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
Springtime’s Bug Time In Illinois: Here Are The Deadliest We Have
Say what you want about Illinois' frigid, snowy winters, but one thing is for certain: we're pretty much bug free from November to March. However, with this unseasonably warm weather we've been enjoying, the creepy-crawlies will be out and about sooner than usual. Let's look at the deadliest bugs we have in Illinois right before we see them in person.
Coyotes In Illinois: There Are A Lot More Than You Might Think
We're currently in the middle of coyote mating season here in Illinois, in case you were wondering why there have been some unusual yipping and howling noises during the nighttime hours. If you grew up with the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote cartoons like I did, you probably thought coyotes were something that only people in the southwest U.S. have to deal with---and we were both wrong. You'll be surprised by the number of coyotes that call Illinois home.
Popular Steakhouse Is Closing 40 Locations Including Illinois
Yet another popular dining spot is having some struggles at various locations throughout the country, including right here in Illinois. The full list and locations of all possible closures hasn't been released yet, but one Illinois location has already closed its doors permanently.
What Would Happen If Illinois Stopped Clock Changing 2X Per Year?
Sunday, March 10th is the day we change our clocks to spring forward, then on Sunday, November 3rd we do it all over again and fall back. Changing our clocks twice per year has an approval rating that's even lower than Congress, so what would happen if we said "no more!" and stopped the practice entirely?
3 Of The Hottest Housing Markets In The U.S. Are Here In Illinois
Prices and interest rates are so high in some places of the country that houses sit on the market for months, while in places like these 3 spots in Illinois, houses are less expensive and are sold pretty quickly.
Illinois Postal Thieves Caught With Garbage Bags Full Of Mail
Maybe it's just me, but I love finding my mailbox empty, or nearly empty, because that's a day with no bills. That scenario doesn't happen very often, because if it did I might think something was going on.
Food Study Slaps Illinoisans As Being America’s Worst Tippers
I don't think that it's incorrect to say that tipping culture in the United States has pretty much gotten out of control, with tips being suggested or demanded in all sorts of scenarios that we never tipped for before. However, there's a difference between out of control tipping and deserved or earned tipping. What are we not getting in Illinois?
Clock Change: Here’s When Daylight Saving Time Begins In Illinois
The day to move our clocks forward one hour is rapidly approaching, and despite the fact most everyone hates doing the "spring forward-fall back" routine, lawmakers don't seem any closer to getting rid of it here in Illinois or anywhere else in the nation.
Weather Channel Says Early Spring, Warmer Temps For Illinois
If you've lived in Illinois long enough, you're probably really enjoying the mild February temperatures...and you keep wondering when winter will remember it's still winter and hit us with more cold and ice. It turns out that being optimistic that spring is starting early isn't such a bad idea after all, because it looks like it will.
Solar Eclipse Coming April 8th: Illinois’ Best Viewing Spots
April 8th will be here before you know it, which is why I'm giving you the heads-up on the rare phenomenon of a total solar eclipse happening on that day. Believe it or not, where you are located in Illinois will affect how much of the total eclipse you'll get see, so let's take a look at Illinois' best viewing spots.