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’ “Must-See Small Town Of 2024” Is No Surprise, Right?
In my opinion, our state has many "must-see" cities and towns, not just one. However, this particular small town frequently receives all sorts of compliments, from "charming" to "romantic" to "scenic" and historical. Any guesses?
Don’t Answer! Illinoisans, Avoid Calls From These Area Codes
Having a phone with you at all times is such a convenience in today's world...until it isn't. Always being connected means that anyone can reach out to you at anytime, which is not such a good thing when so many scammers are out there looking to take your money or identification. If you see a call coming in from one of these area codes, do not answer it. Here's why.
Illinoisans Who Bought This Ice Cream May Get A Cash Settlement
One particular brand has one particular ice cream flavor that was, according to a class action lawsuit, falsely advertised. Although the company admits to no wrongdoing, they're still set to pay out almost $9 million in settlement money to Illinois residents (along with the residents of the other 49 states) to make this all go away. Read on to find out if you're eligible for payment.
Illinois Is A Dog State, But…How Many Can You Legally Have?
My daughter Molly, a true dog-lover if ever there were one, recently told me that her ideal home would have lots and lots and lots of dogs running around. When I asked what lots and lots and lots meant, she replied "whatever the legal limit is." Since I had no idea about legal limits on dogs, I decided to check into it.
Illinois’ Stink Bugs Are Back: What You Don’t Know About Them
If you've spent any amount of time in Illinois, you are undoubtedly familiar with those brown bugs that show up every year around this time, looking to get into your house. Here's something that maybe you didn't know: Illinois has not just one, but 11 different types of stink bugs.
Amazon Closes Illinois Fulfillment Center, Lays Off Over 200
Closures of Amazon fulfillment centers in California are one thing, since we're seeing all sorts of businesses abandoning the Golden State, but the closure of one of Amazon's Illinois fulfillment centers means that over 200 Illinoisans are now out of work a little over two months before the holiday season.
Illinois’ Fastest Drive Thru: Which Chain Is The Quickest?
As you may have noticed, fast food prices are rivaling, and in some cases topping the prices you'll find at casual sit-down restaurants. So, if price isn't the reason you're in the drive-thru, it's gotta be because you want that fast food fast. A study took a look at who's moving quickly and who's making you wait.
Illinois’ Owls Are Active & Hooting At Night Now, Here’s Why
If you've spent any time outside during the late night or early morning hours, you've probably noticed that there's a sound that's perfect for Halloween-time: the eerie hooting of an owl or owls. Here's why Illinois' owls are making themselves heard in the month of October.
Illinois Grocery Tax: Here’s What Cities And Towns Are Paying Now
Illinois' one-percent state grocery tax is set to phase out in January of 2026, which should save all of us some money. How much money? Let's take a look at what some individual cities and towns in Illinois are currently paying out in grocery taxes right now, and hope that Illinois cities don't decide to impose their own grocery taxes like two cities have already done.
Driving Barefoot Or With Flip Flops In Illinois: Legal Or Not?
It's probably important to note that the question is "legal or not," rather than "is driving barefoot or in flip flops a good idea or a very bad idea in Illinois, or anywhere else?" The answer to one of those questions is a definite no.