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
This Toxic Illinois Plant Will Make You Feel Like You’re on Fire
Last week, we told you about an Illinois plant, blooming right now, that may be pretty but it's also deadly. Today we look at a slightly less dangerous Illinois plant that can cause you extreme misery if you touch it.
No Overseas Travel Needed: Check Out The 7 Wonders Of Illinois
There's no need to spend a bunch of money traveling throughout the Greek Isles and Egypt if you're looking for wonders (although that would be fun). The 7 Wonders Of Illinois are all within easy driving distance.
Illinois Mountain Lion Arrested For Loitering, Sent To Indiana
When Illinois wildlife officials were faced with the prospect of a creature who's capable of eating people deciding to become a permanent resident of our state, they made the right call, and decided to make the mountain lion Indiana's problem.
Walmart Hit With Illinois Class Action For Biometric Violations
Another day, and another really big company is finding itself on Illinois' hot seat for violations of the Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act, or BIPA.
This Toxic Illinois Plant Will Make You Feel Like You’re On Fire
It's weird how we look at things. Tell someone who loves spicy food that a local restaurant has a certain dish will make them feel like they're on fire, and they'll find a way to get to that joint for a plateful just as fast as they can (myself included).
Illinois Suspends Carvana From Selling Cars Again–Here’s Why
It's been a rough 2022 for many people, as you're no doubt fully aware. One particular company is having a very rough year, especially in Illinois, as once again they've been ordered to halt all sales in the state.
New Study Says Chicago Is The 2nd Best City On Earth–Here’s Why
Chicago seems to be, at least to me, a city that inspires very few middle-of-the-road feelings. What I mean by that is simply that people either seem to love or loathe the place. It just depends on who you talk to.
What Happens When Midwest Woman Mixes Up Eye Drops With Nail Glue?
Mixing up your eyedrops with a tube of super glue sounds like something that you'd see in a sitcom or movie, but a Michigan woman will tell you that in spite of the cartoon-like premise, it actually does happen.
Illinois Is Changing A Fish’s Name…So You’ll Want To Eat It
You've got to hand it to the expert marketers out there. They know that you'll probably never ask the server at your favorite restaurant for details on their daily special of "invasive carp."
Wow! The Crazy Number Of Spam Calls Illinoisans Get Every Week
How widespread are spam calls? Think about this for a second: over the last year, nearly 60 million Americans say that they lost money as a result of being phone-scammed for a nationwide total of almost $30 billion.