I consider myself lucky to have been born and raised right here in the Rock River Valley, a place that my family and my wife Amy's family have called home for generations. I was first hired at WROK in 1983, and except for a short departure, I've spent my entire career right here in Rockford. Halloween of 2019 will mark my 18th anniversary of hosting the WROK Morning Show, making me the longest-serving morning show host in the station's nearly 100-year history. Amy and I have been happily married for 28 years, with two (now grown) children, Spencer (who does voice-overs for audio books and commercial voice-over work, too), and Molly (a graduate of Rock Valley College who also dazzles with service at a popular local restaurant). I'm luckier than I ever thought possible. When I'm not here at the station, I can usually be found at one of Rockford's many great, local events, either as host/master of ceremonies, or as an attendee. If we should meet, feel free to buy me 1 to 7 drinks.
Riley O'Neil
Illinois Department Of Transportation Warns Of Fake Texts, Emails
If you haven't received a phony email or text from someone purporting to be with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), just be patient because you probably will.
Illinoisans Pay The 10th Highest “Lifetime” Taxes In The U.S
As you probably already know, Illinois leads the Midwest (and is near the top in the nation) in outbound migration. When people who are moving out of our state are asked why, the number one reason, by a wide margin, is a one-word answer: taxes.
Illinois Man Becomes Oldest American To Conquer Mt. Everest
Through the years, over 300 people have lost their lives climbing Mt. Everest, the world's highest peak, and there are still 100 or more bodies scattered about the different routes to the top.
Governor Pritzker Thinks A Lottery Prize Might Encourage Vaccinations
Currently, there are eight states in the U.S. that offer "vaccine lotteries" as a way to encourage their citizens to get out and get the COVID-19 shot(s). Illinois wants to be the 9th state to do it.
Illinois’ REAL ID Deadline Is Just 6 Months Away
It's perfectly understandable that you may have forgotten about Illinois' REAL ID while dealing with a more than a year of pandemic-related issues. I'm just here to remind you that Federal enforcement of REAL ID begins for commercial domestic air travel in just six months.
Starting Today, Illinoisans 16 And Older Are Eligible For Vaccine
If you've been patiently (or otherwise) waiting for your turn to get the COVID-19 vaccinations taken care of, your chance to roll up a sleeve is here.
It’s Opening Day At Wrigley Field, Here’s What’s Different
Last season's "lost season" is behind us, and today is Opening Day for Major League Baseball. The sun will be shining, but operations at Wrigley Field in Chicago are going to look and feel a little different than in previous home openers.
Vaccinated Illinois Diners Won’t Count Against Restaurant Capacity
When the word went out recently that in April all Illinois residents will become eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination, one of the things I kept hearing most was the pure joy at the thought of eating in restaurants again.
Chicago’s Mayor Says Fans Can Return For Cubs/Sox
Okay, so it won't be at 100 percent capacity, but after a season of fan-less baseball games in 2020, it'll be nice to see people enjoying games at Chicago's ballparks in 2021.
Extreme Cold Weather Is Not Your Phone Battery’s Friend
That sudden and rapid decrease in your phone's battery life is not your imagination, and it doesn't necessarily mean that you need to replace the battery or phone. The culprit might just be this incredibly cold weather we're experiencing right now.