The Evening Rush for Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014

SHARE The Evening Rush for Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014

Nam Y. Huh/AP

Seven more years of Jay

Love him or hate him (and you’re definitely letting us know), Jay Cutler is the Bears’ man after signing a seven-year extension Thursday. The quarterback said he only wanted to explore the open market if the Bears decided they didn’t want him back and was “optimistic” he would return. His agent, Bus Cook, began negotiating with the Bears earlier this week. The seven-year deal is reportedly worth $126 million with $54 million of it guaranteed.

“I don’t feel a lot of pressure right now,” Cutler said. “I feel at ease. I know I’m locked in here.”

Bears fans must love to hear that.

[Sun-Times | Fan reactions are what you’d expect]

Lake-effect snow warning until 6 p.m.

At this point, I’m convinced it will never stop snowing. [Sun-Times | Photos]

Beanie Baby boss wants probation

Ty Warner is facing up to 5 years behind bars, but wants to get off easy because of his troubled childhood and charity work. [Sun-Times]

Don’t sell fake drugs to real cops

Or real drugs, for that matter. Two north suburban men learned this the hard way. [Sun-Times]

Suburban woman’s accidental gift from Obama

After receiving the “beautiful, personal” book, the Wadsworth woman is making sure it gets to the proper owner. [Sun-Times]

36 hours in Chicago

Where to go and what to do in the city. [New York Times]

Oddly specific Netflix categories

Netflix has a reputation for suggesting some weird categories based on your viewing habits. Apparently there are 76,897 possibilities. [The Atlantic]

NFL player blasts former bosses

“I was an NFL player until I was fired by two cowards and a bigot.” [Deadspin]

Puppy Bowl fantasy draft is happening

The cutest sporting event of the year just got a whole lot more competitive. [Deadspin]

The Bright One

Seven years? Is it something we said, Phil Emery? Rick Morrissey weighs in on Cutler’s contract. [Sun-Times]

Commute

Sudoku; Weather; Traffic; CTA; Metra; Flight delays

And finally

If you want to feel better about your life choices, watch this video of a woman who ate only Starbucks for 365 days. [Vimeo]

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