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Rep. Ford Receives a Perfect 100% Environmental Rating

Click Below to Print His 2026 Environmental Scorecard

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.

Chicago Police Superintendent Search

Spanish-Language Community Listening Session

The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) invites Chicago residents to participate in a citywide listening session conducted entirely in Spanish as part of the search for Chicago’s next Superintendent of Police.

This is an opportunity for Spanish-speaking residents to share their experiences, priorities, and the qualities they would like to see in the next leader of the Chicago Police Department.

Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 Time: 6:30 PM Location: Little Village Lawndale High

School, 3120 S. Kostner Avenue, Chicago, IL

Unable to attend? Residents can share their feedback online through September 30.

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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 News Reports

September 26, 2026

Two Chicago hotels are on the state's list of measles exposure locations

Two Chicago hotels are on the Illinois Department of Public Health's list places where people may have been exposed to measles.

The department is warning anyone without a measles vaccination who was at the locations on the list and the specified times to call their health care provider within the specified window of time to receive a post-exposure medication as 23 cases of measles have already been confirmed this year.

IDPH lists two Chicago hotels alongside Chicago Union Station and a restaurant in Edwardsville as exposure locations on its website, along with the date of exposure and a window that people who may have been exposed should monitor for symptoms.

Illinois health officials warn of possible measles exposure at Union Station, 2 other locations

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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

“You don’t have to become something you’re not to be better than you were.”

-Sidney Poitier, American actor and film director

On This Day in History

September 29, 1982

History Reports

May 27, 2025

Cyanide-laced Tylenol kills first three of seven victims

On September 29, 1982, three Chicago area residents become ill and die after ingesting Extra-Strength Tylenol later found to be poisoned with cyanide. They are the first of seven victims to lose their lives after taking the over-the-counter pain reliever, which had been tampered with. The case would create a national panic over the safety of nonprescription medications and lead to new standards for pill packaging.

EBSCO Reports

Seven People Die After Taking Cyanide-Laced Tylenol

In September 1982, a tragic incident occurred in Chicago when seven individuals, including a twelve-year-old, died after ingesting Extra-Strength Tylenol capsules that had been laced with sodium cyanide. This shocking event prompted a nationwide investigation, revealing that cyanide, a highly toxic substance, had been introduced into the product after it left the manufacturing facility, indicating deliberate tampering. Johnson & Johnson, the parent company of McNeil Laboratories which produced Tylenol, responded quickly by recalling over 31 million bottles and halting production, prioritizing public safety over financial loss. This incident not only led to widespread fear and copycat tampering cases but also instigated significant changes in packaging regulations across the pharmaceutical and food industries. To rebuild consumer trust, Johnson & Johnson introduced tamper-proof packaging and engaged in extensive public relations efforts. The Tylenol crisis remains a pivotal moment in consumer safety history, highlighting the importance of protective measures against product tampering and the company's commitment to restoring its reputation.

Cuba After Castro: The Island in the Crosshairs | Feature Documentary

Chicago Tylenol murders: New optimism for charges 40 years after cyanide-laced painkiller deaths

Tylenol Murders

New 2026 Lead Reopens Questions in Chicago’s Infamous Unsolved Case

In September 2026, a decades-old Idaho cold case produced a new lead in the investigation of Chicago’s 1982 Tylenol murders. Idaho investigators identified a previously unknown man as Dr. Mathew Francis Betkouski, who died by cyanide poisoning in a Boise church in December 1982. Investigators said Betkouski had worked in drugstores, had reportedly discussed cyanide and the idea of a “perfect crime,” and had connections to the Chicago area before the killings. Evidence from the Idaho investigation has been shared with Chicago and Arlington Heights police. However, authorities have emphasized that they cannot place Betkouski in the Chicago area when the seven poisonings occurred, and the FBI has cautioned that alleged connections to the case remain unsubstantiated. The 1982 murders therefore remain officially unsolved. 

ABC 7 News Reports

September 23, 2026

Cross-country cold case leads detectives to Chicago-area Tylenol murders

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Idaho investigators have identified a man they believe merits further scrutiny in the 1982 Tylenol murders, while acknowledging they have no evidence placing him in the Chicago area when the poisonings occurred.

The Ada County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday identified the man as Dr. Matthew Betkouski, a chemist known as the "Unknown Wanderer."

Rep. Ford's Poll Questions

Poll Question #1

The 1982 Tylenol murders resulted in the deaths of seven people after they took cyanide-laced Extra-Strength Tylenol. What do you think was the most significant impact of the case?

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

Poll Question #2

 In 2026, Idaho investigators identified the previously unknown “Unknown Wanderer” as Dr. Mathew Francis Betkouski and reported possible connections to the Tylenol murders. What aspect of this development interests you most?

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

Yesterday's Poll Questions

On September 28, 1965, Fidel Castro announced that Cubans who wanted to leave the island could do so. What do you think was the biggest factor behind the resulting wave of Cuban emigration?

After Castro opened the possibility of leaving Cuba, thousands initially attempted to cross to Florida by boat. What do you think this situation demonstrated most clearly?

Knowing History Spotlight Moment

September 29, 2026

1780

Benedict Arnold’s accomplice is sentenced to death

1907

The great singing cowboy Gene Autry is born in Texas

1913

Inventor Rudolf Diesel mysteriously vanishes

1918

Allied forces break through the Hindenburg Line

1939

Nazis and communists divvy up Poland

1941

Babi Yar massacre begins

1953

New York Times article claims Russians want the “American dream”

1982

Cyanide-laced Tylenol kills first seven victims

1988

Stacy Allison becomes first American woman to reach summit of Mt. Everest

1991

“My Own Private Idaho” premieres in theaters

1995

Mexican American voting rights advocate Willie Velasquez awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

2005

Reporter Judith Miller released from prison

2006

School principal murdered by student in Wisconsin

2008

Dow suffers record-breaking single-day drop

Things You Should Know

Key Illinois Facts and Important Terms Every American Should Understand

Key Facts Every Illinoisan Should Know

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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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Click Image Below to Learn About Cash, SNAP and Medical Assistance

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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 National Coffee Day

National Today Reports

National Coffee Day brews up excitement every September 29, celebrating one of the world’s most popular beverages. Grab a cup, try a new roast, or explore unique coffee traditions. Share your favorite coffee moments and support local cafes.

The TRUTH of Being A Barista: 5 Things

You Need To Know

Get Connected with Rep. Ford

Rep. Ford's Daily Job Leads

Bank Examiner I

Job Requisition ID: 58816 

Division/Section/Unit: Banking / Banks, Trust Companies & Savings Institutions / Cook

HR Tracking #: 37744

Position Title: Bank Examiner I

Opening Date: 09/24/2026

Closing Date: 10/08/2026

Agency: Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Class Title: BANK EXAMINER I - 04131 

Skill Option: UMP Credential 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $5,572 monthly; Full Range $5,572 - $7,898 monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

Number of Vacancies: 3

Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME

Merit Comp Code: 

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

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Fair Hearings Office Assistant

Job Requisition ID: 59093 

BPIS: 08672

Opening Date: 09/24/2026

Closing Date: 10/08/2026

Agency: Department of Healthcare and Family Services

Class Title: OFFICE ASSISTANT - 30010 

Skill Option: Keyboarding 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated starting salary $3,935 monthly; Full salary range $3,935 - $5,051 monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

Number of Vacancies: 1

Click Here to Apply

Special Assistant General Counsel

Job Requisition ID: 58540

Opening Date: 09/08/2026

Closing Date: 10/06/2026

​Agency: Department of Children and Family Services

Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $10,350 - $11,600/month

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

County: Cook

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: None

Click Here to Apply

Natural Resources

Working Title: Coastal Resources Specialist

Job Requisition ID: 57996 

Opening Date: 09/22/2026

Closing Date: 10/06/2026

Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Class Title: NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST - 28832 

Skill Option: Natural Heritage 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,135 monthly;

Full Range $6,135 - $8,790 monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

County: Cook

Number of Vacancies: 1

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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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