Journalist Roundtable: Hands off demonstrations in York and Lancaster Pa

• Asia Tabb
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  Asia Tabb is the Host and Producer for WITF’s The Spark.
  
  She began her start in radio when she joined legendary radio/ host producer, Doc Christian. She worked closely with Doc for her role on “The Gospel Express, on WHOV 88.1 FM and was a host for “Unrestricted Praise” at Praise FM.
  
  Previously she was an anchor in Shreveport, Louisiana at KTAL/KMSS. Asia also worked as a Multi-Media Journalist at WHP-TV here in Harrisburg, PA.
  
  Asia got her break into news at KTVO in Ottumwa, Ia. While the 2020 caucuses were gearing up. Asia followed many candidates through their campaign trail from Senator Cory Booker, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and 46th President of the United States Joe Biden.
  
  Asia was born and raised in Norfolk, Va. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2018 with a major in Communications.
  
  Asia is extremely friendly so don’t be afraid to say hi if you see her out and about.

 Jaxon White / LNP | LancasterOnline

Over 1,000 of people gather in downtown Lancaster as part of the Hands Off! protests that took place across the country on April 5, 2025.

Aired; April 11th, 2025.

Last weekend saw the largest wave of nationwide demonstrations since the start of the Trump Administration, as protesters rallied under the banner of “Hands Off” to push back against a range of federal policy changes. The protests, which spanned cities across the United States, focused on opposition to the administration’s stances on the economy, immigration, foreign relations, and sweeping efforts to cut federal jobs and programs.

To understand the scope of the protests and their local impact, we spoke with three reporters who were on the ground: Jaxson White of LNP | LancasterOnline, Scott Fisher of the York Daily Record, and Anne Danahy of WPSU.

Jaxson White reported on a spirited turnout in downtown Lancaster, where hundreds gathered with handmade signs and chants calling for the protection of civil rights, jobs, and public programs. “What stood out most was the diversity of the crowd,” White noted. “Young, old, families—people from all walks of life showed up to voice their concerns.”

In York, Scott Fisher observed a similar atmosphere. “It was peaceful, but very pointed,” he said. “The message was clear: people are worried about what these policy changes mean for their communities and their futures.”

Both journalists emphasized that while the protests were locally rooted, they carried a powerful sense of national solidarity, linking Pennsylvania’s voices to those in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Beyond the protests, another issue drawing attention in Pennsylvania is the revocation of visas for international students—particularly at Penn State University. WPSU reporter Anne Danahy has been covering the story, which she says is part of a broader immigration crackdown by the Trump Administration.

According to university officials, some Penn State students have had their legal status in the U.S. terminated. While the university hasn’t disclosed exact numbers, Danahy says staff are working to notify students and connect them with resources.

“Penn State’s Global Programs office is doing outreach to affected students and providing information about alternatives, including completing their degrees online through World Campus,” Danahy explained.