News in brief

By The Associated Press

Protests outside DNC begin calmly after violent clashes previous night

CHICAGO | More than 1,000 pro-Palestinian protesters rallied Wednesday evening, just a half mile from a neighboring park where pro-Israel demonstrators gathered.

The demonstration comes after 56 protesters were arrested Tuesday night following an intense stand-off with Chicago police at a protest not affiliated with a coalition of more than 200 groups that organized permitted rallies.

Green Party candidate Jill Stein criticized police use of force at Wednesday’s rally, calling them an “overwhelming presence.” Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling called clashes outside the Israeli Consulate Tuesday “a danger to our city.”

RFK Jr. to speak Friday, fueling speculation he could drop out

PHOENIX | Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will speak Friday “about the present historical moment and his path forward.”

His campaign announced the speech on Wednesday, fueling growing speculation that Kennedy could drop out and support Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Kennedy’s running mate openly discussed the possibility on a podcast this week.

Nicole Shanahan said the campaign was considering a move to “join forces” with Trump to limit the possibility of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris winning the election.

Kennedy is a member of a beloved Democratic dynasty, the nephew of President John F. Kennedy and son of Robert Kennedy.

—From AP reports