New Jersey
Why are people protesting today? May Day 2026 rallies in NJ and NYC
What May Day Strong is, why protests happen on May 1, and where rallies are planned locally
No Kings protest in Newark calls for end to Trump policies
Passionate marchers took to the streets of Newark, NJ for the national No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Demonstrations are taking place across the country today, including in New Jersey and New York City, as May Day protests return May 1, with organizers citing opposition to policies under President Donald Trump, billionaires, and economic policies they say favor the wealthy over the working class. Here’s why protests are happening today — and where rallies are planned locally.
The protests are part of May Day Strong, a loosely organized national call for rallies, walkouts and demonstrations on May 1. Organizers say thousands of events are planned nationwide, including marches, rallies and school or workplace walkouts, as part of what they describe as a “no work, no school” day of action. Protests are expected throughout the day and this weekend in major cities, including New York City, and across North Jersey and the entire state.
May 1, known as International Workers’ Day, is not a federal holiday in the U.S., but May Day protests have been held in the U.S. for decades. This year’s demonstrations have gained momentum amid renewed debates over labor rights, immigration enforcement and economic inequality. The return of Trump to the White House and criticism of what protesters describe as outsized influence by billionaires and corporations have helped drive turnout, with tens of thousands expected to participate nationwide. Groups promoting May Day events include organizations such as Indivisible and 50501, which have also been involved in past No Kings protests, though organizers say May Day demonstrations are focused on labor and economic issues rather than a single campaign or slogan.
Why protests happen every May 1
May Day, observed each year on May 1, is recognized internationally as International Workers’ Day, a date rooted in the labor movement and protests dating back to the late 1800s, according to Britannica.
In the United States, May Day is not a federal holiday, but it has increasingly become a focal point for demonstrations in major cities. In recent years, protests held on May 1 have expanded beyond traditional labor issues to include immigration enforcement, economic inequality and broader political concerns, drawing coordinated rallies and marches nationwide.
What is May Day Strong?
May Day Strong is a decentralized national effort calling for rallies, walkouts and demonstrations on May 1 under the slogan “No work. No school. No shopping.” The movement brings together labor unions, immigrant rights groups and grassroots organizers, rather than operating under a single national leader or organization.
Organizers describe the day as a coordinated action meant to highlight worker rights, immigration enforcement and economic inequality, urging participants to step away from jobs and classrooms to draw attention to what they say are systems favoring corporations and the wealthy.
Why Trump and billionaires are a focus of protests this year
Organizers say this year’s May Day protests are being driven in part by opposition to policies under President Donald Trump and what they describe as the growing influence of billionaires and corporations. They argue those policies have benefited the wealthy, while leaving many workers struggling with rising costs and fewer protections.
Where protests are planned in NJ and NYC today
May Day protests today and this weekend are planned in New York City and New Jersey, including North Jersey, with demonstrations expected at public spaces such as city halls, government buildings, transit hubs and college campuses. Some rallies are during the morning commute, while others are planned midday or later in the day.
New York City
- Union Square, a focal point for May Day gatherings
- Washington Square Park, where a rally at 3 p.m. is being organized
- Protests and rallies are expected in Central Park, near City Hall, government buildings, at public plazas, and major transit hubs, particularly in Manhattan, and at locations near college campuses
New Jersey
- Downtown areas in cities like Newark, Jersey City and towns like Montclair/Little Falls, Nutley, Verona and Newton (on May 2)
- Public spaces near government offices and transit centers, college campuses, like Rutgers
- Select communities in North Jersey where organizers have promoted actions
For a full list of events, visit MayDayStrong.org, or find a protest near you at mobilize.us/mayday/ and fiftyfifty.one/events.
What time are May Day protests happening?
May Day protests planned throughout the day on May 1 are scheduled at different times depending on location and organizing groups. For example, the May Day NYC protest is at 3 p.m. ET, while some, like the student-led Rutgers rally is at noon. Some are during the morning commute, while others are expected to take place midday or in the evening.
Since May Day demonstrations are organized by multiple groups rather than one single national organization, start times will vary. Protests are also expected into the weekend. For more information or to find times and locations, go to the official May Day Strong 2026 website.
Is May 1 a holiday?
May 1 is known as May Day, or International Workers’ Day, commemorating the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labor movement. While not a federal holiday in the United States, May Day is a holiday in many countries including India, Germany, Spain, Portugal, China, France and Greece, according to Britannica. In the U.S. and Canada, a similar observance — Labor Day — is the first Monday of September.
In recent years, May Day has taken on a political narrative in the U.S., with labor unions and advocacy groups using the date to launch rallies, marches and demonstrations, drawing attention to wages, working conditions and broader economic concerns. In 2025, scores of people filled the streets including in New York City, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Denver, Chicago and Los Angeles.
What is 50501 and how does it connect to May Day protests?
The 50501 Movement is a grassroots initiative born on the social platform Reddit and under the hashtag #50501 in the early days of Trump’s second term. It stands for 50 protests in 50 states on 1 day, which has since evolved to 50 states, 50 protests, 1 movement.
The 50501 volunteer-led group states on their website their movements “shows the world that the American working class will not sit idly by as plutocrats rip apart their democratic institutions and civil liberties while undermining the rule of law.” Protests, rallies, walk-ins, and other events will continue until the government upholds the Constitution and ends their executive overreach, the group said.
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based news reporter covering trending news with USA TODAY Network’s Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. She covers news in the Northeast, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Reach her at LComstock@usatodayco.com.
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The basics:
Ahead of Linda Doherty‘s planned January 2027 retirement as the leader of the New Jersey Food Council, the business trade association is looking for her replacement.
The Trenton-based group announced the launch of a nationwide search for its next president and CEO in a June 8 press release.
The kickoff comes four months after Doherty announced she would step down following more than two decades at the helm of the NJFC.
Altogether, New Jersey’s food distribution industry represents more than $157 billion in value. As part of its mission, the NJFC serves as the industry’s primary advocate before state legislators, regulators, coalition partners, media and the public.
Under her leadership, the group has grown to represent almost 400 entities. Members collectively employ more than 200,000 workers across retail food stores, wholesalers, manufacturing and service companies in the state.
Recent accomplishments include leadership on:
Getting things done
As the face of NJFC, Doherty is well known among national food retailers, Trenton’s political circles and communities across the state.
During her time with the organization, Doherty has notched many legislative victories. Watermarks include winning gift card litigation that went before the U.S. Supreme Court, overcoming the Superstorm Sandy crisis and preventing a New Jersey “bottle bill”.
NJBIZ has also recognized Doherty many times, including on the 2026 Power List.
The NJFC believes its next president and CEO “will inherit a financially stable, politically connected and highly respected organization.” The group also noted its “engaged board and a sophisticated membership base that includes many of the region’s most recognized food industry companies.”
ISO: Relationship builder
According to the NJFC, the new leader will oversee areas including operations, membership, sponsorships, communications, staff leadership, events, financial management and organizational strategy. They’ll report to the board of directors.
NJFC Chair Jason Read said, “We are looking for a leader who understands the complexity of our operating environment, who can build and sustain relationships at the highest levels, and who will carry this organization forward with the same credibility and effectiveness that has been our hallmark for decades. This is a defining moment for NJFC, and we are committed to finding the right person to lead us into our next chapter.”
The organization has engaged Stanton Chase International on the executive search. The timeline announced earlier this year initially called to have a successor in place by this fall to begin the transition. A spokesperson for the NJFC told NJBIZ that schedule remains on track.
Think you’re a fit?
Interested candidates should contact Stanton Chase National Search Director Rosemary Gantz via:
Stanton Chase National Search Director Rosemary Gantz said, “This is a meaningful leadership opportunity for an executive who wants to operate at the intersection of business, advocacy, and public policy in one of New Jersey’s most complex and essential industries.”
She went on, “NJFC enters this search from a position of real strength, and the right candidate will have an extraordinary platform from which to make a lasting impact in New Jersey.”
New Jersey is following the footsteps of New York City ahead of the world’s biggest sport event.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced that 770 free tickets will be available for New Jersey communities to FIFA World Cup events at New York / New Jersey Stadium.
Sherrill along with USMNT legend, the former pro player and New Jersey native Tony Meola, made the announcement Tuesday .
“We are excited to welcome the world to the Garden State for the World Cup starting this week and to be at the very center of the festivities, but we want the experience, first and foremost, to be accessible and affordable for as many New Jerseyans as possible,” Sherrill said in a statement, adding that the free tickets are “a once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend these matches.”
The free tickets was a joint effort over the past few weeks between the Governor’s Office, the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee, Uber, Hackensack Meridian Health, and Choose New Jersey to make sure that New Jerseyans had access to matches. Sherrill noted that the tickets are at no cost to taxpayers.
The 770 tickets are at no cost to Jersey taxpayers and will be distributed across five Group Stage matches and two Knockout Round matches hosted at the New York New Jersey Stadium — formerly known as MetLife Stadium — in East Rutherford.
The tickets were obtained by the Host Committee and will be distributed to community groups via Choose New Jersey.
“Over the past few weeks, we have worked closely with Governor Sherrill and corporate partners to secure additional tickets for the people of New Jersey,” Alex Lasry, CEO of the New York New Jersey Host Committee, said in a statement. “I’d like to thank the Governor for her leadership in ensuring that hundreds of New Jersey residents have the incredible opportunity to take part in this once-in-generation moment.”
According to the governor’s office, 500 free tickets will be given to New Jersey residents, including:
- New Jersey Youth Soccer players from underserved communities across the state;
- Families of New Jersey National Guard service members currently deployed overseas;
- Hackensack Meridian Health patients in the Make-A-Wish program; and
- Bergen County first responders helping support World Cup operations.
Additionally, 200 tickets will be given to:
- Frontline nurses and health care team members who serve New Jersey communities every day; and
- Pediatric patients, including children facing serious illnesses and their families.
Sherrill’s announcement comes mere weeks after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced 1,000 tickets will become available at $50 apiece as part of a lottery.
“To put that into perspective, that is five lattes in New York City,” Mamdani quipped from a bar in Harlem’s Little Senegal neighborhood alongside U.S. men’s national team forward Timothy Weah.
New Jersey
Sherrill, FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee Chief Executive Officer Alex Lasry Announce Over 750 Free Tickets for New Jerseyans for FIFA World Cup Matches – Insider NJ
The announcement was made at Hackensack University Medical Center, the Official Hometown Hospital of the NYNJ Host Committee. Governor Sherrill, U.S. Men’s National Team legend and New Jersey native Tony Meola, NYNJ Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry, Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert C. Garrett, Choose New Jersey CEO Amy Herbold, and representatives from Uber also unveiled a large-scale FIFA World Cup 2026™ mural commemorating the eight matches taking place in the New York New Jersey region, including the Final. The mural, displayed across from Hackensack University Medical Center’s Helena Theurer Pavilion, was created by Richard Tu, artist of the official New York New Jersey FIFA World Cup 2026™ Host City Poster.
“We are excited to welcome the world to the Garden State for the World Cup starting this week and to be at the very center of the festivities, but we want the experience, first and foremost, to be accessible and affordable for as many New Jerseyans as possible,” said New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill. “I’d like to thank the Host Committee, Uber, and Hackensack Meridian Health for providing over 750 free tickets to New Jerseyans who deserve a once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend these matches. I will always fight to ensure that no New Jerseyan is left behind.”
“Over the past few weeks, we have worked closely with Governor Sherrill and corporate partners to secure additional tickets for the people of New Jersey,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the New York New Jersey Host Committee. “I’d like to thank the Governor for her leadership in ensuring that hundreds of New Jersey residents have the incredible opportunity to take part in this once-in-generation moment. And I’d like to thank Uber and Hackensack Meridian Health for stepping up to help us deliver these tickets. Working together through a public-private partnership, we are ensuring that the benefits of the World Cup flow to every corner of our region.”
“New Jersey will be at the center of the world’s biggest sporting event, and Uber is proud to partner with Governor Sherrill, the NYNJ Host Committee, and Choose New Jersey to help make sure more residents can be part of this once-in-a-generation moment,” said Adam Blinick, Heads of U.S. & Canada Public Policy and Communications at Uber. “These tickets will give families, young soccer players, service members’ loved ones, first responders, and patients the chance to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 firsthand — and we’re grateful to help open that door for communities across the Garden State.”
“Hackensack Meridian Health is proud to support Governor Sherrill, New Jersey and the NYNJ Host Committee in bringing the excitement of the World Cup to fans, including some of our patients and team members,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “As the closest Level 1 trauma center to the stadium, our team members have been actively preparing to support the complex medical and safety operations for an event of this magnitude. Their expertise is the foundation of our medical readiness, and their compassion will ensure our communities and visitors are safe and cared for. We are proud to celebrate their commitment by providing them with an opportunity to enjoy the World Cup in person.”
“Our doors are open, and our teams are ready,” said Lisa Tank, M.D., President and Chief Hospital Executive of Hackensack University Medical Center. “As an ACS verified Level 1 trauma center and one of the nation’s busiest emergency departments, the teams are always response and emergency preparedness ready. On an ongoing basis the team is running drills, and looking at staffing and available interpreter services — to ensure that every World Cup visitor receives the high level expertise focused on safety, quality and compassionate care that all are communities receive. It is a privilege to share the joy of the World Cup with our patients and team members.”
“I’d like to thank Governor Sherrill for her leadership in ensuring that the benefits of the World Cup benefit our residents,” said Amy Herbold, President and CEO, Choose New Jersey. “Choose New Jersey is honored to partner with the Governor, the NYNJ Host Committee, and Uber to help distribute 500 free tickets to community groups throughout our state. These efforts will give New Jersey fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a match and take in all the World Cup has to offer.”
Today’s announcement reflects a collaborative effort over the past few weeks between the Governor’s Office, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee, Uber, Hackensack Meridian Health, and Choose New Jersey to ensure that New Jerseyans have access to the matches – at no cost to taxpayers. The announcement follows $3.6 million in funding that the Host Committee is providing the Sherrill Administration to support transportation costs associated with the World Cup.
The 770 tickets announced today will be distributed across five Group Stage matches and two Knockout Round matches hosted at New York New Jersey Stadium, ensuring that the benefits of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ reach communities across New Jersey. The tickets were secured by the Host Committee and will be distributed to community groups via Choose New Jersey.
As New Jersey prepares to welcome the world, this initiative helps ensure that the people who serve our communities, inspire our future generations, and represent the very best of the state have the opportunity to experience the FIFA World Cup 2026™ firsthand.
Supporting New Jersey Families and Communities
Through a collaboration between the Governor’s Office, the NYNJ Host Committee, Uber, and Choose New Jersey, 500 tickets will be distributed to New Jersey residents, including:
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