Chlebek returns to the 2025 Illinois Senate race with no-tax pledges for youth, retirees, and first-time homeowners.
Casey Chlebek
PARK RIDGE - Casey Chlebek, a Polish-American business owner and public policy supporter, is running for U.S. Senate in Illinois as a Republican in the 8th Congressional District. His campaign focus is on cutting taxes and putting more money in the pockets of working-class families through tax cuts.
Chlebek calls his plan the MAGNA Agenda - short for Make America the Greatest Nation Again. Campaigning for the open seat vacated by Dick Durbin, who announced his retirement earlier this year, he says he wants to take power away from government officials and give it back to families in Illinois. His plan includes ending property taxes for certain groups and reducing or removing several federal taxes.
“If you’ve worked hard, played by the rules, and still feel like you’re falling behind—this campaign is for you,” Chlebek said in a statement. “It’s time for bold solutions that put Illinois families first and bring American greatness back where it belongs: at the kitchen table, not in the halls of bureaucracy.”
A former engineer who immigrated from Poland during the Cold War, Chlebek previously ran for Senate in 2022.
The MAGNA Agenda has seven main ideas to help bring respect, fairness, and chances for all Americans.
Abolish Property Taxes for seniors, veterans, disabled Americans, and first-time homeowners using a mix of federal credits and state incentives.
Eliminate Federal Taxes on Retirement Income, including Social Security and pension benefits.
End Social Security Payroll Taxes, allowing workers to retain more of their earnings.
No Federal Taxes for Americans Under 23, with an extension to age 26 for students and young married couples.
Five-Year Tax Holiday for New Small Businesses, offering automatic extensions to encourage entrepreneurship.
Free Prescription Medications for Seniors, Disabled Citizens, and Veterans** through the elimination of middlemen and redirected spending.
Restoration of Dignity Through Work and Ownership, including a vow by Chlebek to forgo a Senate salary if elected.
The campaign also introduces a foreign policy initiative under the acronym MULA - Make the U.S. Loved Again. Chlebek's global vision, which he calls the PTCS Doctrine (President Trump’s Calling Shots), promotes a strategy of reciprocal relationships and restrained diplomacy. The doctrine includes:
Parity in trade and alliances
Trust in global outreach
Cooperation when in America’s interest
Stability by avoiding unnecessary sanctions and interventions
A former engineer who immigrated from Poland during the Cold War, Chlebek previously ran for Senate in 2022. He returns to the race now with a broader platform and renewed focus on economic relief for everyday Americans.
“This isn’t about left or right, it’s about right and wrong,” Chlebek said. “Illinoisans are being crushed by taxes, ignored by politicians, and forced to settle for broken promises. I’m not here to play games. I’m here to fight for your home, your freedom, and your family’s future.”
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Tags: Casey Chlebek U.S. Senate campaign Illinois 2025, MAGNA Agenda tax reform plan for working families, Illinois Republican Senate candidate Polish-American, Free prescription drugs proposal for seniors and veterans, No federal taxes for students and young adults policy
Representation, access, and education are key to saving lives. Nurses must lead the charge to end racial gaps in maternal healthcare.
byTeya Mongsaithong
In the U.S., giving birth has become a death sentence for many women of color. In fact, Black/African American mothers are three to four times more likely to die from birth-related complications than white women regardless of socioeconomic status or education level. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2023), the number of preterm births was about 50% higher for Black women (14.6%) than White (9.4%) or Hispanic women (10.1%).
This shocking disparity goes beyond medical issues, it is rooted in implicit bias, structural racism, and gaps in delivering culturally competent care. Without realizing it, even the most compassionate nurses can cause harm. To address this public health crisis, nurse leaders must empower change through standardizing implicit bias training, enhancing community services in high-risk populations, and promoting nurses of color into leadership roles.
Nurse leaders have a responsibility to bridge the gap between underserved communities.
First, implicit bias training should be a national standard across all hospitals. It is important for healthcare providers to confront their assumptions and stereotypes when caring for minorities. Specifically for Black women, there is a misconception that their pain tolerance is higher, and they are “forced to endure pain beyond what [is] considered normal" during labor and delivery.
Delivering culturally competent care in this case is necessary for patients to feel safe to express their needs and highlights the importance of implicit bias training. Nurse leaders can standardize this training through embedding it within onboarding and continuing education requirements. By institutionalizing this training, we can ensure black maternal equity is not optional, but foundational to nursing practice. Beyond education, nurse leaders must also recognize the impact of the barriers to accessing quality care.
Limited access to prenatal and postpartum care is a key factor for poor maternal outcomes. In the U.S., over 35% of counties are considered maternity health deserts, which affects approximately 2.3 million women of reproductive age. To address this, nurse leaders collaborate with organizations to push for policies that would: increase the use of mobile maternity units, incentivize the use of telehealth for obstetrics/gynecologists, midwives, and extend Medicaid coverage for prenatal and postpartum care.
Furthermore, nurse leaders can promote virtual training for nurses to provide telehealth care to increase access for patients with limited transportation means. Nurse leaders have a responsibility to bridge the gap between underserved communities and access to care to ensure mothers of color receive quality and equal treatment. To serve these communities to a higher degree, it is necessary to diversify the workforce.
Representation in healthcare matters deeply. Being able to address the unique needs and experiences of individuals allows mothers to have a more active role in their care. To do this, nurse leaders can create mentorship programs for students, advocate for targeted scholarships, and promote more nurses of color into leadership positions.
Black mothers continue to face disproportionately higher health risks due to systemic bias, neglect, and structural racism.
When underrepresented populations see themselves reflected in authority positions, it enhances trust and promotes cross-cultural care for patients and healthcare professionals alike. Moreover, embracing diversity ensures health care equity for marginalized communities and they “report better health experiences from healthcare practitioners from the same background” . However, many believe that nurse leaders are incapable of leading changes in health outcomes.
It is a misconception that physicians or policy makers hold more power over nurse leaders to drive systemic change. This view underscores the significant role of nurses and their expansive expertise. The role of nursing has evolved into a multifaceted position that not only involves caring for patients, but also educating, advocating, and leading change. Nurses are the most trusted profession, and they are often the first ones to notice when something is “off”. This unique position allows nurses to offer powerful insights during policy decision-making that directly impacts maternal health care.
The racial disparities in maternal mortalities in modern healthcare are unacceptable. Black mothers continue to face disproportionately higher health risks due to systemic bias, neglect, and structural racism that exists in our healthcare system. Nurse leaders must demand policy reform, mandate implicit bias training for all staff, and support diversifying the workforce. With unwavering commitment, nurse leaders can transform the healthcare system to ensure every mother, regardless of race, has an equal opportunity of survival.
Teya Mongsaithong is a nursing student at University of West Florida. After graduation, she plans to pursue Mother Baby or NICU. "I want to be the kind of nurse that patients feel safe around and that they can trust me with their care." When she isn't studying, Mongsaithong loves crocheting stuffed animals - which she sells online, and reading fantasy novels.
Tags: racial disparities in maternal health care, implicit bias training for nurses, Black maternal mortality crisis USA, nurse leadership in healthcare equity, improving care for women of color
A new tool highlights trauma risks in Illinois school districts, aiming for better policy, funding, and public health coordination.
by Judith Ruiz-Branch Illinois News Connection
CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Education has a new tool to measure adversity in children by identifying areas where they may be exposed to potential sources of trauma.
The Illinois Children’s Adversity Index is an interactive map which compares the risk factors of school districts across the state using three categories to measure community and economic barriers. Initial findings show the highest concentration of adversity levels in Southern Illinois driven by factors such as food and housing insecurity and high rates of mental-health distress and imprisonment in adults.
Colleen Cicchetti, executive director of the Center for Childhood Resilience at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, helped in the development process. She said the goal is to hold schools accountable while acknowledging outside factors.
The index will be updated every two years and aims to guide resource allocation more efficiently across state agencies.
"It's really important to understand that it was never designed to say that this is a burden that only schools need to address," Cicchetti emphasized. "This really is talking about what is the context, the community context that schools are operating in that is impacting their ability to educate their students."
Chiquetti pointed out the index will be updated every two years and aims to guide resource allocation more efficiently across state agencies to address the root causes of potential issues for children.
Chiquetti noted it includes informing school-level decision-making to help principals better prioritize interventions based on community context and school data, like focusing on increased mental health services, addressing disparities, or implementing social-emotional learning programs.
"There's a lot of things that people are being exposed to that look different," Chiquetti observed. "So it really does mean that by using database decisions, we might invest in different things in parts of the state than in others, as opposed to globally saying, ‘oh, everybody needs more access.'"
The index builds upon state-level initiatives such as the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative and the Whole Child Task Force, which Chiquetti said all calls for a reconfiguring of the silos of government in order to achieve a more holistic approach to addressing the well-being of children across the state.
"It really is shared across all of these different entities," Chiquetti noted. "It's a public health issue, it's an education issue, it's also a child welfare issue, it's a juvenile justice issue, it's Medicaid insurance access, it's health care … you need all of the systems to have what they need to support those children, families and communities."
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Tags: Illinois Children's Adversity Index explained, School trauma risk mapping tool Illinois, Community context in education policy, Measuring childhood adversity in Illinois, Statewide trauma-informed school initiatives
Many Americans unconsciously link being "American" with whiteness and English fluency, a bias that starts in early childhood, research shows.
by Judith Ruiz-Branch Illinois News Connection
CHICAGO - With Donald Trump in the White House, Illinois and the nation face new challenges about who "belongs" in the United States.
Nationality has become a flashpoint, and studies show folks tend to have an implicit bias about who fits the bill for being "American." Experts say many associate the term "American" with white people who speak English - even if they initially say otherwise.
University of Chicago psychology professor Katherine Kinzler said people don't always consciously exclude individuals from being American, and can be vocal about how ridiculous the notion of being white to be American sounds.
"And yet," she said, "those same people, when given a more subtle task - of 'what they think of when they think of what it means to be American' - they might just be a little bit faster to identify somebody who's white and who speaks English as being American, versus somebody else."
Formed biases are more often a result of social and cultural attitudes rather than political messages.
She said humans categorize others using cognitive shortcuts, which can cause prejudice and stereotypes, and lead to real-world consequences such as determining hiring decisions and ultimately making individuals feel like they don't belong.
Studying the development of social attitudes in kids, Kinzler said she found young children initially perceive English speakers as "more American." As they grow older, they then associate both English speakers and white faces with American identity. Kinzler said children often pick up on the statistical realities of their world, which can also color their beliefs.
"So they might be noticing, 'Who are the people I come in contact with? Who are the people that my parent talks to, who come over for dinner? Who are the people in my school? What access to resources do they have?' And so forth," she said. "And so, kids are paying attention to the social realities of their world and kind of adding it up."
While it's impossible to control everything children are exposed to, Kinzler suggested parents try to broaden their early experiences by exposing them to diverse ideas, languages, people and places, especially from a young age. She said formed biases are more often a result of social and cultural attitudes rather than political messages.
TELL THE SENTINEL WHAT YOU THINK:Can someone be "American" if they speak English, but are not 'white'? Send us a letter and tell us what you think.
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Tags: Implicit bias in American identity perception, How children learn cultural stereotypes in America, English language and American belonging study, Racial bias in defining who is American, Effects of early childhood exposure on prejudice
President Trump probably doesn’t want any pictures taken with his feet on his desk. Maybe he never puts his feet on his desk. His recent diagnosis of a venous blood supply problem warrants such a recline two or three times a day.
Millions of Americans, especially seniors, deal with ankle and lower leg swelling caused by the flow of blood from the lower leg not returning to the heart as adequately as it did earlier in life. It’s not a debilitating issue unless it’s ignored in which case a blood clot could develop in the lower leg or behind the knee.
Blood clots are not good as they are not good for the veins. Even worse, a blood clot in the lower leg can travel to the upper part of the body which could be fatal. Thousands of Americans die every year from blood clots that travel to the heart or cause strokes which can be debilitating and fatal.
The smart thing for our President to do is to put his feet up on his desk for ten minutes or so three or four times a day. He can do so when he is talking on his telephone or if he is having a casual meeting. Doctors typically recommend compression socks. There are different grades of compression socks. Some are very light and go on very easy while others are like fighting a war to put on because the compression is so tight. Most people don’t particularly enjoy compression socks. However, many testify that once you are used to them you feel better because your legs aren’t swelling as much during the day.
Besides compression socks and elevating your legs it’s good not to stand in one spot for too long. Walking is great, but just standing in one position can negatively impact the lower leg and the flow of blood as it returns to the heart. Sitting too long creates the same problematic scenario.
The President is doing the right thing by taking an aspirin a day to avoid clotting issues. Most people who develop a blood clot often end up on blood thinner for a while or a lifetime.
Alcohol makes your blood slicker. It doesn’t make it thinner as reported by a family physician.
A few years back, I had a pulmonary embolism after receiving my third covid shot so I have some experience to draw from on this.
President Trump can potentially live another robust 20 years or more. However, it’s reality, he is getting older and has to take care of himself.
About the author ~
Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.
The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.
Avoiding holiday acid reflux is a cinch; Dr. Greg Ward explains how
The advice from Greg Ward, MD, is sure to raise some eyebrows.
But he’s serious. It’s one way to prevent reflux, an ailment that’s painful and annoying in mild cases and can necessitate surgery in advanced instances. And it's something to be aware of during holiday eating.
Learning by leading: Building teen entrepreneurship and real-world business know-how
Already on Tiktok or Instagram? Teens can get real-world skills by blending business and their social media platforms into a unique venture this summer where they can learn valuable business experience as entrepreneurs.
Rybak wins state track title, next stop Notre Dame
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Father McGivney's Elena Rybak and St. Anthony's Isabella Keller embrace after running in the Class 1A 1600m Run on Saturday at the Illinois High School Association's Girls Track & Field State Finals.
