Good morning.

Sen. Dick Durbin's announcement that he will retire from the Senate at the end of his term wasn't unexpected, but it set off a political earthquake in Illinois nonetheless.

The longest-serving U.S. senator in our state's history gave his reasons in an op-ed, and the Tribune Editorial Board paid tribute to his service as well. Age may be just a number, but Sen. Durbin's views on deciding when it's time to hang it up were characteristically thoughtful.

Elsewhere, the editorial board considers the issue of barring the purchase of unhealthy soda, candy and other junk food with food stamps. And two writers who are on the front lines of alleviating hunger in the Chicago area sound the alarm bells on the possibility of cuts to food aid as Republicans in Washington look to reduce spending.

Another opinion piece illuminates an existential issue for organizations providing foster care: the increased difficulty of obtaining liability insurance. Foster kids are out of sight, out of mind, for many of us. We're pleased to shine a light on this topic.

Readers writing to us had lots on their minds, including a typically provocative op-ed by Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, the editorial board's recent take on Donald Trump's ad hominem attack on former Mayor Lori Lightfoot and plenty else.

Enjoy the warm weather, and we'll be back tomorrow.

— Steve Daniels, editorial board member

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