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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QC News Reports

September 7, 2026

Illinois voted best state for pumpkin patches

A new report reviewed pumpkin patches nationally and found Illinois has the best!

Illinois is the biggest pumpkin-producing state across the U.S., and Goebbert’s Farm in Pingree Grove was rated as the best patch in the state. From corn mazes to spooky haunted trails and attractions to explore, farms and pumpkin patches were also judged by prices. Aside from Illinois, top-rated pumpkin patches are in the following states:

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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

"In sports, you simply aren't considered a real champion until you have defended your title successfully. Winning it once can be a fluke; winning it twice proves you are the best."

-Althea Gibson, American tennis player and

professional golfer

On This Day in History

September 8, 1957

History Reports

July 16, 2026

Althea Gibson becomes first African American to win U.S. Open tennis title

On September 8, 1957, 30-year-old Althea Gibson becomes the first African American to win the U.S. Open, beating Louise Brough, 6-3, 6-2. Afterward, vice president Richard Nixon presents her with the championship trophy. "Now I have been doubly honored," Gibson says. "I won Wimbledon before Queen Elizabeth II and now I have won here before our vice president."

Smithsonian African American History Museum Reports

July 11, 2025

Rising Above Bias to Become the First African American Grand Slam Champion

Born into a sharecropping family in South Carolina, Althea Gibson (1927–2003) spent most of her formative years in Harlem, where she was first introduced to the game of tennis as a teenager. A “country club” sport, amateur tennis was expensive and required strict adherence to the dictates of its elite, genteel culture. Gibson had to learn the strokes of the game as well as how to fit into the exclusive environment. Defying racist stereotypes, she proved that African Americans could comport themselves—and excel—in the most exclusive, elite spaces in society.  

Althea Gibson: First Black Tennis Champion

- Fast Facts | History

Althea Gibson becomes first African-American to win Wimbledon

Rep. Ford's Poll Questions

Poll Question #1

Althea Gibson became the first Black woman to win the U.S. Open in 1957. What do you think was the most significant part of her achievement?

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

Poll Question #2

Gibson retired from tennis at just 31 and then pursued professional golf. What does her career suggest about her approach to competition?

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

Yesterday's Poll Results

Princess Diana’s death led to an unprecedented global outpouring of grief, with an estimated 2.5 billion people watching her funeral. Why do you think so many people around the world felt personally connected to someone they had never actually met?

Diana’s brother criticized the media during her funeral, calling her the “most hunted person of the modern age.” Do you think celebrities and public figures should have stronger legal protections against paparazzi and intrusive media?

Knowing History Spotlight Moment

September 8, 2026

1504

Michelangelo’s statue of David is unveiled to the public

1664

New Amsterdam becomes New York

1776

Nathan Hale volunteers to spy behind British lines

1781

Bloody battle begins at Eutaw Springs, South Carolina

1863

Rebels thwart Yankees at the Second Battle of Sabine Pass

1900

Deadly hurricane batters Galveston, Texas

1907

Gertrude Stein meets great love Alice B. Toklas

1915

German airship hits central London

1935

Louisiana senator Huey Long is shot

1941

Siege of Leningrad begins

1943

Italian surrender is announced

1945

American troops arrive in Korea to partition the country

1954

SEATO established

1957

Althea Gibson becomes first African American to win U.S. Open tennis title

1965

Delano Grape Strike begins

=

1966

‘Star Trek’ premieres

1968

First Miss Black America crowned

1975

Gay sergeant challenges the Air Force

1986

Oprah goes national

1993

“The Joy Luck Club” premieres

2003

Recording industry begins suing individual sharers of copyrighted mp3 files

2022

Queen Elizabeth II dies; Charles becomes King

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

 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 Physical Therapy Day

National Today Reports

As World Physical Therapy Day approaches, expect many organizations to focus on educational initiatives and professional development rather than commercial deals. Look for continuing education discounts from groups like the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and World Physiotherapy. Medical device companies such as DJO Global and TheraBand may offer special pricing on rehabilitation equipment for clinics. Some wellness centers and gyms might provide introductory offers for physical therapy consultations or workshops to raise awareness. We will update this page with confirmed live programs and events as September 8 approaches.

Becoming a Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist - Ask Doctor Jo

Get Connected with Rep. Ford

Rep. Ford's Daily Job Leads

Career Services Specialist

Job Requisition ID: 57434 

Opening Date: 08/31/2026

Closing Date: 09/15/2026

Agency: Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Class Title: EXECUTIVE I - 13851 

Skill Option: None 

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: 2

Click Here to Apply

Division Chief- Data Governance

Job Requisition ID: 58191

Opening Date: 08/28/2026

Closing Date: 09/14/2026

Agency: Department of Public Health

Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE

ADMIN (40070) 

Skill Option: Health and Human Services 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $10,870/month;

Full Range $10,870-$12,870 /month

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

County: Cook

Number of Vacancies: 1

Click Here to Apply

Plats and Plans Technician

Job Requisition ID: 58564 IPR#26-01777

Opening Date: 09/02/2026

Closing Date: 09/17/2026

Agency: Department of Transportation

Position Title: Engineering Technician III 

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $4,159 Monthly;

Full Range: $4,159 - $7,187 Monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

Number of Vacancies: 3

Bargaining Unit Code: NR916 Pro Tech Teamsters

Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday – Friday

Click Here to Apply

Call Center Supervisor Section V

Job Requisition ID: 58512 

Opening Date: 09/02/2026

Closing Date: 09/17/2026

Agency: Department of Revenue

Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 

Skill Option: Fiscal Management/Accounting/Budget/

Internal Audit/Insurance/Financial 

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $8,571 - $9,414 monthly

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time 

Number of Vacancies: 1

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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