The National Herald: "BOSTON – Thanks to the initiative of Greek-American State Senator Leonidas Raptakis and the collaboration of the AHEPA chapters of Providence, Newport, and Pawtucket, Rhode Island has become the first state in the United States to issue a Greek-themed motor-vehicle license plate. The specialty plate bears the title “Hellenic Heritage.” The bill-signing ceremony was conducted by Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee, Representative Joseph McNamara, and Senator Raptakis. Also present was the Consul General of Greece in Boston, Ambassador Symeon Tegos, who conveyed Greece’s appreciation and congratulations to Senator Raptakis and the AHEPA chapters for their efforts." To read more about this event, click/tap here to reveal the full story by Theodore Kalmoukos.

"Hellenic News of America... Raptakis questions the timing of the decision while Turkey still refuses to support sanctions on Russia and continues Eastern Mediterranean aggression against Cyrus, Greece, and Israel, while still in possession of the Russian-made S-400 missile system." Continue reading at the published Greek Community news.

"NEW YORK, NY: East Mediterranean Business Culture Alliance (EMBCA) presents its “3rd Hellenic American State Legislators Forum” Webinar Panel Discussion on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 2 P.M. EST/ 9 P.M. Athens EEST.  

The panel discussion will be introduced and moderated by Lou Katsos, EMBCA’s President. Panelists will include Lou Raptakis, State Senator from Rhode Island; New York State Assemblyman John Lemondes; Connecticut State Representative Katherine Anna “Tina” Courpas; Pennsylvania State Representative Steven R. Malagari; Connecticut State Representative Eleni Kavros DeGraw; and Connecticut State Representative Savet Constantine." View and read the full article at: Greek News.

Greek News USA: "Rhode Island State Senator Leonidas P. Raptakis has introduced legislation (2025-S 0155) that would create a Rhode Island Greek Heritage license plate in conjunction with the local Rhode Island chapters of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA).

“The noble Hellenic community in our state has always emphasized the strong connection between Rhode Island, known for its commitment to independence, and the nation of Greece, which was the birthplace of democracy.  Hellenic Rhode Islanders are proud of their heritage and this bill will allow them to further share their rich and historic culture with the rest of the state. I am honored to introduce this bill and I will do everything in my power to ensure its passage”, said Senator Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, West Greenwich)." To read the full article by GNUSA - Click/Tap Here.

The National Herald: In the State Senate legislatures, 12 State Senators have been elected including Spiros Mantzavinos (D-Delaware), John Velis (D-Massachusetts), Bruce Tarr (R-Massachusetts), Sandra Pappas (D-Minnesota), Michael Giannaris, Andrew Gounardes and James Skoufis (D-New York), James Ohrenschall (D-Nevada), Maria Tzanakis-Collett (D-Pennsylvania), Leonidas Raptakis (D-Rhode Island), Stella Pekarsky (D-Virginia), and Stephan Pappas (R-Wyoming.) Click/tap here to read the full article.

The Greek-American elected members are also associated with the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (PADEE-WHIA), an organization that consists of current and former elected legislative and general officers of Greek descent in non-Greek speaking countries. For more information go to: https://padeewhia.org/