Rep. Ford Receives a Perfect 100% Environmental Rating

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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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Yahoo Sports Reports

September 13, 2026

Is there still time to keep the Bears in Illinois?

The Chicago Bears may be looking at Indiana as its new home, but Arlington Heights is still fighting to keep the team in Illinois.

Arlington Heights remains a primary option for the Chicago Bears stadium project. The Chicago Tribune reports the village has renewed a contract with lobbying firm Mac Strategies Group. The firm is working to advance the Arlington Heights plan at the statehouse in Springfield.

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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

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Quote of the Day

"Then, in that hour of deliverance, my heart spoke. Does not such a country, and such defenders of their country, deserve a song?"

-Francis Scott Key, Lawyer United States Attorney of the District of Columbia

On This Day in History

September 14, 1814

History Reports

July 16, 2026

Francis Scott Key pens “The Star-Spangled Banner”

On September 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key pens a poem which is later set to music and in 1931 becomes America’s national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The poem, originally titled “The Defence of Fort M'Henry,” was written after Key witnessed the Maryland fort being bombarded by the British during the War of 1812. Key was inspired by the sight of a lone U.S. flag still flying over Fort McHenry at daybreak, as reflected in the now-famous words of the “Star-Spangled Banner”: “And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.”

The Kennedy Center Reports

December 27, 2017

The Star-Spangled Banner

The story behind the song

If you have ever been to a U.S. sporting event—professional, college, or high school—you know the routine. People stand, some place right hands over their hearts, men take off their hats, soldiers salute, maybe fighter jets roar overhead. Then, six of the most recognizable musical notes in American culture are played, and the crowd belts out the first five words: “O say can you see …”

Most people then mumble through the rest of the song. A recent poll reports that two-thirds of Americans do not know all the words to the first verse of their own national anthem. Perhaps if people know the amazing history of how this song came to be, they might find it easier to remember. Here is the story behind the “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Key pens Star Spangled Banner - September 13, 1814

Marvin Gaye sings American National Anthem

Whitney Houston - Star Spangled-Banner

Rep. Ford's Poll Questions

Poll Question #1

Before it became the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” began as a poem written by Francis Scott Key after witnessing the Battle of Fort McHenry. Which part of that transformation do you find most interesting?

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

Poll Question #2

The famous line about “the rocket’s red glare” and “bombs bursting in air” was inspired by the actual bombardment Key witnessed from a ship about eight miles from Fort McHenry. Which aspect of the story makes the lyrics feel most powerful to you?

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

Knowing History Spotlight Moment

September 14, 2026

1812

Napoleon enters Moscow

1814

Francis Scott Key pens “The Star-Spangled Banner”

1847

General Winfield Scott captures Mexico City

1862

North and South clash at the Battle of South Mountain

1901

President McKinley dies of infection from gunshot wounds

1927

Dancer Isadora Duncan is killed in car accident

1959

Soviet probe reaches the moon

1964

John Steinbeck awarded the Medal of Freedom

1964

Pop-Tarts debut

1974

Eric Clapton’s “I Shot the Sheriff” hits No. 1

1975

Elizabeth Ann Seton becomes one of the first American-born saints

1982

Hollywood star and real-life princess Grace Kelly dies

1988

Dolores Huerta beaten by police while peacefully protesting

1994

MLB cancels playoffs, World Series

1999

Millions flee from Hurricane Floyd

2015

Muslim teen arrested for bringing reassembled clock to school

The Oak Park Police and Fire Department is Hiring!

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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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Resources for Nonprofit Organizations

Tools, Funding, and Support to Strengthen Your Mission

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Non-Profit Organizations Statewide

It's Malnutrition Awareness Week

National Today Reports

Malnutrition Awareness Week takes place annually, starting on the second Monday of September. This multi-organizational campaign, led by ASPEN, educates healthcare professionals and the public on the critical importance of nutrition. Join the movement to foster better health outcomes and advocate for improved nutritional care.

Should You Become a Dietitian? | What I Actually Do Every Day | Pros and Cons

Get Connected with Rep. Ford

Rep. Ford's Daily Job Leads

Behavior Analyst

Job Requisition ID: 52560 

Opening Date: 09/02/2026

Closing Date: 09/16/2026

​Agency: Department of Human Services

Class Title: BEHAVIOR ANALYST I - 04371 

Skill Option: None 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Salary: $5,834-$8,307 per month

($70,008-$99,684 per year)

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

County: Kankakee

Number of Vacancies: 1

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End User Computer Coordinator

Job Requisition ID: 57637 

Opening Date: 08/28/2026

Closing Date: 09/14/2026

Agency: Department of Innovation and Technology

Class Title: INFORMATION SYSTEMS ANALYST I - 21165 

Skill Option: Client Services - Information Technology 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $7,195/month;

Full Range: $7,195-$10,485 monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

County: Cook

Number of Vacancies: 1

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Marketplace Data & Reporting Senior Analyst

Job Requisition ID: 58025 

Opening Date: 08/27/2026

Closing Date: 09/11/2026

Agency: Department of Insurance

Class Title: EXECUTIVE II - 13852 

Skill Option: None 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: $6,820-9,875 (Anticipated starting salary

$6,820/CBA Language applies)

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

County: Cook

Number of Vacancies: 1

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Marketplace Data and Reporting Senior Analyst

Job Requisition ID: 58025 

Opening Date: 08/27/2026

Closing Date: 09/11/2026

Agency: Department of Insurance

Class Title: EXECUTIVE II - 13852 

Skill Option: None 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: $6,820-9,875 (Anticipated starting salary

 $6,820/CBA Language applies)

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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