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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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

CBS News Reports

October 13, 2026

Former Chicago police officer identified as child killer in 65-year cold case murder of Gloria Kowalewicz

The University of Chicago and a fraternity said they were cooperating with police as authorities investigated a reported sexual assault during a house party.

Following the weekend incident, NBC Chicago's JC Navarette spoke to students and a fraternity member from another house, who all condemned the allegations. Students also raised concerns about women's safety in a place where they should feel safe and supported.

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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

"True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice."

-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., American civil rijghts activist

On This Day in History

October 14, 1964

History Reports

May 28, 2025

Martin Luther King Jr. wins Nobel Peace Prize

African American civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent resistance to racial prejudice in America. At 35 years of age, the Georgia-born minister was the youngest person ever to receive the award.

Martin Luther King Jr., was born in Atlanta in 1929, the son of a Baptist minister. He received a doctorate degree in theology and in 1955 organized the first major protest of the civil rights movement: the successful Montgomery Bus Boycott. Influenced by Mohandas Gandhi, he advocated nonviolent civil disobedience to racial segregation. The peaceful protests he led throughout the American South were often met with violence, but King and his followers persisted, and their nonviolent movement gained momentum.

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Civil Rights Digital Library Reports

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Nobel Prize

In 1964 Martin Luther King, Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his dynamic leadership of the Civil Rights movement and steadfast commitment to achieving racial justice through nonviolent action. King accepted the award on December 10, 1964 in Oslo, Norway on behalf of the Civil Rights movement and pledged the prize money to the movement's continued development. At the age of thirty-five, King became the the youngest man, and only the second African American, to receive the prestigious award.

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Martin Luther King Jr. Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Nobel Peace Prize Lecture from Oslo, 11 Dec. 1964 (full audio)

Rep. Ford's Poll Questions

Poll Question #1

Should governments invest in military preparedness before a direct threat emerges, or should significant military spending increase only when a nation faces an immediate danger?

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

Governments should always maintain strong military defenses.

Military spending should increase when credible threats emerge.

Domestic needs should take priority over military expansion.

Defense spending should be balanced with other national priorities.

Poll Question #2

When a military commander changes an assigned mission because they believe the original objective is too dangerous or unlikely to succeed, should they be held accountable for disobeying orders or recognized for exercising independent judgment?

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

Commanders should be held accountable for departing from orders.

Commanders should have flexibility to respond to changing circumstances.

Decisions should be judged by their outcomes and consequences.

- Each situation should be evaluated individually before disciplinary action.

Yesterday's Poll Questions

Should governments invest in military preparedness before a direct threat emerges, or should significant military spending increase only when a nation faces an immediate danger?

Knowing History Spotlight Moment

October 14, 2026

1066

The Battle of Hastings

1890

Dwight D. Eisenhower is born

1892

“The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” published

1912

Theodore Roosevelt shot in Milwaukee

1918

Adolf Hitler wounded in British gas attack

1926

‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ first published

1944

German General Erwin Rommel—aka “The Desert Fox”—dies by suicide

1947

Chuck Yeager breaks the sound barrier

1957

“Wake Up Little Susie” becomes the Everly Brothers’ first No. 1 hit

1962

Soviet missiles photographed in Cuba

1964

Martin Luther King Jr. wins Nobel Peace Prize

1964

Nikita Khrushchev ousted as premier of Soviet Union

1968

Military announces it will send U.S. servicemen to Vietnam for second tours

1975

Trial begins in Amityville murders

1977

Anti-gay crusader Anita Bryant is hit in the face with a pie

1994

“Pulp Fiction” opens in theaters

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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

Click Image Below to File for Unemployment Insurance

Click Image Below to Learn 10 Things You Should Know About Filing Unemployment Insurance

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

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Click Image Below to Learn More About Homeowners Assistance

Click Image Below to Learn More About Free Legal Services

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 International Emergency Nurses 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.

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7 Things I Love About ER Nursing | Emergency Department

Get Connected with Rep. Ford

La Shawn K. Ford Website

Request a Meeting

Rep. Ford's Daily Job Leads

Peer Self Advocate

Job Requisition ID: 57741

Opening Date: 09/25/2026

Closing Date: 10/15/2026

Agency: Department of Human Services

Class Title: CONTRACTUAL WORKER - 10000

Skill Option: None

Bilingual Option:

Salary: Anticipated Salary: $25.31 - $33.41 per hour

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Part Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: None

Click H e r e to Apply

Fire Officer Program Manager

Job Requisition ID: 58684

Opening Date: 10/05/2026

Closing Date: 10/20/2026

Agency: Office of the State Fire Marshal

Class Title: EXECUTIVE II - 13852

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $6,820 Monthly;

Full-Range $6,820 - $9,875 Monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Outreach Specialist

Job Requisition ID: 59423

Closing Date: 11/07/2026

Agency: Illinois Power Agency

Class Title: DIVERSITY PROGRAM COORDINATOR - 69623

Salary: 75,000 - $85,000

Category: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Work Hours: Monday - Friday: 9am-5pm

Headquarter Location: 180 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60601

Work County: Cook

Agency Contact: ipa.hr@illinois.gov

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Case Assignment and Placement Unit

Job Requisition ID: 59403

Opening Date: 10/06/2026

Closing Date: 10/21/2026

Agency: Department of Children and Family Services

Class Title: OFFICE ASSOCIATE - 30015

Skill Option: Keyboarding

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $4,144 monthly;

Full Range $4,144-$5,429 monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

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Today's Job Highlights

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Job Highlights 10/12/2026

Job Highlights 10/13/2026

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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”.