. If we should meet, feel free to buy me 1 to 7 drinks.

Here Are Some New Illinois Laws Going Into Effect In January

Since we don't have new phonebooks to look forward to in January (when is the last time you even got a new phonebook?), we'll have to settle for taking a look at some new laws that hit the books when we flip our calendars to 2024 here in Illinois.

Here’s How Many UFOs Have Been Reported In Illinois This Year

UFO talk is everywhere, especially with the ongoing UFO/UAP testimonies going on in Washington, DC. If you've been wondering how many UFO sightings have been reported in Illinois and the Midwest thus far in 2023, read on for the surprising numbers.

You Make The Call: Are These Midwestern Foods Really Gross?

Let's take a look at some foods that people outside of the Midwest (and plenty in it) find disgusting, and that they also assume that Midwesterners can't get enough of.

Illinois’ Secretary Of State Is Making Changes At The DMV

This may be surprising to learn, but apparently people here in Illinois have gotten fed up with long wait times when they visit the Illinois Secretary of State's driving facilities (or, DMV). Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is going to be changing things around to address those concerns.

Heads Up! Video Shows Indiana Crop Duster Nearly Hit Semi

Truck drivers have to deal with a lot of things on the road around them that would scare most of us out of driving, but having to contend with something in the air seems a bit much.

Illinois’ Deadly Plants: This Nasty One Could Be In Your Yard

Contrary to popular theory, not everything green is good. In this case, the Illinois plant we're talking about might be very nearby wherever you are...and it can kill you.

How Much Did Harry Caray Drink? Here Are The Crazy Numbers

You may not have known this, but legendary broadcaster Harry Caray actually kept a "drinking diary" that covers the many, many places that Harry drank, and who he drank with.

Dog Lovers: Here’s How Many Dogs Illinois Residents Can Have

Nearly everyone loves pets, and dogs hold a slight edge over cats in total numbers here in Illinois. But, how many canines can you legally have running around in your yard here in Illinois?

Check Out The Off-Beat Guinness World Records Held By Illinoisans

If you thought setting world records was something that was only done by people in other states, you should check out some of the weird, strange, and bizarre records that have been set here in Illinois.

Here’s Where To Go In Illinois For The Absolute Best Stargazing

There's no shortage of really cool celestial events every year, but for Illinois residents who never really get a good look at meteor showers, planetary alignments, comets, and eclipses, here's where to go to see things in the heavens like you've never seen before.

Fun Fact: Duct Tape Was Invented By An Illinois Mom During WWII

One of the most used and loved products in the world today was invented by an Illinois mother during World War II, who hoped to save soldiers lives on the battlefield, especially her own sons. When no one would listen to her, she decided to write a letter to the President of the United States. Spoiler alert: He listened to her.

Stateline Lawmaker Proposes Lowering Illinois Drinking Age To 18

90th District State Representative John Cabello has introduced a bill in Springfield that would, if signed into law, drop the drinking age in Illinois from our current 21 years of age to 18.