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Dawn Patrol: Kirk's re-election deemed 'top priority'; bracket leads to $20,000 scholarship

GOP leader says Kirk's re-election is 'top priority'

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Sunday that Senator Mark Kirk's re-election was a top priority for Republicans across the nation. McConnell spoke at the Westin Hotel in Wheeling where he was helping Kirk raise funds for his race against his likely opponent, Rep. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates. Full story.

Young bracketologist receives $20,000 scholarship

The 12-year-old from Hawthorn Woods who had one of the two best entries in ESPN's college basketball bracket challenge but couldn't win a $20,000 prize because he was too young to enter ended up receiving that much money anyway from a different source. Sam Holtz was given a $20,000 college scholarship by a weight loss company called ViSalus. Full story.

Track meet helps Special Olympians prep for state, make friends

Avery Connors, an 18-year-old junior at Naperville North High School who has Down syndrome, was one of about 225 athletes competing Sunday in the 35th annual Western DuPage Special Recreation Association Special Olympics track meet. "She loves it," her mother, Gretchen Connors, said. "I think it has helped her a lot because they have one-on-one peers, and so it just gives her confidence that I don't think she would normally have." The meet was a warm-up for the Special Olympics state qualifying track meet coming up in two weeks. Full story.

French, American teens battle on rugby field, bond off it

French and American teens did battle on the rugby field Sunday at Fremd High School, then bonded off it as part of a weeklong experience organized by the Sister Cities Association of Palatine and their counterparts in Fontenay-le-Comte, France. Forty French rugby players ages 16 to 20, along with their four coaches and some delegates from their town, are in Palatine this week to play rugby and tour the Chicago area. The French players are staying with hosts from the Palatine Rugby Club. "It's a huge opportunity for us rugby players," said Ian James, 16. "It's really once-in-a-lifetime." Full story.

Kane County authorities fighting child abuse on all fronts

As part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Kane County authorities are providing mandated abuse reporters with more information on how to fulfill their duties and also are urging residents to stay vigilant and call the Department of Children and Family Service's hotline at (800) 25-ABUSE if they are aware of abuse. The center recently landed a $20,000 grant from the St. Charles-based Dunham Fund to purchase a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan. They'll use the minivan to drive abuse victims to hospital appointments, special interviews and court proceedings. Full story.

Weather

Thunderstorms and 59 degrees this morning. Temperatures are expected to reach 65 degrees this afternoon, before dipping back to 43 degrees overnight tonight. Full story.

Traffic

Construction will cause restrictions on Route 137 from Route 21 to Butterfield Road in Libertyville until August 28th. Full traffic.

You'll want to avoid Rt. 41 this morning

The traffic lights have been disabled at Route 41 and Old Elm Road in Lake Forest, and police warn drivers to avoid the area during this morning's commute. Full story.

Sale, Sox triumph over Twins

"Once you get Chris (Sale) back I think everybody feels a little more complete," manager Robin Ventura said after the Sox won their second straight game over the Twins, a 6-2 decision Sunday at U.S. Cellular Field. After fracturing his right foot and missing the entire Cactus League warm-up season, Sale looked very much like his old self in his first start of the real season. Full story.

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