Riley O'Neil

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.

Northern Illinois Town Named One Of America’s “Most Christmassy”

Having looked around a bit at different cities and towns in Northern Illinois, I can safely say that there are lots of towns around these parts that really do it up for Christmas. However, there's one place that stands above all the rest when it comes to bringing in the holiday season.

Chicago Bears Consider Building New Stadium Next To Soldier Field

The smart money still says that the Chicago Bears will build their new stadium complex in Arlington Heights, but the latest news about another possible stadium location certainly has people buzzing, both for and against.

LA Man Leads Illinois Cops On A High Speed Chase For 115 Miles!

When the state of Illinois' tourism people came up with the slogan "Illinois: Mile After Magnificent Mile," I really tend to think that they weren't talking about high-speed chases, because the drivers are more concerned with the road and the police in hot pursuit than the lovely scenery around them.

Cantaloupe Recall In Illinois Expands With 6 New Salmonella Cases

Even though the recall has been in place for almost 2 weeks, reports of people being sickened, hospitalized, and even dying after eating salmonella-tainted cantaloupes keep rolling in from Illinois and multiple other states.

Yuck! Here’s The Food That Illinoisans Hate More Than Any Other

Complaining about food was never tolerated in the house I grew up in. Both my parents came from a time when food was scarce, and they never got over it. Even if the meal was borderline inedible, they're attitude was "be glad you have something, now shut up and eat it."

Illinois Pet Owners: Keep These Holiday Food Items Away From Them

The holidays, starting with Thanksgiving, are centered around a lot of food. Whether it's family dinners, guests coming by for drinks and appetizers, or just the overall presence of a whole bunch of food, your pets are going to want to get in on it. Here are the things you should really avoid giving to them, regardless of the amount of begging.

Moving? These Are 50 Most Affordable Places To Live In Illinois

Illinois may no longer lead the nation in outbound migration (a fancy term for someone leaving a state), but that doesn't mean that Illinois residents aren't looking to the most affordable spots in the state for relocation. If you had to leave where you live now, which of these Illinois cities and towns would you consider?

Incandescent Light Ban: What About Christmas Lights In Illinois?

As you probably know, the current administration banned the sale of incandescent light bulbs on August 1st of this year as part of a plan to phase out inefficient bulbs and promote the use of more energy-efficient ones. Now that we're in the holiday season, here's how that ban affects the way we light up and decorate for the holidays in Illinois.

Fire Danger: 1000s Of Electric Blankets Sold In Illinois Recalled

If we were living somewhere in the southern part of the country where keeping warm during sub-zero nights isn't really a thing, this wouldn't be as newsworthy as it is here in the Midwest where plenty of people add an electric blanket or heated throw to their bed or couch from November through March.

Wish List 2023: Here Are Illinois’ Most Wanted Christmas Gifts

Maybe you're one of those people who always knows what the hottest items for Christmas are, or you're perhaps someone who couldn't care less because you're giving everyone socks and underwear. If you don't fit either of those descriptions, read on to see what Illinoisans really want to unwrap this holiday season.