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.

Discount Retailer Now Says They’re Closing More Illinois Stores

Around a month after deciding to shut down about 300 of its stores, this major discount retailer declared bankruptcy on Monday of this week. Here's what it means for their remaining stores in Illinois.

Illinois Just Banned A Common Item That Might Put You In The Dark

Ironically enough, the soon-to-be banned items are the very same things a former senator and president from Illinois very passionately described as being something that we should all be using because of its superior efficiency.

Calling In Sick: Illinoisans Do It A Lot For One Non-Sick Reason

Calling in sick to work is something that happens every day, and most of us have had to do it a few times in our working career. However, a new study shows that Illinoisans like to call in sick when they're not actually ill for one specific reason. Any guesses? And, have you done it?

Bees In Illinois: Ever Wondered Where They Go When It Gets Cold?

Some things migrate toward the south and warmer weather, other things dig in and hunker down for a long winter's nap, but what happens to Illinois' bees, wasps, and yellow jackets when the weather turns frigid?

America’s Most Expensive Martini Offered By Chicago Joint

Who wouldn't want to sit down for a drink that will cost you as much as some cars would? I'd be totally up for it if I had a very wealthy friend who insisted on paying my bar tab in full.

Illinois’ Stink Bugs Are Back: What You Don’t Know About Them

If you've spent any amount of time in Illinois, you are undoubtedly familiar with those brown bugs that show up every year around this time, looking to get into your house. Here's something that maybe you didn't know: Illinois has not just one, but 11 different types of stink bugs.

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.