Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's sex trafficking problem misunderstood
(The Center Square) – Few understand the complexity and scope of sex trafficking in Pennsylvania, experts say, making it harder to combat the issue at the legislative level.
The seminal issue arose during the Senate Majority Policy Committee’s recent public hearing in Pittsburgh in keeping with Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
While experts and law enforcement professionals were happy to have the spotlight shown on a little-understood issue pervading the state, the hearing demonstrated a need to align language, priorities and interests around the topic. The committee heard testimony from experts ranging from law enforcement professionals to those working in outreach, education and victim services, who emphasized the widespread and home-grown nature of the crime.
“These cases are not what you see in Hollywood,” said Michele Kelly Walsh, executive deputy attorney for the state’s Office of Attorney General.
Testifiers said that most victims are from the communities where they’re trafficked, often vulnerable young women experiencing personal hardships like drug addiction and homelessness. Predators use these vulnerabilities to draw them in, offering opportunities before trapping them in a life of slavery.
The issue sits at the intersection of several problems pressing the state, including crises in mental health, homelessness and drug addiction. Human trafficking is on the rise, in large part because the sale can be replicated over and over once a victim has been enslaved.
“It’s hard to identify those victims of human trafficking and hard to prosecute,” said Kathy Buckley, director of the PA Office of Victim Services. Many who have been trafficked as children are not aware they are the victim of a crime, while many adults don’t want to self-identify.
Sen. Cris Dush, R-Brookville, noted that survivors he’d spoken with would never call a hotline.
Part of the problem relates to the criminalization of sex work. Because the labor they’re forced into is a crime, victims are hesitant to come forward. Many have also been charged with other offenses during their enslavement, like theft and assault.
Brad Ortenzi, retired detective and Eastern USA Regional Director of Zoe International, noted that organizations like his are crucial to bridging the gap between enforcement and victims.
“As a retired detective, I can tell you that law enforcement is not always easy to work with, but from a services side, they’re not speaking the same language,” he said.
“It’s critically important that we center the needs of survivors who are really expertised at their lived experience and know what they need best,” said Sidney McCoy, director of advocacy for Shared Hope International.
Senate Republicans took the opportunity to capitalize on the political traction of the crime to meander into mentions of the southern border, Jeffrey Epstein, and human smuggling. Majotity Leader Joe Pittman, R-Indiana, reminded the audience that attorneys general are elected officials, and the “quality of law enforcement” is “in the hands of the voter.”
Pittman later attempted to draw a contrast between efforts in the United States and perceived problems abroad, asking Jordan Pine, founder and CEO of Greenlight Operation for her reaction.
“When we talk about everything from our educational efforts to the safety net to the engagement of our law enforcement, our expertise, our resources, I just can’t believe that many others can be even comparable to what we’re trying to do on this front,” Pittman said.
Pine noted that she was first made aware of the problems in the commonwealth while working with organizations in Greece, where she was asked about the trafficking crisis in Carlisle in Cumberland County – underlining that much work has yet to be done to increase awareness of the problem at home.
One takeaway from Paul Lukach, executive director of Crime Victim Center, is the need to start educating children in schools about potential dangers beginning in kindergarten. This includes teaching about safe people, safe secrets, and safe touching — topics under scrutiny from conservatives who are currently working locally and federally to censor mention of sexuality in the classroom.
Hersheypark in Pennsylvaniacould be forced to close this summer amid a dispute between the site’s operators and union employees, according to a report.
The amusement park is scheduled to open seven days a week starting May 21 in a shift from its weekend-only operation before the summer, despite a looming vote among employees about whether to go on strike.
Over 200 union maintenance employees at Hersheypark, The Hotel Hershey and Giant Center rejected a contract offer from Hershey Entertainment & Resorts on May 7, according to Inside the Magic. The park’s operators described the proposal as their “last, best and final” offer.
Over a three-day period this week, employees will vote on whether to strike after rejecting the offer, which is the third from the park’s operators. A strike could close the park just in time for the start of the busy summer season when families head on vacation.
The list of employees considering going on strike includes ride mechanics, electricians, plumbers, welders, painters, machinists, utilities technicians, carpenters, garage auto mechanics and sign artists.
In mid-March, the union and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts agreed to extend a former contract for 60 days to allow for continued negotiations.
According to Inside the Magic, union workers are seeking fair wage increases, more affordable care plans and higher pay premiums for less-desirable shifts. The union has also said that it will reject new contract offers that lower professional standards, devalue skilled trades or open the door to lower wages in maintenance roles in the future.
The Independent has contacted Hershey Entertainment & Resorts for comment about the possible strike.
Hersheypark, located 15 miles east of Harrisburg, is the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania. Founded in 1906, the 121-acre site boasts more than 70 rides, a water park with 17 water attractions and an 11-acre North American Wildlife Park, according to Hersheypark’s website.
It’s named for and themed in conjunction with the popular candy company.
However, a different park in the Keystone State was named as the top amusement park in the U.S. on TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best list.
It was Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, 42 miles north-northeast of Harrisburg, that topped the list. In doing so, the little-known park was ranked higher than Dollywood, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure that also made the top 5.
“It’s got it all: roller coasters, kid-friendly rides (bumper cars, a haunted mansion), swimming, camping, a mining museum, and even a championship 18-hole golf course,” TripAdvisor wrote. “The accommodating staff, clean facilities, and fun attractions make for a memorable family-friendly visit.”
Knoebels is the U.S.’s largest free-admission park, although tickets for individual rides cost a fee.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling on cast vote records creates uncertainty for counties
NEW CASTLE, Pa. (MyValleyTributes) – Charles “Yami” Frederick Jamison, age 83, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, formerly of Warren, Ohio, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Haven Convalescent Home.
Mr. Jamison was born December 2, 1942, in New Castle, a son of the late Charles N. and Anna (Callihan) Jamison and was a 1960 graduate of New Castle High School.
Charles worked as an order checker clerk for Packard Electric Company, Warren, Ohio, for 31 years, until his retirement in 1999.
A proud veteran, he served his country in the United States Navy.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Warren, Ohio and also attended Mass at Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church.
Charles spent his free time hunting and playing Euchre.
He is survived by his four sisters, Margaret I. Klann, Mary E. DeMarco and Catherine “Kay” A. Houk (Robert), all of New Castle and Susan J. Olson (Donald), Winfield, Illinois; his brother, Richard Jamison (Linda) of New Castle; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the City Rescue Mission, 319 S. Croton Ave., New Castle, PA, 16101, and the Salvation Army, 240 W. Grant St., New Castle, PA, 16101.
The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the Haven Convalescent Home for the care and support that Charles received over the years.
Calling Hours will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on 10:30 a.m., Wednesday May 13, 2026, in Holy Spirit Parish – St. Mary’s Church, 124 N. Beaver St., New Castle, with Rev. Aaron Kriss, as celebrant.
Interment: Castleview Memorial Gardens, Neshannock Twp.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles F. Jamison, please visit our flower store.
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