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.
Riley O'Neil
New Year, New Laws In Illinois Worth Knowing About
No one wants to hear a member of law enforcement or a judge say to them "Ignorance of the law is no excuse," because that generally means that you're in deep trouble.
Why A Real Life “Home Alone” Would Send Illinois Parents To Jail
As someone old enough to remember seeing the movie Home Alone in the theater, I recall as we exited the theater overhearing a woman say to her husband "If you and I did something like that, and left a kid behind at home, we'd be going to jail!"
Did Pickle Ornaments Start With An Illinois Civil War Soldier?
If you've never seen or heard of a pickle ornament, I apologize. That headline has got to be one of the weirdest things you've read in quite awhile.
Flashback: Illinois Woman Sees Lincoln’s Face In A Clump Of Dirt
While certainly not the most attractive man to ever walk the face of the Earth, Abraham Lincoln is certainly one of the most recognizable, especially here in Illinois.
Did You Know You Can Take A Week Long Cruise In Illinois?
So you want to have a really fun, week-long cruise experience, but you're not really that into the idea of leaving the United States, given the current pandemic situation.
Chicago’s “Netflix Tax” Is Bringing In Huge Money From Subscribers
If there's one thing Chicago city government is really good at, it's finding ways to extract more and more money from the pockets of its residents.
Illinois Has 16,000 Miles Of Roads To Plow, Needs Plow Drivers
Several states are facing a shortage of salt-truck and snowplow drivers going into the winter season, and what do you know---Illinois is one of them.
Why Are A Record Number Of Illinoisans Quitting Their Jobs?
If you haven't already heard the term "The Great Resignation," you probably will in the very near future.
Here’s Where Illinois Ranks On List Of Safest Midwest States
It's pretty much a given that on nearly anyone's list of life's priorities, safety and security is right up there at the top of the list next to health. The home monitoring/home security business is booming for a reason.
Illinois Considers Law Limiting Amount Of Balloons You Can Release
Divers finding balloons in Lake Michigan and Girl Scouts spending their time picking up balloon debris in the Chicago suburbs led to Illinois State Representative Sam Yingling putting forth Illinois House Bill 418 (HB-418).
Illinois Residents Are Apparently Lying To Get Another COVID Shot
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now estimating that over 1 million people who have received either a Moderna or Pfizer vaccination have decided to go back for more.
Mexico to Stop Making Corona Beer
Mexico’s Grupo Modelo, whose brands also include Pacifico and Modelo, said the suspension will take effect on Sunday.