When the clock struck Midnight on the new year, more than 250 new laws took effect here in Illinois. 

Today on the 21st:  A new year means new laws, and this year more than 250 took effect here in Illinois. We'll talk about some of the most notable, and some that may have slipped under your radar. Plus, along with politics and money, religion is one of those taboo topics we’re told to avoid. But a new public radio podcast explores the messiness of faith with people from all walks of life. We spoke to host Lee Hale about his show, “Preach.”

There’s still no budget for Illinois, but some big changes to education policy kicked in this year. As the contentious presidential election played out, several national issues affected the lives of citizens here.