Illinois is investing tens of millions of dollars to make sure no one is missed in the 2020 census.

State lawmakers included $29 million in the budget. The majority of the money will go to community groups to educate the public on how the census works and how the government uses the information it collects, according to Sol Flores, a deputy governor leading the census efforts.

She said about 10 percent will be earmarked for radio, television and online ads encouraging census participation. And a small amount will go to the administration of the grants and ad campaign.

A former Lion’s Choice restaurant location will soon become a training center for job-seekers hoping to work in the restaurant industry.

The Lion’s Choice restaurant chain has donated one of its locations in north St. Louis County to the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (St. Louis, MO), which will use the facility as a job training center.

The idea was “born of a recognition that people in our community need opportunity, and the restaurants need people,” said Bob Bonney, CEO of the Missouri Restaurant Association, which is partnering in the project.

This month, the “Take Charge of Your Health Today” page focuses on the health benefits associated with fatherhood. Erricka Hager, health advocate at the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Esther L. Bush, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA), spoke about this topic.

EH: Good afternoon, Ms. Bush. Today’s topic is quite timely with Father’s Day quickly approaching on June 16. I’m excited to have this conversation with you. Today we’re discussing the health benefits that are associated with the responsibilities of becoming a father. Research has shown that involved fathers positively impact their children’s health. Rarely discussed, however, are the impact and health perks that fatherhood can have on the man’s life.

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We wish all the fathers, grandfathers, guardians, and father figures who love and care for their communities a very Happy Father's Day!

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