Good morning, Springfield.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will offer grants to independent grocers, food co-ops and corner stores to expand fresh food access downtown; local advocates like Downtown Springfield Inc. (which received Facebook support) expect the funding to fill a grocery gap as applications close early December.

Illinois' new law expands cannabis access while the IDFPR report notes lower revenue amid record adult-use sales in July and more dispensary licenses issued since Sept.

9 — drive-thru and curbside sales are now allowed. This move aims to sustain growth in the state’s cannabis market.

The Salvation Army thrift store at Chatham Shopping Center closed permanently on Oct.

9, leaving Springfield without its vintage clothing option. The store (located at 1762 Wabash Ave and run as a St. Louis-based operation) was separate from the local rehabilitation center.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity opens grant applications for small grocers and food co-ops wanting to serve downtown as part of the New Stores in Food Deserts program + residents show support online with over 250 likes and numerous comments, and applications close in early December.

The University of Illinois Springfield Center for Lincoln Studies is hosting its 24th annual Beaumont Endowed Lincoln Legacy Lecture, "Lincoln and America 250," at 6:30 p.m. Oct.

22 at UIS Student Union Ballroom (2251 Richard Wright Drive) in Springfield, and registration is required.

Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery in Roxana has produced 11 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel under the Invest in Illinois Act, Gov. Pritzker said, which can reduce emissions for 800,000 passenger trips from O’Hare.

The facility supplies vital fuel to Midwest markets.

Farmers and local businesses can apply for state grants worth $1.8 million to upgrade food infrastructure, including refrigerated vehicles & livestock processing equipment & community kitchens.

Applications are accepted until Nov. 2 through the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Springfield Plastics, Inc. will host its annual Drain for the Cure fundraiser on Oct.

18 from 1–6 p.m. at Route 66 Motorheads Bar and Grill. The event features live music by the Greg Bickers Band and Lick Creek and includes a silent auction to support cancer research and prevention efforts.

The Nest at Willow and Birch Salon offers wigs and hair toppers to boost confidence for cancer patients and is holding a John Renau trunk show on Saturday, Oct.

17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. where every wig purchased will help a local patient.

Local health officials say flu season has started early and urge residents to get their flu shots soon; Memorial Health’s Dr. Ted Clark noted the vaccine takes (two weeks) to build protection.

A list of 15 top boys soccer players was compiled on Oct.

8 ahead of the playoffs to spotlight local talent — Chatham Glenwood’s Nate Mansfield led his team to a conference title while other standouts posted key stats from recent games.