Riley O'Neil has logged more hours behind a microphone than any other Rockford radio personality, starting out with his hiring at WROK in February of 1983. He’s also the longest-tenured morning show host in WROK's 100-year history, with 22 years as the host of the WROK Morning Show. He’s a multi award-winning commercial producer, voice-over artist, and much sought after product and service endorser for multiple local businesses. In addition to hosting the WROK Morning Show with Joe Dredge, Riley also writes for 1440WROK.com, covering everything from Illinois' best local restaurants, to some of the wildest and funniest things Illinois residents have gotten themselves into, and everything in-between.
Riley O'Neil
Study Says Illinoisans Call Out Sick A Lot For 1 Non-Sick Reason
Sure, I guess that "technically" you're not supposed to call in sick if you're not actually under the weather, but c'mon, let's be honest about this. We've all done it at one time or another, but a new study says that Illinoisans call in sick quite a bit for one particular reason that has absolutely nothing to do with illness.
Is It Cicada Time? Some Chicago Burbs Reporting Early Emergence
According to the cicada experts we've been hearing so much from lately, we're anywhere from 2-3 weeks away from the coming historical cicada emergence (or, cicada-geddon). Maybe someone should tell that to the cicadas that are reportedly already popping out of the ground in various spots throughout Illinois.
You Won’t Believe How Many Cars Were Stolen In Illinois Last Year
Thefts of vehicles are skyrocketing across the United States, and Illinois is certainly no exception. Unsurprisingly, California leads the nation in overall vehicles being stolen, but Illinois ranks in the top five states that had the most vehicles swiped in 2023.
Seafood Joint With 27 Illinois Locations Considers Bankruptcy
This famous seafood restaurant, with 100s of locations throughout the United States, may have some very big financial problems to deal with after one of their most popular promotions happened to be just a little bit too popular--and might bankrupt them.
Major Illinois Food Plant To Close Due To Massive Product Recalls
When a company gets hit with a single product recall, it can be a very, very expensive experience. When a company gets hit with one product recall after another product recall, it can end up with plants closing and hundreds of workers being let go---and that's exactly what has happened here in Illinois.
Illinois Hummingbirds Return: Here’s How To Get Them In Your Yard
Hummingbirds enjoyed a nice warm winter far to our south, and now, after a long migration, they're finding their way back into Illinois. Here's how you get yourself and your yard prepared to attract and enjoy these tiny birds until they leave again in the fall.
Illinoisans Who Want To Join Walmart Lawsuit Have Until June 5th
A class action lawsuit against Walmart over weighted groceries and bagged fruit that was filed in 2022 has resulted in a $45 million settlement from the company. If you believe you've been impacted, you can submit a claim for a cash payout, but you've only got a little over a month to get it done.
Illinois Is Working To Ban Skittles And Mountain Dew–Here’s Why
Did you know that there's an extensive list of food and drink products that Americans consume but that are banned in other countries? If some current legislation in Springfield finds its way to the governor's desk for signature, many of those very same foods banned elsewhere would also be banned here in the state of Illinois
Illinois Gets A Good Look At The Lyrid Meteor Shower This Weekend
In the course of a single week, Illinois sky-watchers get a look at a solar eclipse, the Devil Comet, and the Lyrid Meteor Showers. One of those, the eclipse, has already happened, but this weekend you may see both the Devil Comet and the Lyrids all from the comfort of your backyard or favorite viewing spot.
10 Illinois Cities Make The “100 Safest Cities In America” List
The study is based on FBI crime statistics and crime data from their most recent crime data release in October of 2023. We'll look at the 10 Illinois cities to make the safest cities list, and breakdown the numbers for Illinois' top 20 safest cities overall.