A report issued by the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs indicates that Illinois could raise more tax revenue, with a serious change in residents’ economic behavior, if it used a graduated income tax structure similar to those in neighboring states.

In his first major political speech since leaving office, former President Barack Obama took aim at the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress — blaming them for inciting division and stoking fears in the country.

The University of Illinois Flash Index has matched its highest level in more than two years.

The Flash Index of the Illinois economy fell to 104.7 in July, down from 105.0 in June.  The reading indicates that that state economy continues to grow, but more slowly than before.