The future of Norfolk Southern’s planned Chicago expansion – Chicago Tribune

Good morning, Chicago.

Today marks 17 years since Twitter was established with the sending of the first tweet by co-founder Jack Dorsey, who wrote: “just setting up my twttr.”

Much has changed in the years since. The social media platform introduced blue checkmarks to identify verified users following a lawsuit brought by Tony La Russa, then manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, over fake tweets. Then came the ability to retweet.

Remember Vine? The precursor to TikTok was launched by Twitter a decade ago, allowing for six-second videos.

In recent months, the company has made headlines following layoffs, glitches and reports suggesting an increase on hate speech by users.

Both Twitter and TikTok fare only slightly better than fringe platforms favored by far right, according to a recent Wiesenthal Center study of social media.

Read the full story from the Tribune’s Hank Sanders.

Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.

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The decision whether to indict former President Donald Trump over hush-money payments made on his behalf during his 2016 presidential campaign lies in the hands of a Manhattan grand jury that has been hearing evidence in secret for weeks.

Here’s a look at the hush-money probe, grand jury process and possible ramifications for his presidential campaign.

Special prosecutors have filed a motion in at least two cases related to former CPD detective Kriston Kato, arguing that the torture commission, which referred the cases for a court hearing, is unconstitutional.

Defense attorneys involved in the cases have accused the special prosecutors of running amok, costing the county hundreds of thousands of dollars while straying from their objective.

Norfolk Southern has for years been pursuing its $150 million plan to double the size of its intermodal freight yard at 47th Street and the Dan Ryan, a crucial stop on the high-speed tracks that connect Chicago with the East Coast.

The company has described the project as one that will “build upon Chicago’s role as the heart of our nation’s supply chain.”

Adbert Alzolay appreciates the difference a year can make.

This time last season Alzolay reported to camp out of the lockout with a shoulder issue that would prevent the right-hander from making his season debut with the Cubs until Sept. 17. His future with the organization should gain further clarity in the coming months. Alzolay, 28, does not have any minor-league options left and will be arbitration eligible in the offseason for the first time in his career.

The Chicago Humanities Spring Festival has announced its lineup of presenters and performances for the fest running April to June.

Headliners include folk musician and activist Joan Baez, Broadway actor Andrew Rannells and Ruth E. Carter, the costume designer for the “Black Panther” films.