Riley O'Neil

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.

Illinois’ Walmart Apple Juice Recall Due To Arsenic Has Expanded

We've really had a bunch of food product recalls to deal with over the last few months, and there doesn't appear to be much a a late-summer slowdown. From vegetables to eggs to deli meats to apple juice, this is a good time to pay attention to the various food product recall notices we've been getting.

Home Improvement Chain Closing Hundreds Of Stores, 11 In Illinois

After filing for bankruptcy a little over a month ago, this home improvement company has decided to close over 200 stores across the nation. They plan on having the closings completed within about 3 months.

Illinois Aldi Stores: Here’s Why You Never Hear Music In Them

Think about it. You've probably shopped at an Illinois Aldi store at least a few times in your life. Do you remember hearing any music in the store? Here's why you won't.

Illinois’ Neighbor Has 41 Of The 50 Drunkest Counties In The U.S.

As long as we're this close to a holiday involving green beer and drinking to excess as its theme, I thought it would be fun to look at one of Illinois' next-door neighbors. This neighbor has quite the reputation for elbow-bending, and as it turns out, that reputation is well-earned.

Leaving Illinois? You’ll Probably Move To 1 Of These 3 Places

We may not be leading the nation right now in "outbound migration," but Illinois is still losing population to other states. These 3 take most of Illinois' departing residents.

Here’s Why There’s A Truck In A Tree On Highway 43 Outside Beloit

If you've ever found yourself traveling on Route 43 about eight miles outside of Beloit near mile marker 6 and the Clinton exit, you've seen the Truck In The Tree.

Ever Been To Illinois Most Charming Small Town? (It’s not Galena)

There's no shortage of small towns scattered throughout the state of Illinois. Some are vibrant, some are rundown, but of all the small towns in the Land of Lincoln, one particular place gets the title of Illinois' most charming small town.

Drinking In Illinois: Here’s The Most-Ordered Item At The Bar

It doesn't really matter what time of year it is, Illinois drinkers have really developed an affinity for a certain type of alcoholic beverage, and they're ordering it more than anything else. Any guesses?

Can You Identify Illinois Cities And Towns By Their Nicknames?

As you probably know, Rockford has a few nicknames. You've probably already heard of The Forest City, Screw City, The Fastener Capital Of The World, Reaper City, Illinois' 2nd City, and maybe even Furniture City, but did you know that many other Illinois cities and towns have nicknames, too? Let's take a look at some.

Payphones In Illinois: Can You Guess How Many We Have Left?

Way back when in the pre-cellphone era, if you were away from home and had to make a call you looked for the nearest payphone...and usually prayed that it would be in working order. Now that payphones are as hard to find as cheap gas, I got to wondering just how many of these relics from the past we still have around in Illinois.