Dawn Patrol: St. Charles OK’s housing; pension clock ticking

St. Charles approves controversial development

A project to build 102 townhouses and 28 single-family homes on a the former Applied Composites site was approved last night by the St. Charles city council. Tweaking to the Lexington Club project, which was rejected by the council last month, led to a change of heart. The type of development and financial assistance requested by developers previously held the project back. Full story.

Pension reform clock ticking

Illinois House members are expected to resume pension reform talks today after a plan to cut teachers’ and state workers’ pension benefits never made it off the Illinois House floor yesterday. If approved, the plan still needs approval by the Senate. New lawmakers will be sworn in Wednesday. Full story.

Dist. 207 to hire investigator after hazing allegations

In the wake of recent hazing accusations at Maine West High School, the District 207 said last night that it plans to hire an independent investigator to look into the allegations. Last month, the school board fired Maine West’s head boys soccer coach Michael Divincenzo. Two 14-year-old freshman claim they were sexually assaulted inside the school as part of a hazing ritual. Full story.

Tolls considered for Circle Interchange

Ideas being tossed around for the rebuilt Circle Interchange include tolls and carpooling, said Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider yesterday. The $415 million project will rebuild the interchange where the Eisenhower, Dan Ryan and Kennedy meet. A managed lane for car poolers or toll collection during peak times may be part of the plans. Full story.

Weather

An extremely mild week for mid-January is in front of us. While temperatures will be about 26 degrees as you head out the door this morning, highs will climb to 42 degrees this afternoon, before dipping back to 31 degrees tonight. However, temperatures are expected to top out at about 55 degrees later this week. Full story.

Traffic

Roadwork continues on North Avenue between Route 59 and 7th Avenue between West Chicago and St. Charles. More traffic.

Tide rolls over Irish

Alabama took its second consecutive BCS championship last night by beating No. 1 Notre Dame 42-14. The Crimson Tide scored on its first three drives and ran away with the game from there. AJ McCarron threw four touchdown passes and Eddie Lacy ran for 140 yards to carry the second-ranked Alabama. Full story.