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 Bill Would Let You Dump Your License For A Digital One
It all breaks down to convenience--would you rather have your driver's license ready-to-go on your phone for any time you need to produce identification, or are you totally fine with the way we've always had a physical copy to dig out of our wallets when the need arises?
New Illinois Law: Dog Owners Could Get $50 Fine For Doing This
You don't have to spend much time driving in Illinois (or anywhere else) before you see another car where the driver has a dog sitting in their lap as they cruise down the road--but, if a new bill passes in Springfield, that driver could be looking at a ticket.
Best Frozen Pizza? Website Says It’s This Illinois-Made Favorite
It seems like there are about half a million different frozen pizzas to choose from, but there's a certain frozen pizza that's made right here in Illinois that really gets people passionate.
Here’s When Chicago Will Dye The River Green For St. Pat’s Day
If you're wondering when they dye the Chicago River, why they dye it, what they use to make it change color, and whether or not it's dangerous--you've come to the right place.
Here’s Illinois’ Ranking On The “Smartest States List”
So, are some states actually smarter as a whole than other states? Well duh, of course they are. What, are you from Iowa?
Website Says These Backroads Are Illinois’ Most Beautiful
This is something that my late father-in-law knew a lot about. According to my wife and her brothers, their dad knew every single worthwhile backroad in the entire state. He knew them all because it was his life-long habit to avoid paying tolls using whatever legal means necessary.
Do You Know About The 7 Wonders Of Illinois?
Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated by the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World (The Great Pyramid of Giza, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Statue of Zeus, Temple of Artemis, Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, Colossus of Rhodes, and Pharos (Lighthouse) of Alexandria).
Illinois Residents Are Hit With U.S.’s Highest Cell Phone Taxes
I've heard the expression "It's good to be number-one" before, but something tells me that being the top phone tax and fee state doesn't do much to attract new residents to Illinois.
!@&%!#: Here Are Illinois’ And The Midwest’s Favorite Swear Words
Let's get this whole sh***y post going with a question for you. Are you a swearer? Before you answer, I should tell you that the average American swears or curses between 80 and 90 times per day, which averages out to about 5 cusses per hour
Illinois State Rep Pushes To Legalize Magic Mushrooms
Illinois State Rep La Shawn Ford says it's not a move to give Illinoisans another item to add to their parties after marijuana was legalized back in 2020. It's to help those who, Ford says, deserve more tools to deal with mental health issues.