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Just an FYI - And live video - PLUS: Bears get Cutler; SB600 debated

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* 4:32 pm - I’ve been hearing this afternoon that we may be looking at a 5 o’clock or even a post 5 o’clock release of today’s US Attorney action, whatever it may be. Either way, it won’t be long now. No need to whine in comments. Typing up a 10,000-page indictment takes time, y’know.

CBS2 will have live coverage beginning around 5:15. Click here to watch it.

* Meanwhile, does anybody wanna talk about this?

The Chicago Bears pulled the big upset Thursday afternoon by acquiring Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler, a source told ESPN.com.

The Broncos confirmed the move.

To acquire Cutler, the Bears had to give up quarterback Kyle Orton and first-round picks in 2009 and 2010, a source said.

To complete the trade, the Broncos had to give back an undisclosed draft choice in a later round.

The Bears beat out the Redskins, Buccaneers, Lions, Titans and other teams to get land the 25-year-old Pro Bowl quarterback.

* 4:41 pm - SB600 is being debated in the Senate right now.

Listen or watch by clicking here.

The bill has been hotly debated among Republicans. Sponsored by conservative GOP Sen. Chris Lauzen, the bill would force the state Republican Party to elect its state central committee. The state party has vowed to sue if the bill becomes law.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:33 pm

Comments

This is arguably the biggest trade move ever made by the Bears. It could ostensibly solve their QB problem for the next decade.

Comment by Rep. John Fritchey Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:39 pm
Woo! Go Bears! You finally have a quarterback!

Comment by dave Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:39 pm
I finally agree with Fritchey! Never thought I would see that day.

Comment by The other white GoBearsss Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:41 pm
It could ostensibly solve their QB problem for the next decade.

watch for that to show up in 2012 campaign lit, John, as Jay inevitably craps out and/or gets injured.

And leaves us with no draft picks to rebuild our deteriorating defense.

Comment by George Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:41 pm
Is this a late April fools post? That is unbelievably good news for us fans.

Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:45 pm
Phineas, that’s probably why they didn’t announce it yesterday. Nobody would’ve believed it. lol

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:46 pm
I am not looking for anything bad in this. The Bear have not had a solid quarterback for over 20 years and the fans have been asking for one ever since. Now we have one. First Blago gone, now this? Great last 6 months

Comment by moderate Repub Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:46 pm
it sounds iffy when the Bears give up the first round picks, but they’ve not been great at drafting, so…..

they needed a better QB, they got one. that said, i’ll miss Orton. he was the anti Grossman. Orton was low key, prepared, pretty good arm, just not good enough.

but hoping for a good season from the Sox. you’d never know baseball is coming from the weather. feels more like fall.

Comment by Amy Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:47 pm
Now if he just had somebody to throw to…

Comment by Amuzing Myself Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:49 pm
Jay Cutler for Orton and a third round pick? And the McCaskeys get to save signing two bust-out first rounders to guaranteed millions?

Must be a happy day in Lake Forest.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:49 pm
Jay Cutler will get frustrated quickly at his lack of protection and targets and become a pariah. No superbowl shuffle here. I hope I’m proven wrong.

Where’s the indictment?

Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:49 pm
In other sports news, Rich, why no mention of the Sox announcement that they’re adding … a wine bar to US Cellular Field?

Yes. A wine bar.

Oof.

Comment by Reality Check Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:51 pm
YES! great move can’t believe they had the brass!!! CapFax givin sports update!!! I like it.

Comment by scoot Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:52 pm
aaaaaaaaand…over the next 5-7 years, Kyle Orton will rack up more yards, touchdowns, and fewer interceptions than Cutler, especially when Denver uses the draft pick to nab some superstar collegian like Rejus Benn.

Comment by jerry 101 Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:53 pm
Gotta love a good news day in Chicago. We still turn them out like no one else…so what get sthe lead story on the news tonight and the headline in the paper tomorrow: ex-gov indicted, Bears make blockbuster visit or IOC visit begins.

Comment by Niles Township Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:54 pm
Blockbuster trade (SIC)

Comment by Niles Township Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:54 pm
The Bears are known for throwing away good things. And while they do no good with their draft picks they also don’t do very well picking up outsiders. Maybe they should hire new scouts. Cutler is good but they are giving away a lot for him.

Comment by Wow Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:55 pm
I predict Blago will attempt to flee the country so that the spotlight returns to him.

Comment by Ben S. Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:56 pm
http://www.ilnd.uscourts.gov/home/RecentlyFiledCase.aspx

Indictment posted on the US Courts website.

Comment by chiefilliniwek Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:56 pm
I have visions of Hester beating double coverage with a quaterback who can actually get him the ball.

Comment by L.S. Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 4:59 pm
Great trade, but that chump Ron Turner will screw it up. Heck, Turner wanted Cutler to play for him at Illinois…..as a Tight End…

Comment by Fire Ron Guenther Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 5:11 pm
Olympics bid in town, major trade for a qb, ex-governor indicted and former state senator meeting the queen. Really boring day to be doing news in chicago.

Comment by Shore Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 5:15 pm
Given the Bears’ recent first round draft record I’m more concerned about the third rounder they traded. Great trade. Angelo had to give a lot to head off the Redskins and division rivals Minnesota and Detroit. Even if it ultimately doesn’t work I applaud Angelo for making a bold move to try to fix their chronic QB issues.

Comment by Independent Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 5:20 pm
That’s a lot to give up for a one year wonder. Sort of like the Brown’s paying their QB after his “break out” year two years ago. What was his name again?

Comment by Toast Man Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 6:04 pm
Sen. Chris Lauzen, R-Aurora, said he brought the topic before the Senate because he feels the rank-and-file members of the GOP are disconnected from the internal leadership. He blamed Republicans losing the legislature, governor’s mansion and other statewide offices on that disconnect.

YES thats why…not because of George Ryan & the corruption…it’s the disconnection stupid!

Infighting will no doubt help the GOP in 2010! Way to go Senator!!!!

Comment by scoot Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 6:22 pm
Bears sign Orlando Pace….sweet. now that’s news.

Comment by Amy Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 6:25 pm
I’ll miss everything except the weird beard. Maybe we’ve got another ‘Favre leaving Atlanta’ deal. That would be nice.

Comment by Bobs yer Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 7:01 pm
The Bears also signed Orlando Pace to protect Cutler. he is a bit old, but better than what they have. I fear this may be too late as who knows what to think of the Bears Defense led by the possibly washed up Urlacher.

Comment by Wumpus Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 7:04 pm
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Republican leader in the Illinois House says the indictment of Rod Blagojevich (blah-GOY’-uh-vich) validates the General Assembly’s decision to impeach the former governor and remove him from office.

Rep. Tom Cross also calls the federal indictment a reminder that the state needs real political reform.

Apparently StateWideTom forgot Stu, Cellini and TRS Staffer A were all brought to us by the IL GOP!

Comment by EmptySuitParade Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 7:28 pm
We’ll see next season whether that trade was worth it or not!

Comment by Levois Thursday, Apr 2, 09 @ 7:32 pm
Lauzen is playing into the hands of (or just plain working side by side) with the Chicago Dems who control all levels of government in the State of Illinois. They want to disrupt the GOP and distract it’s voters with this bill.

On the same day former Gov Blago gets indicted, Lauzen decides to fight w/ fellow GOPers then focus on ending corruption in Illinois.

Comment by scoot Friday, Apr 3, 09 @ 11:31 am