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
Is This The Hottest Hobby In Illinois For 2024?
Illinois residents looking for the right hobby have no shortage of things to choose from, but one particular back-to-nature, or, back-to-basics type of hobby has been taking the state of Illinois by storm and has quite the buzz about it.
Study Puts 5 Illinois Places On Top 20 Public Schools In US List
In years past, Illinois has represented itself very well on lists of the best schools in the country, and this year is no exception. We often hear about the worst places, so it's nice to see a spotlight placed on those schools that are doing right by their students and their families.
Family Dollar Shutdown: Here’s The List Of Illinois Closings
When the news broke last month that Dollar Tree, owner of Family Dollar stores, would be closing up to 1,000 Family Dollar locations, they didn't say which stores would be in line for permanent shuttering. Now, that information is starting to trickle out, including the announcement of the first Family Dollar stores in Illinois set for closure.
Is Illinois Planning To Get Rid Of “Right Turn On Red?”
We've been turning right on red in Illinois (and most of the rest of the country) for 50-plus years, but now several places are banning the practice while others consider doing so for a reason that maybe you don't think of while making that right turn on red.
Decline It! Illinois Residents, Skip Calls From These Area Codes
Most of us are aware that there are scammers out there trying to trick you into clicking on fake emails and/or texts so they can get your personal information or money, but did you know that you could find yourself being taken by doing nothing but simply answering a call from certain area codes?
Major Retailer To Close 1K Stores, Including Some Illinois Spots
A major player in discount stores with over 108 Illinois locations is planning on closing 1,000 stores across the country, and 600 of those locations should be closed by summer.
Illinois Pizza Joint Crown ‘Best Spot in the U.S.’ According to Yelp
Not to be contrary, but trying to choose the best pizza joint in the United States (or even just in Illinois) is a lot like trying to pick a favorite child. How do you do it when there are so many outstanding spots in this state to get pizza? Start with the reviews, I guess.
Warning: These Illinois Spring Flowers Can Be Deadly To Your Dog
Sure, it's nice to see winter in the rearview mirror because that means warmer weather, sunshine, and flowers blooming are coming soon. The downside to the seasonal change in Illinois is that some of the most common and beloved springtime flowers in our state can really make your dog sick...or worse.
Forget Cicadas, Illinois Has Plenty Of Creepy Spring Bugs Coming
I know, you've been thinking about the billions and billions of cicadas that are going to come popping out of the ground in the next few weeks and you've completely forgotten (unless you're seriously bug-phobic) about the creepy-crawlies that make their presence known every spring here in Illinois. Don't worry, the bugs haven't forgotten.
Trying To Save Money? These Are Illinois’ Most Affordable Places
Where would you go if you were told that you had to leave the Illinois city or town in which you currently reside, but had to stay within Illinois' borders? Well, if you're looking for a lower cost-of-living, here are about 50 places in our state where you get more bang for your buck.