Some activists used the rally as a platform to demand greater specificity from city officials on how they plan to protect immigrants.
The National Urban League held an emergency meeting Wednesday called Demand Diversity in response to the president's new directive.
"Thank you for saving people in California," one student wrote. "You are kind, helpful, and you are a hero."
"I think the best way to describe it, it's scary, it's anxiety-inducing and we're playing it day by day for the next four years," he said.
The order mandates the removal of the gender-neutral "X" option, which was introduced under the Biden administration.
Now 91 years old, Robert Ferguson saw King speak inside the church.
"I'm losing out on a whole other income stream," content creator Melissa Miller said.
Jen Dubrow Weiss, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, says news of a ceasefire gives her hope.
"There are no words to express how grateful we are to all her nurses and doctors. We love all of them," Steve Berkley said.
"Kindness is an incredibly powerful thing," Hosts For Hospitals Executive Director Mike Aichenbaum said.
"I had someone whose 50-year-old son had a massive stroke, and someone else who was here with her best friend who was dying," Dubois said.
Barry Allen, a vendor for Makin It Designs by Vicki, described the chaotic moments when shots rang out Friday around 4:33 p.m.
For Mike Peterman, a U.S. Army veteran, working with the soil has been life-changing.
The RockyFest festival celebrates 48 years since the original "Rocky" movie's release with events through Dec. 7.
"When my son turned around, the guy walked down and he shot him in front of his door," Janette Santiago explained.
Tensions flared as verbal clashes broke out between speakers, leading council members to cut microphones during heated exchanges.
Sunday is World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, and people across the country gathered to honor the lives lost.
CBS News Philadelphia has reached out to Mayor Cherelle Parker's office for comment and has not heard back.
Miguel Garcia, who lives in North Philadelphia, said many Hispanic families are struggling financially.
For many of the city's students, including those who rely on multiple transit options daily, the impact could be severe.
"Enough is enough folks, I've had it," Reading Mayor Eddie Morán said. "The frustration level is beyond me."
The union representing transit workers announced Sunday that its members have voted to authorize a strike at SEPTA.
"It's just an eerie feeling sort of waiting for something to happen, and I don't think I've ever felt this before," Melissa Miller said.
Contrary to popular belief, mutual sympathy is possible.
"We have people who make the pilgrimage to Philadelphia, specifically come to this bookstore," manager Christopher Cirillo said.
"We needed to get out of its path. We were at Disney World and the hurricane was headed straight for Orlando," Dennis Cunerd said.
For Noga Senderowitsch, who lives in Bala Cynwyd, every day since Oct. 7, 2023 has felt like Groundhog Day.
Activists said while they appreciate Parker's clean and green initiatives, they want a permanent fix to illegal dumpsites.
Shama and several others were arrested while protesting the war in Gaza at Temple's Howard Gittis Student Center last Thursday.
Parents' worries have likely been met by the much-needed relief of knowing their children are on their way home, some told CBS News.
Ports in New York and New Jersey and Wilmington, Delaware are also closed due to the strike.
Their journey began on Aug. 7 with an 11-hour flight from Philly to Abidjan, where they reconnected with nine Ivorian peers.
Widener's watch party was held inside Lathem Hall. The space was standing room only and more than 100 students showed up.
"We are going to hear directly from the community -- both those in support and those in opposition," Mayor Parker said.
Students from various universities shared what issues are driving their support for the candidates.
"The impact reports say in as plain language as impact reports can say that Chinatown will be destroyed," State Senator Nikil Saval said.
"We happy to have the Eagles in Brazil because we have families there," Petrilla said.
In July, workers rejected Aramark's latest contract offer, calling it "a slap in the face."
It was an emotional reunion for Temple University student Avaeh Harrison and her mentor Leroy Wimberly.
CBS News Philadelphia talked to Philadelphians about how they're processing the historic moment.