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
“Work From Home” Scam Prompts National Warning From BBB
There's no sugar-coating how tough things have been for most people over the last year, especially when we're talking about finding a job. With record-high unemployment comes desperation, and desperation brings out the scam artists.
Health Officials Join Warning Against Laminating Vaccine Cards
Last week, we told you that Staples and Office Depot are offering free lamination for your COVID-19 vaccination card. Right after that, news began to spread that the phony vaccination card business is booming. There's a connection, and medical professionals are not happy about it.
Illinois Car Thief Arrested After Asking Cops For Directions
You'd think that after stealing a car, you'd know better than to stop for a minute to chat with the police about the best way to get where you're going. You'd think that, and you'd be quite wrong.
Rockford Better Business Bureau Says Tax I.D. Theft On The Rise
For many people, the idea of having someone else doing your taxes is very appealing, assuming that you've hired them to handle that task. It stops having any appeal when you find out that someone did your taxes without your knowledge.
Chicago Says Cubs Can Sell 2000 More Tickets Per Game
Last season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nobody took anybody out to the ballgame anywhere in the country except for the last rounds of the playoffs and World Series when Texas allowed a few thousand fans into Globe Life Field in Arlington.
Chicago’s Kraft Foods Wants To Break You Of “Mayo-Phobia”
In the interests of full disclosure, I'm forced to admit an uncomfortable truth. I really don't hate mayonnaise. I don't love it, either. I'm okay with it. Is that alright?
State Senator Dave Syverson On A Potential Illinois Tax Hike
Last night, I started getting emails and texts from some people I know who are pretty plugged-in to Illinois politics. When I say plugged-in, I mean they're obsessed with the political machinations of a state that has just been named (again) as one of America's most corrupt states.
Illinois Breaks Records For Sports Gambling In January
Depending on your age, you probably wouldn't have believed it if someone had told you 20 years ago that someday Illinois would be raking in the cash from legalized marijuana and sports gambling.
Congressman Adam Kinzinger On COVID Relief, Voting, Politics
16th District Congressman Adam Kinzinger joined the WROK Morning Show on Thursday for his monthly visit, and as usual, there was no shortage of topics for us to get into.
Illinois Coined “March Madness,” NCAA Then Took It
Maybe it's not quite as simple as the headline would indicate, but the truth of the matter is indisputable. Illinois High School athletics first used the term way back in 1939.