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
Illinois Cicada Invasion: Here’s When Experts Say They’ll Show Up
So we've been hearing for months and months about the upcoming dual emergence of two broods of cicadas that will bring billions, if not a trillion cicadas to the surface and into our lives. We keep hearing that it will happen "this spring," but many of us would like the prediction to be a bit more specific. Here's what the cicada experts have to say about the timing of the cicada emergence.
Next Monday’s Eclipse: Here Are Illinois’ Best Viewing Spots
Plenty of people are really fired up about the solar eclipse taking place this coming Monday, April 8th. With a longer period of time in which to view the eclipse, you might be wondering where the best places in Illinois are to catch the incredible sky-show.
Tax Day Is April 15th: The Rockford BBB Warns Of Local Tax Scams
Even though there is less than two weeks to go before your taxes are due, bad actors using scam tactics have been doing what they do since at least January, and they won't stop trying to scam you on your taxes until we get past April 15th. Here's what to watch for in the local area.
Endangered Species: Meet Some Illinois Animals On The List
It's not surprising that Illinois has some animals on the endangered species list, but what is a surprise (at least to me) is how many of those Illinois animals I have never even heard of. Take a look and see how many you know.
Leave Illinois? Illinois County May Vote To Form New State
More than one Illinois county may feel that Chicago is out of step with the thoughts and values of the rest of "downstate Illinois," and at least one of those counties is considering giving their voters the chance to say they'd like to cut ties with Illinois' largest city and perhaps form a state or join another one.
Illinois City Is The 1st To Ban Menthol Cigs And Flavored Tobacco
The push to ban menthol cigarettes, flavored tobacco products, and flavored vaping items has been going on for quite a while, but no cities in Illinois have gone all in and banned those products---until now. One Illinois city has decided that those products and several others items will no longer be allowed to be sold.
Snow In April? Check Out Some All-Time Rockford Weather Records
For anyone who's stunned by seeing a crazy amount of snowfall coupled with winter-like cold during the first week of April, you should know that the Rockford area is no stranger to unseasonable weather events, including a snowstorm on Mother's Day.
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.