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Rep. Ford Receives a Perfect 100% Environmental Rating

Click Below to Print His 2026 Environmental Scorecard

Grant Opportunities and Resources

Connecting Our Community to Funding, Support, and New Possibilities

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DCEO Grant Opportunities

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Grants and Loans

State of Illinois Reports

October 8, 2026

Gov. Pritzker Announces $1.8 Million in Grant Funds for Local Food Infrastructure

Across Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) today announced $1.8 million in available funding for the Local Food Infrastructure Grants (LFIG) program. This funding bolsters food access in Illinois and supports items such as refrigerated vehicles, livestock processing, community kitchens, and more. These grants strengthen local and regional food supply chains, which increases access to Illinois agricultural products for communities across the state.

“Local farmers, food processors, and small businesses play a critical role in ensuring Illinois families in every corner of the state have access to nutritious, local food,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “By equipping producers with funds for infrastructure development and expansion, this program reduces food insecurities while strengthening local economies. I encourage all eligible entities to apply.”

Career Opportunities and Job Openings

Connecting Our Community to New Employment Opportunities and Professional Growth

The Illinois Fire Service Institute Reports

Veterans in the Fire Service Day - Current Members of the Fire Service : 12.00 Hours on October 17th

TWO DAY UNIQUE AND CHALLENGING PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY.

This annual event is designed for US Armed Forces Veterans who have also served or are serving as a member of the fire service.

The Veterans in the Fire Service Day will offer a day of hands-on, live fire training activities. Attendees will engage with an elite group of IFSI instructors who will introduce essential firefighting skills while participating in rigorous training rotations.

IFSI encourages attendees to network and share professional and personal experiences. The program allows ample time for discussing the parallels of the fire service and the US Armed Forces throughout the special event.

Loaner firefighting personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) will be available to students. Advance reservations for gear are preferred.

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Illinois DCEO Announces Three New Clean Energy Workforce Funding Opportunities

Apply by October 30

The Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program

The Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program funds 14 regional Clean Jobs Workforce Hubs (Workforce Hubs) throughout Illinois to provide clean energy and related workforce and training opportunities to participants. The program serves people living in equity eligible

communities, with robust barrier reduction funding available for participants who experience barriers to employment.

Community-based organizations that provide employment, skill development, or related services to members of the community are invited to apply. Eligible applicants include community colleges, nonprofits, and local governments that have an operating office in the community or region they serve and demonstrate relationships with residents and other organizations serving the community.

Energy Transition Navigator Program

The Energy Transition Navigators Program provides outreach, recruitment, and entry services for the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, the Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program, and other CEJA workforce and contractor programs. DCEO will provide grants to not-for-profit community-based providers (“Navigator Teams”) to conduct outreach and recruitment among eligible populations and help ensure they are aware of and engaged in statewide and local workforce and contractor development opportunities.

Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program

The Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program provides grants to organizations to operate three regional Pre-apprenticeship Centers throughout Illinois. The Pre-apprenticeship Centers will recruit and prescreen participants and provide free pre-apprenticeship skills training for careers in construction, the building trades, and clean energy. Upon completion, participants will be connected to and prepared to succeed in an apprenticeship program. The program aims to create a qualified and diverse pipeline of workers for clean energy careers.

Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations that provide employment, skill development, or related services in the proposed regions; have established relationships with local residents and community organizations; have experience serving low-wage or low-skilled workers from economically disadvantaged communities; and have relationships with registered construction and building trade apprenticeship programs, industry contractors, or contractor associations.

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NACA: Hiring Housing Counselors, Real Estate Agents and other positions for offices nationwide. Do well financially by making homeownership dreams come true.

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Click image below to view Rep. Ford's Employment Report for July 2026

NBC 5 News Reports

October 14, 2026

How bad is Pope Leo's cancer diagnosis? Lung doctor reveals road ahead

A Northwestern Medicine lung expert says there are signs that Pope Leo's lung cancer was early stage, pending further tests.

"From what I've heard, [we have] very good odds of this being a curative surgery and the Pope not having to need any additional treatment down the road," said Dr. Kalvin Lung.

A board-certified thoracic surgeon, Lung has performed hundreds of surgeries similar to Pope Leo's.

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Rep. Ford's Track Record

A Look Back at Rep. Ford’s History of Community Advocacy, Listening, and his Lasting Impact on the West Side

Rep. Ford Takes Action Fighting for the People’s Rights

Click video below to learn more information about Rep. Ford's extensive track record

Quote of the Day

“Laws should be made to serve the people. People should not be made to serve the laws.”

-Huey P. Newton, African-American revolutionary

On This Day in History

October 15, 1966

History Reports

October 14, 2025

Black Panther Party founded

On October 15, 1966, college students and political activists Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton form the Black Panther Party, a political action group in Oakland, California. Begun as a neighborhood patrol tasked with protecting Black Americans from police brutality, the Panthers would grow into a formidable cultural and political force. 

National Museum of African-American History and Culture Reports

The Black Panther Party: Challenging Police and Promoting Social Change

Its members confronted politicians, challenged the police, and protected black citizens from brutality. The party’s community service programs - called “survival programs” - provided food, clothing, and transportation. Rather than integrating American society, members wanted to change it fundamentally. For them, black power was a global revolution.

The Black Panther Party: Crash Course Black American History #39

Why the US government murdered Fred Hampton

Rep. Ford's Poll Questions

Poll Question #1

How do you feel about the Black Panther Party’s strategy of monitoring police to prevent brutality?

Please select the option that most accurately reflects your opinion and vote accordingly.

Poll Question #2

When communities face discrimination and violence, what role should armed self-defense play?

Please select the option that most accurately reflects your opinion and vote accordingly.

Knowing History Spotlight Moment

October 15, 2026

1796

Editorial subtly accuses Thomas Jefferson of affair with enslaved woman

1863

H.L. Hunley sinks during demonstration

1880

Chiricahua Apache leader Victorio is killed south of El Paso, Texas

1917

Dancer and spy Mata Hari is executed

1945

Vichy leader executed for treason

1946

High-ranking Nazi leader Hermann Göring dies

1948

Gerald Ford marries Elizabeth Bloomer

1948

A murderous husband is executed

1951

‘I Love Lucy’ premieres on CBS

1965

Vietnam War demonstrations staged in 40 U.S. cities

1966

Black Panther Party founded

1970

RICO Act passed, heralding decline of the mob

1973

Dolly Parton releases hit single “Jolene”

1989

Wayne Gretzky breaks NHL points record

1990

Mikhail Gorbachev wins Nobel Peace Prize

1991

Clarence Thomas confirmed to the Supreme Court

2004

“Funeral coaches” exempted from car-seat law

Things You Should Know

Key Illinois Facts and Important Terms Every American Should Understand

Key Facts Every Illinoisan Should Know

 Click Image Below to Read a List of Important Words Americans Should Know

Take Action in Your Democracy

Contact the White House and Locate Your Elected Officials

Contact the White House with Your

Concerns Today

If you have any questions, concerns, or issues with the federal government, it is important to reach out to the White House immediately by phone or email. Your voice matters!

Phone Number: (202) 456-1111

Email:  president@whitehouse.gov

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Mental Health Resources

Support, Services, and Help When You Need It

Suicide Prevention Hotline

Help is available; speak with someone today:

Suicide Prevention & Crisis Lifeline - Dial 988

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Essential Support Services

Free Assistance for Unemployment, Housing, Health Care, Food, and Legal Help

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Resources for Nonprofit Organizations

Tools, Funding, and Support to Strengthen Your Mission

Click Image Below to Learn More About Federal Safety and Security Grants available to

Non-Profit Organizations Statewide

It's World Student's Day

National Today Reports

Emergency Nurses Day recognizes the invaluable contributions of emergency nurses every second Wednesday of October. These dedicated professionals provide critical, life-saving care under immense pressure. Take a moment to thank an emergency nurse, advocate for their well-being, and support initiatives that enhance emergency healthcare.

25 Things You Should Know About Becoming a Teacher

Get Connected with Rep. Ford

Rep. Ford's Daily Job Leads

Broadband Data and Mapping Analyst

Job Requisition ID: 59344 

Opening Date: 10/05/2026

Closing Date: 10/20/2026

Agency: Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Class Title: CONTRACTUAL WORKER - 10000 

Skill Option: None 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary Range is $52.54 - $55.17 hourly

Job Type: Hourly

Category: Full Time 

Number of Vacancies: 1

Click Here to Apply

Assistant General Counsel

Job Requisition ID: 58285 

Opening Date: 09/29/2026

Closing Date: 10/20/2026

Agency: Department of Human Services

Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 

Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Salary: $8,570 - $10,557 per month ($102,840 - $126,684 per year)

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: None

Click Here to Apply

Juvenile Justice Special Intern

Job Requisition ID: 54600

Opening Date: 03/31/2026

Closing Date: Continuous Job Posting

Class Title: JUV JUSTICE SPECIALIST INTERN (21976) 

Skill Option: None 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Starting Salary: $5417.00/mo.

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

County: Cook

Number of Vacancies: 1  

Bargaining Unit Code: RC006 Corrections Employees, 

AFSCME

Click Here to Apply

Score- Loaders 

Job Requisition ID: 55173

Opening Date: 04/10/2026

Closing Date: 10/31/2026

Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Class Title: CONTRACTUAL WORKER - 10000  

Salary: $15-$19/hr.

Job Type: Hourly

Category: Full Time  

County: Randolph

Number of Vacancies: Up to 100

Bargaining Unit Code: None  

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Based on Industry

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Federal, State and City Jobs

Eighth District Community

Explore Local Small Businesses Through the Eighth District Chamber of Commerce

Despite losing 9.1 million jobs in the first two quarters of 2020, small businesses job growth rebounded swiftly following the COVID-19 recession. In the four quarters following, small businesses have gained 5.5 million jobs, making up for 60 percent of the decline during the early pandemic.

Small businesses have generated 12.9 million net new jobs over the past 25 years, accounting for two out of every three jobs added to the economy. For more, read Advocacy’s latest fact sheet, “Small Business Job Creation”.

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Rep. Ford's Community Events

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Rep Ford's Special Edition Newsletters

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Stay connected with Rep. Ford to stay up-to-date with the latest news and upcoming events!