Retiree Mark Gouch stressed the importance of civic engagement, urging individuals to volunteer and donate to combat the current political climate.

Thousands gathered in downtown Chicago on May 1 to celebrate May Day, advocating for workers' rights and protesting against President Trump's immigration policies and workplace diversity issues.

During the protest, approximately 75 union leaders, elected officials, and union members were arrested, highlighting the tensions surrounding labor rights.

Tammy King, a public school teacher, expressed fears regarding a proposed bill in North Carolina that could restrict students' access to critical sex education information.

In related events, Senator Bernie Sanders is currently on his 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour, which has included stops from Coachella to Montana, with upcoming appearances in Harrisburg and at Lehigh University.

At these rallies, attendees voiced concerns about various issues, including the potential cuts to Medicaid, which Enid Santiago emphasized as vital for her family, particularly for her three disabled nieces.

Concerns were also raised about the disparity in funding between essential services and law enforcement, as highlighted by Victoria Camille, who questioned the current societal conditions.

In Illinois, community organizations are feeling the impact of federal budget cuts to Americorps services, which are crucial for local support.

Governor Josh Shapiro is working to enhance Pennsylvania's consumer complaint process following the closure of a federal agency, aiming to better protect consumers.

Amidst these discussions, Dulce Morales from Compañeros Inmigrantes de las Montañas en Accion passionately spoke about the significant contributions of immigrants to the community and their economic impact.

Overall, the protests and discussions reflect a growing concern among citizens about the erosion of rights and the need for systemic change in response to current political challenges.