Pennsylvania
What would Selena King do if elected to the Pa. Senate? Read her vision for Erie Co. here
Erie County poll watchers: Millcreek’s Jason Lavery
Jason Lavery of Millcreek Township has worked as a volunteer poll watcher for the Erie County Democratic Party since 2018.
Kevin Flowers, Erie Times-News
I’m Selena King, running for state Senate in Pennsylvania’s 49th District. This isn’t just a campaign — it’s about making real change for our Erie community. I’m investing in better homes, schools, and jobs for all of us. My campaign for state Senate in Pennsylvania’s 49th District is more than a political pursuit; it’s a lifelong commitment to service, advocacy, and progress.
I’m in this race to ensure Erie County’s voice is heard loud and clear. Our city and county should be where everyone can live equitably, find good paying jobs, and have community pride. We want an Erie where everyone can succeed, where health care is accessible for all, and our neighborhoods are safe and possibilities become realities.
My diverse background has always been rooted in service and problem-solving. As a former Clean Air Moms PA member, I advocated for clean air for our youngest and most vulnerable community members. During that time I had the unique opportunity to sit at the table with policymakers in Washington, D.C. and Harrisburg to discuss environmental issues that affect our future leaders. As the former chair of the Erie Dems Black Caucus, I have worked closely with the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus to influence policymaking on youth gun violence prevention and safety initiatives and advocated for our local WIC programs to remain in accessible areas. As an auditor with the Pennsylvania Auditor General, auditing local volunteer fire departments, I’ve worked to solve pressing fiscal challenges, and now, serving as a staff member in the U.S. Senate, my journey has been one of consistent service and empowerment of others.
I see our strength daily, especially in the women and men who keep our families and communities going. We need schools that give our kids the best start. I have served Erie’s Public Schools as a superintendent’s Community Advisory Committee member where we advocated for fair funding in Harrisburg and served on the district’s strategic planning team. Through my work with the Partnership for Erie’s Public Schools, we helped raise funds to make the new field and upgrades at Veterans Stadium a reality.
I am committed to bringing together our city and county, prioritizing economic opportunities for all community members. I believe in developing comprehensive housing and business infrastructure that supports every resident’s safe and dignified life.
I’m running to restore the promise of Erie, to empower our residents, and to ensure our voices are heard. Our campaign is about giving back to the community, fighting for accountability, and forging a stronger Erie County.
My parents, a steelworker, public school superintendent, and pastor, taught me it’s not enough to work hard — you must help others. They’ve been a role model for me, inspiring me to work hard and fight for the things that matter to people in northwestern Pennsylvania. That’s why I’m fighting for Erie in Harrisburg. I want to ensure our families keep more of their hard-earned money, stand up to big companies that don’t play fair, and to protect our human rights.
The primary on April 23 is not just an election; it’s a call to action for all who believe in a brighter Erie. I ask for your support to carry forward the legacy of those who have shaped our community, to be the champion Erie deserves, and to ensure that our work today writes a story of hope for generations to come.
More: Erie Democrat King, a staff member for U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, enters state Senate race
Erie, it’s time for action. Let’s vote for the future we want for our children, the health solutions we deserve, and the jobs that won’t abandon us when the going gets tough. We’re building a tomorrow that shines with the promise of what we stand for — unity, hard work, and boundless possibility. It’s a promise of a thriving Erie County, where our dreams aren’t just dreams, but a place where dreams become possible.
Selena King, of Erie, is seeking the Democratic nomination in the April 23 primary for Pennsylvania’s 49th Senatorial District, a seat that is currently held by two-term Republican Sen. Dan Laughlin. King will challenge former Erie County Democratic Party chairman Jim Wertz for the nomination. King, a Mercer County native and Gannon University graduate, formerly worked in the Pennsylvania Auditor General’s office and has spent the last year as the northwest regional representative for U.S. Sen. John Fetterman.
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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