When you apply to college, many schools will ask if you’ve ever been convicted of a crime. Now, the University of Illinois System has announced that instead of getting rid of the question, they will be moving it on their application. Plus, we’re recapping some of the year’s best music by Midwest artists. Also, this time of year it seems like there’s a Christmas tree lots on every corner. We find out more about the people behind the trees and how they run their businesses.

Prospective undergraduate students applying to the University of Illinois’ three campuses won’t be asked about their criminal histories until after they’ve been admitted. 

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin is cosponsoring legislation that would rollback one of the provisions of the 1994 crime bill. It’s called the Restoring Education and Learning Act — or REAL Act. The bill would restore Pell Grant eligibility to people incarcerated in state and federal prisons. 

Today on the 21st: we discuss recent changes to school lunch guidelines. We'll also explore how committing a crime can affect someones chance at a college education and learn about new research about whether it's more kind to tell white lies or the full truth. 

Next year, the Common Application used by hundreds of colleges and universities will stop asking potential students about their criminal histories. Despite legislative efforts in Illinois, most campuses in the state continue to ask the question.